A Decade of Collective Transformation: Aeon at the 10th National Conference on Community and Restorative Justice

The 10th National Conference on Community and Restorative Justice, hosted by the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ), will take place July 7–10, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This city is a meaningful and lively place for transformative justice work. Thousands of practitioners, advocates, educators, and community leaders will gather at this important event to reflect, reconnect, and think about the future of restorative justice practices.

This conference stands out in the field. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it marks ten years of steady growth, community-focused innovation, and shared impact. In the last 17 years, NACRJ conferences have grown from a small group of practitioners to one of the largest restorative justice gatherings in the world, with nearly two thousand participants at recent events. This shows how quickly the field is growing and how important it has become.

This shows Aeon’s strong involvement in the restorative justice movement and its growing role as a leader in community healing and justice. Their participation supports Aeon’s mission to promote trauma-informed, equity-focused practice and fits with the conference’s focus on sharing knowledge and working together.

Building the Future of Restorative Justice

The 2026 conference will focus on building community, shaping the field, sharing expertise, promoting equity and inclusion, and working together to shape the future of restorative justice. What makes this year special is the community-driven approach to the conference theme and topics. The program was created based on the ideas and priorities shared by practitioners and advocates in the field. This shows a larger move in restorative justice toward more participatory, grassroots-led innovation.

Aeon’s Role in the National Conversation

Aeon’s leaders speaking at this important time not only recognizes their work so far, but also shows the organization’s commitment to community-based change. It puts Aeon at the center of the national conversation about the future of restorative justice, including efforts to increase equity and support the voices of youth, people affected by the justice system, and cultural leaders.

A Shared Anniversary

As Aeon marks its 10th anniversary during this conference, the moment highlights how Aeon’s path matches the larger direction of the restorative justice movement. Both are guided by collective care, working together, and a focus on real social change.