This conversation looks at what it feels like to “start over” after a hard season in life. For some people, that means coming home after jail or prison. For others, it might be rehab, a long absence from school, or just a really tough stretch where life fell apart for a while. We’ll read a poem written from the point of view of someone “living with a felony,” talk in groups, and think about how we treat people who are trying to rebuild their lives. This isn’t about judging anyone. It’s about understanding, listening, and seeing the human being behind the label.

Register for this free online conversation.

Patrick Alexander is a community advocate and facilitator whose areas of expertise include restorative justice, conflict resolution, and workforce development. For the past seven years he has been doing his part to help individuals reentering society following homelessness and incarceration while making allies to join in this work. In 2024, Patrick channeled his wealth of experience and expertise into founding PA Speaker 24, a dynamic consulting, coaching, training, workshop, and facilitation firm specializing in public and private speaking engagements. He serves as chair of the Portland Police Bureau’s Training Advisory Council and also works with Partnership for Safety & Justice, Housing Collect Collision, and Central City Concern. His life and work experience give him a unique way of engaging in restorative justice convocation.