A Look Back at the 2026 Workforce & Justice Summit  

We continue to be inspired by the conversations and connections made at #WJSummit26. Last month in London, we brought together leaders from across the U.K. and the U.S. to explore how business and justice can work hand in hand to build fairer systems, a stronger workforce, and a more inclusive economy. Missed it (or want to relive it)? Watch the highlights here. 

This Month, We Honor...

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the end of slavery in the United States, while recognizing that the work of racial justice is far from over. Businesses can lead the way by building workplaces rooted in fairness, dignity, and inclusion. At RBIJ, we renew our Racial Justice & Equity Action plan annually on Juneteenth and encourage our partners to consider the ways they too can commit to greater fairness and opportunity for all. Share how you’re commemorating Juneteenth here.

Pride Month

During Pride Month, RBIJ celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, including the many LGBTQ+ business leaders in our network who are helping advance a more just and inclusive future of work. Their leadership underscores the important connections between LGBTQ+ rights, criminal justice reform, and equal access to opportunity. Learn more about these intersections and why they matter.

Businesses Mobilizing for Justice  

Business Leaders Challenge U.K. Restrictions on Formerly Incarcerated Travelers 

The U.K.’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a policy that automatically blocks travelers who have served prison sentences of more than one year from entering the country. In effect, the restrictions have shut out countless justice-impacted business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators without any documented benefit to public safety. In a new feature in The Observer and a video produced by RBIJ, hear from leaders across our transatlantic business network — including representatives from the Forestry & Fire Recruitment Program, Night is Day LLC, Televerde, Virgin Group, and YO! Sushi — about why the ETA policy needs reform.

Missouri Passes Clean Slate Reform with Strong Business Support

Last month, Missouri lawmakers voted to pass Clean Slate, a measure that establishes an automated process for identifying and expunging eligible low-level drug offenses, impacting thousands of Missourians. For more than five years, RBIJ mobilized dozens of Missouri businesses and chambers to support the policy, including SugarBot Sweet Shop, owned by Jackie Huebbe, who with RBIJ's support recently wrote about how Clean Slate would give employers access to a wider pool of talent in The Kansas City Star. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Mike Kehoe, who is expected to sign this month.

New Policy Issue: Tackling Food Insecurity as a Workforce Imperative and a Justice Priority

RBIJ is partnering with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) to amplify the business case for two federal bills — The Training and Nutritional Stability Act (TNSA) and RESTORE Act — which would expand access to SNAP benefits and reduce food insecurity for people reentering the workforce after justice involvement. RBIJ will be supporting virtual meetings with Senate offices throughout Summer 2026. If you’re a U.S.-based business leader who’d like to participate, let us know at policy@rbij.org.  

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events 

June 25 | Virtual

Rise and Grind: Untapped Talent — Exploring Opportunities for Fair Chance Hiring in D.C.  

The D.C. business community is invited to the Equality Chamber of Commerce’s Rise and Grind virtual session to learn about Fair Chance Hiring from Nicole Banister, RBIJ Director of Policy & Advocacy, and Gene Downing, Policy & Education Associate at the Council for Court Excellence. Register here. 

July 13-14 | Washington, D.C. 

JFF Horizons Summit 2026  

Nicole Banister, RBIJ Director of Policy & Advocacy, will speak on the panel, “Bridging Divides to Advance Fair Chance Policy,” to explore how cross-sector partnerships can change justice policy. Register here.  

RBIJ Welcomes New Businesses to the Workforce & Justice Alliance

RBIJ’s Workforce & Justice Alliance (WJA) is a pioneering network of businesses working to dismantle workforce barriers for people with records and drive justice reform across the country. Become a member today to join a community of justice-minded companies and access exclusive opportunities to lead. 

RBIJ is an independent nonprofit organization. Support from donations helps fund our work to improve the criminal justice system.