A Time for New Thinking, New Energy, and New Action
Synopsis: In this presentation, David will propose that for the Partnerships we want, to have the impact we are committed that they have, we must have new dialogues at every level.
Dialogues…
. in which we give up talking about who or what is "right and wrong" or "good and bad" and instead focus on what “works” and what does not “work”;
. in which we drop all language which dehumanizes anyone and falsely separates anyone.
. which offer real concrete tools for successful free living; and,
. in which real respect, honor and love is generated in all directions.
David will also shine fresh light on the importance of “community” for all people.
Our Speaker: Always dedicated to human services, David Cunningham started as a special education teacher, and served as a Director of the Connecticut Justice for Children Collaboration and the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse.
Then, as a senior leader at Landmark Worldwide, David led transformational programs around the world for over 30 years. David has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives with lessons of authenticity, communication, acceptance, forgiveness, leadership, integrity, and love.
David currently volunteers with the Another Way to Go program in Philadelphia.
David’s new book and corresponding seminar series Your Love Does Matter: A Pathway to New Consciousness and Expanding Your Love Footprint, are both available for pre-release sale.
Candice Baughman
Salamasina Tanoai 
One Parish One Prisoner: A Resurrection Story of Reentry
Synopsis:
Candice Baughman will share about One Parish One Prisoner (OPOP), a grassroots reentry model that pairs faith communities with individuals still inside prison, beginning their relationship before release and continuing through the critical first years back in the community. She’ll highlight how accompaniment transforms not only the lives of returning citizens, but also the congregations that walk with them. OPOP demonstrates that reentry is not just a program, but a resurrection story of hope, healing, and lasting belonging.
Our Speakers:
Candice Baughman came home through Underground Ministries’ One Parish One Prisoner (OPOP) after a seven-year sentence. A mother of two teenage boys, she was supported by a small church team that met her pre-release and stood with her at the gate—an experience that now fuels her work as an OPOP Program Specialist. In this role, she equips congregations to form one committed team for one incarcerated neighbor, providing practical help (IDs, transportation, appointments) and steady relational support across reentry. A justice-impacted educator and founder of Ed 4 Empowerment, Candice has supported 300+ people in reentry and is completing her MBA at Adams State University (4.0 GPA), speaking widely about how peer-led, faith-community partnerships reduce recidivism and build belonging.
Salamasina Tanoai's journey has taken her from incarceration to empowerment. After facing challenges with addiction and prison, she chose a new path when she was released in March 2024. Today, she is over two years clean and sober, a proud mother of four boys, and the founder of Dream Rising, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of oppression and incarceration through education, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. She brings lived experience, professional skills in web development, and a deep commitment to supporting justice-impacted and underserved communities. Her story is one of second chances, and she believes transformation is possible for anyone willing to dream and rise.
In Prison Programming Panel Discussion
Natasha Blakely-Berteloot, Project Avary
Alexia Pitter, F.A.M.M.
Karen Johnson, Mother of A Formerly Incarcerated Son
Theresa Kitto, Mother of Currently Incarcerated Son
This moderated panel will convene to answer questions and deepen our understanding of family impact and family support.
Deon Whitmore
Healing Dialogue and Action
Title of Talk: Re-Imagine a Justice system Focused on Healing
Synopsis:
What would justice look like if it began with listening?
If those most impacted by violence—survivors, families, communities—were not sidelined, but centered?
In this transformative talk, Deon Whitmore, representative of Healing Dialogue and Action, invites us to reimagine a justice system rooted in healing—not punishment. Grounded in restorative justice and trauma-informed care, he explores how we can build systems that honor the pain of those harmed, while also creating pathways for accountability, redemption, and repair.
Deon challenges us to move beyond retribution and toward restoration. Let’s build a justice system that doesn’t just respond to harm, but interrupts cycles of it. Let's imagine a justice system where healing isn’t the final chapter, it’s the first word.
Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, or community member, this talk will leave you asking:
What kind of justice are we truly fighting for—and who gets to heal?
Speaker Bio: Deon Whitmore is currently pursuing a Master in Public Health at California State University, Los Angeles. Passionate about creating systemic changes, he serves as a program manager for Healing Dialogue and Action, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting both juveniles in detention centers and survivors of crimes. Additionally, Deon works as a student consultant, leveraging his expertise to drive impactful initiatives.