2026 Roots of Justice Convening
Join Confluence Rising on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 8:00AM - 3:00PM for a day of learning how to create an equitable and inclusive workplaces, communities and schools. Breakout sessions will offer dedicated reflection time to gain new skills and make valuable connections.
Event Schedule
8:00AM - 8:30AM | Doors open & Networking
8:30AM - 10:00AM | Breakfast Keynote with Lecia Brooks
10:00AM - 10:15AM | Break
10:15AM - 11:45AM | Morning Workshops/Panel Discussion
11:45AM - 12:45PM | Lunch & Resource Fair
12:45PM - 2:15PM | Afternoon Workshops/Panel Discussion
2:15PM - 2:30PM | Break
2:30PM - 3:00PM | Closing Activity
Afternoon Programming
Confluence Rising Workshops
Allyship in Action: Noticing and Interrupting Microaggressions
Rooted in Resiliency: Grounding Ourselves In Chaotic Times
Resisting the Ease of Disposability
Supporting Our Teams Through Burnout
Confluence Rising Panel
Committing to Compassion for the Long-Haul: Lessons from Camp Alumni
Partner Workshops
AAPI Equity Alliance
Long Beach Forward
ÓRALE
Afternoon Program Descriptions
WORKSHOP | Allyship in Action: Noticing and Interrupting Microaggressions
We all have biases and assumptions that we may not be aware of or feel comfortable acknowledging. These biases guide our thoughts, feelings, and actions, affecting how we connect to other people. In this workshop, participants will explore how these biases are created and maintained in the form of Microaggressions - layered and cumulative insults, stereotypes, invalidations or insinuations that imply that marginalized people are less than. Participants will practice interrupting biases in order to create more inclusive environments and brainstorm strategies to support ourselves and our communities in this important and challenging work.
WORKSHOP | Rooted in Resiliency: Grounding Ourselves In Chaotic Times
With the continued attacks on marginalized communities and the intentional weakening of human rights, it can be challenging to remain in the present and be hopeful. In this session, we will explore strategies for managing challenging emotions and taking care of ourselves so we can show up for the causes that are important to us. Participants will leave with their own grounding toolkit to use when they are activated by strong emotions.
WORKSHOP | Resisting the Ease of Disposability
When we disagree with others, it can feel easy to dismiss them, stop caring about hearing their opinions, or cut off those relationships. We believe that punishment and shame have no place in creating the world we want to live in. This session explores how we can use healthy communication and actual accountability to avoid disposing of one another, even when the work is hard.
WORKSHOP | Supporting Our Teams Through Burnout
As the sociopolitical climate continues to shift around us, our teams bear the brunt of the world’s turmoil on their minds, hearts, and bodies. While our dedication to our mission is crucial, pushing past our limits without community care can lead to burnout. In this session, we will explore how we can sustain our impactful work by prioritizing our colleagues’ humanity and well-being.
PANEL & DIALOGUE | Committing to Compassion for the Long-Haul: Lessons from Camp Alumni
Care, compassion, and stamina are necessary in equity work, despite the present uncertainty and frustration of the current time. Alumni from five different generations of Confluence Rising’s social justice camp program will discuss their journey with justice and how they cope when in a society where values are not aligned. Come be inspired by stories of community, connection, and hope.
Morning Programming
Confluence Rising Workshops
Bridging Differences: Dialogue Skills for Everyday Life
Challenging Adultism: Building Equitable Youth-Adult Partnerships
Confluence Rising Panel
Balancing The Work: Sustainability in the Pursuit of Equity and Justice
Partner Workshops
AAPI Equity Alliance
Long Beach Forward
ÓRALE
Morning Program Descriptions
WORKSHOP | Bridging Differences: Dialogue Skills for Everyday Life
A focus on building understanding and trust in communication with others is the bedrock of how we collectively challenge issues of inequity. Join this workshop to explore how Restorative Questions - a form of dialogue that focuses on curiosity and relationship-building - supports us in our daily lives. Participants will create prompts to use in the workplace and in conversations with friends who have different worldviews or colleagues with different identities.
WORKSHOP | Challenging Adultism: Building Equitable Youth-Adult Partnerships
Whether we are conscious of it or not, Adultism – a system of advantage based on age that gives power to adults by taking power away from youth – has the potential to negatively impact how youth and adults work together. By being aware of biases and intentional about the use of power, adults can better partner with youth in more equitable ways to support intergenerational perspectives. This workshop is designed for adults who will strategize how to better listen to, collaborate with, and support youth leaders.
PANEL & DIALOGUE | Balancing The Work: Sustainability in the Pursuit of Equity and Justice
The fight for equity has been a long standing challenge, and the present day is no different. We are inundated with stories of harm and violence to marginalized communities, while we continue working toward a more inclusive and just world. We worry about our colleagues and neighbors, while trying to manage the chaos that emerges daily. In this panel discussion, professionals from the corporate, education, and entertainment sectors come together to discuss how to move our workplaces toward equity and justice while balancing the need to take care of ourselves and one another.
Stay Tuned for Partner Workshop Descriptions!
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Meet Lecia Brooks
NCCJ Camp ‘74 Alum | Sothern Poverty Law Group
Lecia Brooks is a seasoned equity and justice leader with decades of experience advancing civil rights and community transformation.
She spent nearly two decades at the Southern Poverty Law Center, where she championed racial justice initiatives and worked alongside communities to dismantle systemic oppression.
Earlier in her career, Lecia served with the National Conference for Community & Justice (NCCJ, now Confluence Rising) in Los Angeles, leading programs to combat bias and empower youth, including anti-hate diversion courses, empowerment camps for girls, and support spaces for queer and questioning youth. A proud NCCJ camp alum from 1974, Lecia brings a lifelong commitment to fostering inclusion, healing, and intergenerational community—making her an inspiring keynote for this year’s Roots of Justice Convening on February 27, 2026 in Long Beach!