National Returning Citizens Conference (NRCC)
Conference Dates: April 7–10, 2026
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Theme: From Barriers to Breakthrough
Context: National Second Chance Month
About the National Returning Citizens Association
The National Returning Citizens Association is a national organization dedicated to advancing successful reentry, economic mobility, and community stability through policy leadership, workforce partnerships, and coordinated reform strategies.
The National Returning Citizens Conference is the Association’s annual convening, bringing together national leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and justice-impacted individuals to advance evidence-based solutions and systems change.
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
The National Returning Citizens Conference (NRCC) is a national convening designed to advance comprehensive, coordinated solutions that support successful reentry, economic mobility, and long-term community stability.
The 6th Annual NRCC will convene returning citizens; justice-impacted veterans; federal, state, and local policymakers; corrections and public safety leaders; employers; workforce and economic development professionals; housing providers; educators; technologists; health practitioners; faith leaders; researchers; and community-based partners from across the country.
The 2026 theme, From Barriers to Breakthrough, reflects a national call to move beyond fragmented approaches toward integrated systems that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
CONFIRMED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
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Joshua J. Smith – Deputy Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons
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Chef Jeff Henderson – Award-Winning Chef, New York Times Bestselling Author, Workforce Advocate
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Kwame Malik Kilpatrick – Former Mayor of Detroit, Minister, Leadership Consultant
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Fox Rich – Documentarian, Author, Justice Advocate
