Registration | Level M4 Lobby

Opening Plenary

Membership Holiday Party

Registration and Breakfast | Liberty Ballroom

Opening Plenary | Independence Ballroom

Federal Legislative Process & NPRM Organizing in the Intersection | Capital Room

Participants in this track will have the chance to come together and workshop campaigns that will have an impact on federal policy and communities across any differences. It will start with an overview of the complicated federal legislative process, the obstacles to moving policy forward, and then move into organizing in the intersections of issues and identities. Excellent for those newer to the space, or those in need of a refresher!

• Neil Volz, Board Member, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
• Rob Randhava, Senior Counsel, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Sonum Nerurkar, Get Out the Count Manager, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Arielle Atherley, Policy Analyst, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Artificial Intelligence, Real Impact | Congress Room

AI/predictive technologies are impacting civil rights across sectors, including housing, employment, criminal justice, and education. Find out how the latest technologies have a direct impact on these key fights.

• Gaylynn Burroughs, Senior Counsel, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Aaron Rieke, Managing Director, Upturn
• ReNika Moore, Director, ACLU’s Racial Justice Program (RJP)
• Prince Albert, Telecommunications & Technology Fellow, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Lauren Saunders, Associate Director at the National Consumer Law Center
• Andrea Senteno, Regional Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund

Democracy Diverted: Poll Closures and How to Protect The Right to Vote in 2020 | Mint Room

This workshop will highlight how state-based organizations are using the findings from The Leadership Conference poll closure report to advocate for change on the ground using the data to fight against poll closures and working to get more polling places opened in their communities.

• Alex Gulotta, Arizona State Director, All Voting is Local
• The Honorable Councilwoman Herminia Frias, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council
• Erika Hudson, Public Policy Analyst, National Disability Rights Network
• Helen Butler, Executive Director, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples’ Agenda

Higher Ed and You: Why Everyone Should Care About Higher Education Policy | Supreme Court Room

Join Leadership Conference staff and experts from our Higher Education Civil Rights Coalition for an introductory overview of higher education policy. Participants will be able to understand how and establish ways that their work connects with and is impacted by higher education policy whether it be immigration, justice reform, voting rights, etc. Participants will also engage with our Civil Rights Principles for Higher Education and learn why we need holistic policy remedies in higher education. This facilitated discussion will help the participants realize they know (and likely care) about higher education policy more than they likely ever thought!

• Nicole Dooley, Senior Policy Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
• Amanda Martinez, Policy Analyst, UnidosUS
• Meghan Whittaker, Director of Policy & Advocacy, National Center for Learning Disabilities
• Margaret Hazuka, MARGARET Fund Fellow, National Women’s Law Center

Not Repeating Mistakes of the Past: The Impact of Domestic Terrorism Laws on Black and MASA Communities | Treasury Room

Interactive discussion about the complexities of domestic terrorism laws, its history including how it has been misappropriated and the impact it has had on the Black and MASA communities. Discussion will also surface how to tackle white nationalist acts of terror, without sacrificing the rights of marginalized communities even further.

• Manar Waheed, Senior Legislative and Advocacy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union
• Maya Berry, Executive Director, Arab American Institute
• Roy Austin, Board Member, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and former Deputy Assistant to President Obama for the Office of Urban Affairs, Justice and Opportunity
• Michael German, Liberty and National Security Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice
• Tamara Chrisler, Interim Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Break

Democracy Diverted: Poll Closures and How to Protect The Right to Vote in 2020 | Mint Room

This workshop will highlight how state-based organizations are using the findings from The Leadership Conference poll closure report to advocate for change on the ground using the data to fight against poll closures and working to get more polling places opened in their communities.

• Alex Gulotta, Arizona State Director, All Voting is Local
• The Honorable Councilwoman Herminia Frias, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council
• Erika Hudson, Public Policy Analyst, National Disability Rights Network
• Helen Butler, Executive Director, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples’ Agenda

Movement for Public Safety and Police Oversight | Archives Room

High profile incidents of police shootings are gaining national attention similar to levels seen in 2014 after the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, and many grassroots organizations are finding success in getting community oversight boards involved in their fight for justice. Hear how they’re doing it, while building community.

