By Sandy . . . And what an awesome conference it was! The room was packed at every plenary session. The presentations were amazing. The awards dinner was fun-filled and delightful.

The opening presentation by Meghan Mitchell over the effectiveness—or rather lack thereof—of criminal registries set the bar at excellent, a level that was continued throughout, both in plenary and break-out presentations.

MacKensie Leclaire made us cry as she told us about life after sexual harm and gave us hope with her discussion of restorative justice alternatives. SHINE made us feel the indignities that women on the registry live with. Kimberly Buddin made us laugh—if you can imagine such a thing—in her presentation of the history of the registry. Janice Bellucci, Brenda Jones, and Amber Vlangas encouraged us as they not only talked about but demonstrated the value of coalitions.

Featured speaker Vicki Henry reminded us of her journey into advocacy, the pitfalls, and the triumphs, in her awards dinner speech. Daniel Lambert, from behind bars, told us of his work to expose the conditions where he is in civil commitment at Moose Lake, Minnesota–conditions that are an affront to human rights, safety, and dignity.

Lisa Kessler-Peters and Waleisah Wilson, in their presentations, both showed us the importance of faith and how their journeys into advocacy depended on that and keep them going. There were more, too many more to name here, but all thought-provoking, heart-felt, and encouraging.

The awards dinner was a time to relax, enjoy food and fellowship, and listen to long-time advocate Vicki Henry reminded us of why we are in this fight. Master of Ceremonies Robin Vanderwall was at his best. Richard Mori had the audience in stitches as he conducted an auction of prison art for the benefit of the men incarcerated. The awards themselves recognized individuals in various aspects of advocacy for their special and valuable talents and their service to NARSOL and to the men and women for whom we advocate.

Braveheart award: Daniel Wilson in Moose Lake, Minnesota, Civil Commitment Center

Excellence in service award: Ken Roberts, Mississippi, NARSOL’s gatekeeper

Excellence in leadership: Mary Sue Molnar, Texas Voices for Reason and Justice

Advocate of the Year: Margaret Hawkins, Delaware Advocates for RSOL (DARSOL)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Gail Coletta, Florida Action Committee (FAC)

Hawthorne Award: Kimberly Buddin, attorney

Thanks to everyone who attended, watched, or helped support the conference in Atlanta–and a special thanks to everyone who works so hard to make these conferences successful.

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