Thank you for submitting a proposal. We anticipate notifying all applicants of proposal decisions by the end of July. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at convening@uncommonlaw.org

Registration is $150 per person. Reduced registration rates are available for speakers and presenters at $100 per ticket, as well as groups purchasing three or more tickets at $125 per ticket. You can view all registration options on our registration page.

As an added benefit, conference attendees will receive a discount code for tickets to UnCommon Law’s 20th Anniversary Gala, A Fundamental Right to Heal, when they register for the conference.

UnCommon Law is not able to cover lodging or travel expenses for conference attendees. We encourage guests traveling from outside the area to book accommodations as soon as possible to secure availability and the best rates.

For convenience, we recommend the following hotels near downtown Oakland and public transit:

• Residence Inn Downtown Oakland
• Courtyard Downtown Oakland
• Kissel Uptown Oakland
• AC Hotel Oakland Downtown

To make transportation easier, UnCommon Law will provide a complimentary shuttle between a central location in downtown Oakland and the conference venue at Merritt College. Additional shuttle details will be shared with registered attendees closer to the event.

If you have any questions, please contact convening@uncommonlaw.org.

The conference will feature a full day of learning led by leaders and organizations dedicated to supporting incarcerated people through healing-centered services. Sessions will explore building a healing-centered response to violence including education, arts programming, somatic healing, mental and emotional health, faith-based practices, and legal advocacy. 

The day will include keynote conversations, panels, fireside chats, and interactive workshops designed to provide practical tools, meaningful dialogue, and opportunities for collaboration. Participants will leave with tangible resources, expanded networks, and new strategies for strengthening support for incarcerated people in their own communities.

Yes, your ticket includes breakfast and lunch. 

Registration will remain open through October 8, 2026, or until the conference reaches capacity.

Registration fees are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, please notify our team as soon as possible so we may offer your spot to another participant: convening@uncommonlaw.org

To update or amend your registration information, please email convening@uncommonlaw.org 

We recommend flying into Oakland International Airport (OAK).

The conference will be held at the Newton/Seale Lounge at Merritt College in Oakland, CA. The address is 12500 Campus Dr, Oakland, CA 94619. Here is a campus map. 

If you are planning to bring a group of 3 people or more to the convening, you will be able to register for a discounted ticket price of $125 per ticket. 

We require individual registration for all members of your group to ensure our team can communicate with all individuals directly to ensure their needs are met during the convening.

We recommend smart casual attire, but encourage you to wear what feels comfortable. October weather in Oakland typically hovers around 70°F, and the conference space will be lightly air-conditioned.

Yes, you can park for free in Lot C, right next to the building. The event will be held in the R Building at the Newton/Seale Student Lounge. Here is a campus map.

We will follow all current local public health guidance to help create a safe and healthy environment for attendees. We kindly ask anyone experiencing cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms to stay home and prioritize rest and recovery. Masks will be available on-site. 

We are committed to creating an accessible and welcoming event for all attendees. Merritt College follows ADA accessibility standards, and we are happy to work with participants to support additional access needs whenever possible. If you require accommodations to fully participate in the conference, please contact us at convening@uncommonlaw.org by September 30, 2026.

While the conference will not include a formal tabling session, there will be opportunities for organizations to connect with attendees and share their work. We’ll host a "lightning round" session where leaders can briefly introduce their programs, highlight key initiatives, and engage with participants from across the field.

We will also create a dedicated space for cross-organizational resource sharing and networking. Organizations are encouraged to bring program materials, resources, and informational handouts to exchange ideas, spark collaboration, and help attendees learn more about the impactful work happening across our communities.

For any questions/issues, please contact our event planning team at convening@uncommonlaw.org