• Changa Higgins, Dallas Campaign Manager for the Data and Policing Project, The Leadership Conference Education Fund
• Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Founder, Terence Crutcher Foundation
• Margo Frasier, President, National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement
• Christy Lopez, Lead Investigator, Ferguson Police Department
• Devin Anderson, Lead Organizer, African American Roundtable for Wisconsin Voices

The Fight Continues: How We’ve Kept the Energy Going | Supreme Court Room

The Fight Continues: Panelists will discuss how the fight for civil and human rights in some sectors can feel like it moves one step forward, then two back. How do we continue to push for full equity and equality? How do we act as good allies if the fight doesn’t directly impact us. Learn how many of the fights that seem “of the past” are still in the present.

At the Forefront, Yet on the Margins: Young People’s Constant Push for Civil and Human Rights | Congress Room

Young people remain at the forefront of changing the civil and human rights landscape. From voting rights to justice reform to empowering young people across all marginalized communities, the need to work cross-generationally remains constant. Join us for a discussion with young leaders on taking bold approaches to securing civil and human rights across the country.

• Christine “Cici” Battle, Director, Young People For
• Tiffany Dena Loftin, Director, NAACP Youth and College Division
• Keri Amanda Matos, Director of Constituency Campaigns, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
• Gray, Senior Director of Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Communications, American Association of People with Disabilities
• Cedric Lawson, Field Director, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Not Repeating Mistakes of the Past: The Impact of Domestic Terrorism Laws on Black and MASA Communities | Treasury Room

Interactive discussion about the complexities of domestic terrorism laws, its history, including how it has been misappropriated and the impact it has had on the Black and MASA communities. Discussion will also surface how to tackle white nationalist acts of terror, without sacrificing the rights of marginalized communities even further.

• Manar Waheed, Senior Legislative and Advocacy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union
• Maya Berry, Executive Director, Arab American Institute
• Roy Austin, Board Member, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and former Deputy Assistant to President Obama for the Office of Urban Affairs, Justice and Opportunity
• Michael German, Liberty and National Security Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice
• Tamara Chrisler, Interim Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Working Lunch | Supreme Court Room

Strategic Communications: The Right Message for the Right People | Archives Room

What is the difference between an effective message and a talking point? How do I shape a narrative? How do audiences hear our messages? This Messaging 101 session will outline a framework for thinking about message development and audience targeting that is designed to shift narratives around issue advocacy. In this workshop, we’ll talk brain chemistry, soundbites, how to write a good message, and why long lists of talking points are a no-no – all designed to help you nail messages that stick!

Building Power and Engaging the Electorate: How Ballot Measures Help Us Win Today and Tomorrow | Capital Room

Ballot measures are proven tools to move progressive priorities, address systemic inequities, and strengthen our democracy. How do we take the momentum, engagement, and organizing from these campaigns and build something that will strengthen movements and have a long-term impact?
Join national and community-based leaders and state donor table directors as they share how they work together to co-strategize to build power, capacity, and win across ballot measure states.

• Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director, Ballot Initiative Strategy Center
• Danielle Atkinson, Founding Director, Mothering Justice (Michigan)
• Tomas Robles, Co-Executive Director, Living United for Change Arizona

Digital Advocacy: It’s More Than Just A Tweet | Congress Room

Digital advocacy is a necessary skill and tool for today’s advocates. Learn some of the basics behind lifting your organization’s voice in a crowded space.

• Jen Perrone, Managing Director, Wide Eye
• Nisreen Eadeh, Social Media Community Manager, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Dionna Humphrey, Digital Director, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Impeachment: What Does It Mean for Our Now and the Future? | Mint Room

The House impeachment inquiry and potential Senate impeachment trial have already impacted the advocacy landscape. This panel discussion will focus on the current state of play, different scenarios that could occur as the process proceeds, and the implications on our work.

• Hilary O. Shelton, Washington Bureau Director and Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy, NAACP
• Lisa Gilbert, Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Public Citizen
• Fred Wertheimer, Founder and President, Democracy21
• Reggie Hubbard, Congressional Liaison/Washington DC Strategist, MoveOn

Protect Our Rights, Fight for Fair Courts | Supreme Court Room

How do we protect our rights by protecting our courts? The judges who are confirmed to our federal courts serve in lifetime positions and they will rule on issues impacting all our civil and human rights – from immigrant justice to disability rights to reproductive rights to voting rights. Attend this workshop to explore ways to connect your work to the work to create fair courts. We will explore this both from our current posture of educating people about the dangers of Trump’s takeover of the courts, as well as our vision for the future.

