Voices Unlocked: Laughter, Storytelling & Civic Power

Justice & the Next 250 | Dream.Org's Public Health is Public Safety Campaign What if the next 250 years of public safety began with connection instead of punishment? For generations, we've been told that safety comes from punishment and incarceration. We already know what's broken. The next 250 years are about what we build. Voices Unlocked is a creative arts and humanities gathering that brings together justice-impacted community members, lawmakers, public officials, service providers, faith leaders, artists, and community partners to imagine and create a future where public safety is rooted in prevention, healing, and belonging. Hosted by Dream.Org's Public Health is Public Safety (PHIPS) campaign as part of the Justice & the Next 250 initiative, this event explores how investing in people—not punishment—creates stronger, healthier, and safer communities. Through comedy, spoken word, live music, storytelling, visual art, and community dialogue, participants will hear directly from people impacted by incarceration, reentry, substance use, youth criminalization, housing instability, and community violence. Together, we will move beyond describing what is broken and begin designing the future we want to build. Throughout the evening, participants will: Experience comedy, music, spoken word, and storytelling performances that celebrate resilience, healing, and hope. Engage with justice-impacted leaders, peer educators, and community organizers. Participate in healing-centered conversations about what truly creates safety. Learn about prevention-based public safety solutions, including housing stability, youth diversion, behavioral health, harm reduction, and community-based care. Build relationships with lawmakers, public officials, service providers, faith communities, and local organizations. Discover opportunities for civic leadership, advocacy, and collective action. Together, we will imagine a New Mexico where every person belongs, every community has the resourc