Civic Power: Unlocking our Democracy

Where will the convening be?

• The convening will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Magnificent Mile located at 300 E. Ohio St. Chicago, IL 60611
• For more information on the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Magnificent Mile  please visit their website https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chimmdt-doubletree-chicago-magnificent-mile/

When will the convening be?

• The convening will be FOUR days starting Thursday morning of July 10, 2025 and ending midday on Sunday July 13, 2025.

Who should attend the convening?

• Grassroots organizers and advocacy organizers working on Rights Restoration campaigns
• Formerly incarcerated community activists
• Researchers and academics

How do I register for the convening?

• Please submit the intent to register form, and someone from our team will contact you to provide more information. Please submit your form at the earliest of convenience especially if you will need financial scholarship to attend the convening.

Is there a registration fee for the convening?

• The Sentencing Project is hoping to cover the fee for registration, lodging at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Magnificent Mile and meals for as many participants as possible especially for those coming as representatives from grassroots organizations and collectives and those formerly incarcerated, a value estimated at $1,650 for food and board.
• For national organizations, academics and entities with the funding we are asking for a registration fee of $695 (market value cost), which would cover meals during the convening for four days, breakfast and lunch.
• There will be a sliding scale for ticket registration
  • $695 – funders & national organizations
  • $350 – Academics, national organizations
  • $150 – grassroots organizations, formerly incarcerated, directly impacted activists (further financial scholarship support for other expenses might be available on first come first serve basis)
• We appreciate your support and attendance to Civic Power and we are eager to provide a networking opportunity for the rights restoration movement in  the US.

How can I pay for my convening fee?

• Once you are approved to attend the convening you will receive a link to pay your registration fee using a secure platform.
• You may also do this in the initial registration if you already know that your organization can pay a registration fee from our sliding scale

Do I have to stay at the convening hotel to attend the convening?

• No, the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Magnificent Mile is located in Downtown Chicago and there are multiple other hotel options within a mile radius of the convening
• You may find some of those hotel options here.
• For individuals paying on their own for their room boarding you will be added to our rooming list, but at check-in you will be asked for a major credit card for the cost of the room per night at a rate of $199 per night plus applicable taxes and a charge for incidentals that will be returned to you once you check-out. Individuals that receive a rooming scholarship will NOT need to provide a credit card at check-in.

Do I have to attend all three days of the convening?

• We believe the FOUR days would provide you with more information, training, tools and resources to create a national and local strategy for Rights Restoration in the US and beyond. However, we are providing the option of attending on specific dates for a registration fee and individuals having to pay for their lodging on their own.

Will there be childcare?

• Yes, please make sure to write that in your registration form including the ages and how many children.

Is my organization able to send more than one representative?

• This would be determined by the steering committee. If the organization is able to pay for multiple representatives then yes, more than one representative can attend. There is only a limitation based on funding resources for scholarships. We urge all interested individuals to submit a registration form and wait for more information to be provided by our team.

Will there be interpretation?

• Yes, Civic Power is committed to accessibility, please make sure to specify the language of your choice in your registration form.

Will meals be provided?

• Yes, we will provide breakfast and lunch for all four days as part of your registration fees. Dinner would be each individual’s responsibility unless other details are provided.
• We hope to be able to receive sponsorships for more collective dinners this year so stay tuned.

What if I can't attend in-person, is there a way to participate or learn more?

• The steering committee will document and record some of the convening programming to share with partners after the convening.

When should I submit my intent to register form?

• At the earliest convenience, due to our limited capacity we urge folks to submit their registration form to secure your attendance at the convening especially if you would like to request a scholarship for either travel, boarding, and/or registration.