• Sharon McGowan, Chief Strategy Officer and Legal Director, Lambda Legal
• Shauntay Nelson, Wisconsin State Director, All Voting is Local
• Ms. Gloria Sweet Love, President, TN NAACP
• Joel West Williams, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
• Lena Zwarensteyn, Fair Courts Campaign Director, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

2020 Census Challenges: Understanding, Addressing, and Getting Out the Count | Treasury Room

By all accounts, the 2020 Census will be the largest, most difficult enumeration in history. The U.S. population is increasingly diverse–geographically, culturally, and linguistically. There are many and growing challenges to a fair and accurate census in every community. Those threats include cyberattacks; disinformation campaigns; natural disasters; fear of government; the digital divide; and the cacophony of a concurrent presidential campaign. And these risks are over and above the expected infrastructure challenges. Learn how members of The Leadership Conference coalition and the Census Counts campaign are addressing these issues and planning to Get Out the Count.

• Natasha Quiroga, Senior Counsel for the Educational Opportunities Project, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
• John C. Yang, President and Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC
• Holli Holliday, Campaign Manager, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
• Maya Berry, Executive Director, Arab American Institute
• Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director of the NCAI Policy Research Center, National Congress of American Indians
• Beth Lynk, Census Counts Director, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Break

Investing in the Movement: A Conversation with Today’s Civil and Human Rights Funders | Capital Room

The civil and human rights movement has experienced significant philanthropic investment as concerned individuals, foundations and corporations look to support organizations who are delivering programs and services that protect our democracy. Overall charitable giving had a substantial increase of 5.2%, or $410.02 billion, in 2017 following debilitating actions threatening our democracy. As we head into 2020, sustained and increased investment will be critical to fuel the movement.

We will hear from top funders across the philanthropic sector on what they are looking for from organizations and how they view themselves as partners in the civil and human rights movement.

• Laleh Ispahani, Managing Director,Open Society-U.S.
• Sanjiv Rao, Director of the Civic Engagement and Government Program, Ford Foundation
• Todd Cox, Director of the Civil Society Program, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund
• Stephanie Valencia, Co-Founder, EquisLabs

Unlock the Vote:  How to use Local Activism to Enfranchise People in the Justice System | Congress Room

This intersectional panel will give practical advice on how different voter protection programs operate in five key states, while providing examples of best practices and tips for how to get started.

The content of the panel is focused on historically disenfranchised communities that have had contact with the criminal justice system — and specifically on an issue area that is significantly under-resourced in the fight for voting rights.

• Aerion Abney, Pennsylvania State Director, All Voting is Local
• Brad Ashwell, Florida State Director, All Voting is Local
• Mike Brickner, Ohio State Director, All Voting is Local
• Shauntay Nelson, Wisconsin State Director, All Voting is Local
• Dana Paikowsky, Equal Justice Works Fellow, Campaign Legal Center

How to Be A True Intersectional Ally in the Immigration Fight | Mint Room

The fight for fair and comprehensive immigration reform has a long history and a wide impact. Advocates across issues and geographies can lend their voice to one of today’s most needed civil and human rights fight. Learn how and where you can overlap your issues and energies.

• Karely Hernandez, Regional Communications Associate, FWD.us
• Jason Kimmelman-Block, Director of Bend the Arc Jewish Action and the Director of National Government Affairs and Rabbi-in-Residence, Bend the Arc

Protect Our Rights, Fight for Fair Courts | Supreme Court Room

How do we protect our rights by protecting our courts? The judges who are confirmed to our federal courts serve in lifetime positions and they will rule on issues impacting all our civil and rights – from immigrant justice to disability rights to reproductive rights to voting rights. Attend this workshop to explore ways to connect your work to the work to create fair courts. We will explore this both from our current posture of educating people about the dangers of Trump’s takeover of the courts as well as our vision for the future.

• Sharon McGowan, Chief Strategy Officer and Legal Director, Lambda Legal
• Shauntay Nelson, Wisconsin State Director, All Voting is Local
• Ms. Gloria Sweet Love, President, TN NAACP
• Joel West Williams, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
• Lena Zwarensteyn, Fair Courts Campaign Director, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Workshop: Building Your 2020 Census Plan | Treasury Room

The 2020 Census is one of the most urgent civil rights issues facing the country and the clock is ticking. National and state-based organizations have already developed resources to educate communities about the importance of the census and tools to encourage participation in the 2020 Census. In this interactive session, strategize ways to leverage existing resources to support your outreach and plan to integrate census outreach into your 2020 Census plans.

• Sonum Nerurkar, Get Out the Count Manager, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Diali Avila, Senior Field Manager, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
• Tamika Turner, National Communications Director for the Census Counts Campaign, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Right

Break

Closing Plenary | Independence Ballroom