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Past Events
Christopher Willars will be featured as a panelist at the 2026 FICPFM Regional Convening in Nashville, where he will continue his work advancing the Stay Free Initiative.
Event Details
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Host: Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM).
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Dates: August 21–23, 2026.
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Location: Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, 623 Union St, Nashville, Tennessee 37219.
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Registration Deadline: August 1, 2026.
About the Convening
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This gathering brings together organizers, directly impacted leaders, advocates, and community partners from across the South.
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The primary focus is on rights, civic power, and collective action.
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The programming consists of panels rooted in lived experience and movement strategy.
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Strategy sessions will focus on rights restoration and regional organizing for communities affected by the criminal legal system.
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The objective is to align leaders and organizations to prepare for coordinated action across the region.
Collaboration Event - Interactive Workshop
Explore Restorative Justice
Community Pathways: The Blueprint to Restorative Justice is a transformative, day-long educational symposium hosted at Christopher Newport University Click to open side panel for more information that brings together survivors, policy leaders, researchers, and community advocates to chart a new path for healing, survivor autonomy, and systemic reform across Virginia.
In his featured section of the event, Christopher Willars, Founder of The Life Unit Inc., will deliver a critical presentation addressing the stark realities of solitary confinement, the severe mental health toll of isolation, and the complex barriers individuals face during reentry. To offer attendees an immersive and impactful perspective, Chris's session will feature a live mock cell setup, providing a powerful, hands-on opportunity to experience the physical constraints of isolation and better understand the urgent need for humanizing conditions of confinement and restorative community pathways.
November 7th from 10:00AM until 4:00pm EST
3rd Annual Both Sides of the Gun
Restorative Justice
Gun Violence Prevention
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The Life Unit had a side quest to Washington DC. Working with Everytown for Gun Safety at the Gun Sense University.
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Services
Community Re-entry Program
Join our evening course to gain valuable skills for successful re-entry into the community.
Mentorship
Engage with our mentors to provide guidance and support for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives post-incarceration.
Legal Aid Connections
Access our legal aid contacts for assistance with legal matters related to re-entry and post-incarceration challenges.