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Reflections from the 2024 NACRJ Conference

Mar 10, 2025 | Blog Posts, Reports and Reflections

by Sharelle Allen

I am a solo entrepreneur who works to bring restorative practices to schools, community-based organizations, and individuals throughout Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Attending this year’s National Association of Community and Restorative Justice conference in Washington DC, was a transformative experience. The conference provided me with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, hear inspiring speakers, and participate in workshops led by seasoned facilitators. It was a chance to expand my network and gain valuable tools for my work.

One of the most impactful moments was hearing from the keynote speaker, attorney, author, and activist Derecka Purnell. Before the conference, I hadn’t known who she was, but her powerful message left a deep impression on me. Derecka’s call to action focused on building intentional partnerships and taking strategic steps to dismantle the oppressive systems that entangle our lives. Her words were a profound reality check. I was moved not only by the substance of her message but also by seeing someone who looked like me—young, Black, a mother, educated, and successful—on that stage, sharing in front of thousands. That alone made attending worth it.

As a new solo entrepreneur, it can sometimes feel lonely doing this work. I often find myself navigating organizations whose philosophies and cultures contradict restorative justice’s core tenets: acknowledging harm, addressing the needs of those harmed, and working to transform the root causes of harm. This work can be challenging, but attending the conference reminded me that I am not alone. Connecting with people from diverse backgrounds who are engaged in similar efforts gave me a renewed sense of community. Sharing our stories, frustrations, pain, and successes offered hope and inspiration, especially in moments when I’ve questioned whether what I do really matters. Being at the conference reminded me that the work I’m part of is connected to something much larger than myself. Year after year, practitioners have laid the foundation and continued to expand this movement, and I’m grateful to contribute to its growth.