

Thank you to everyone who joined us virtually at the 2023 Rehumanize Conference!
The Rehumanize Conference is an annual event dedicated to education, discourse, and action on a range of issues related to human rights. People from all walks of life attend to hear from trailblazing activists, academics, and educators with a particular emphasis on the voices of those who have experienced dehumanization and violence first-hand. With plenty of opportunities for engagement with speakers and other conference attendees, this event is sure to challenge your apathy, increase your knowledge, and expand your horizons. Along with these paradigm-shifting ideas, you will also be given practical guidance on how to go out and challenge the systems and institutions that perpetuate oppression and build a culture of peace and life in your own communities.
Over the past two years, we have decided to host our conference online for the safety attendees, speakers, sponsors, and team members. While it was initially difficult to think we wouldn’t all be together physically, the virtual conference format has allowed us to extend our reach further than we could have imagined. We had a diverse group of world-changers attending virtually from all over the world engaging with some of the most important issues of our day. This year, we will be online again and you will have the ability to join in and participate both via chat and even on camera throughout the day if you choose. We hope you can join us!
A note about the Hopin platform:
In order to use Hopin, it is necessary that attendees have a device that allows you access to the Internet, and an email address. In order for certain functionalities and features to work properly, a camera or microphone and a headset or loudspeaker must be on and not used by another application.
Rehumanize International staff members have found that accessing Hopin through laptop or desktop computers is more reliable than using a mobile device. Hopin allows users to test their video and audio before joining calls, so we recommend that once attendees purchase their tickets, attendees also create Hopin accounts to test their video and audio before the start of the event.

Event Schedule
November 11, 2023 • Virtual via RingCentral/Hopin
Time
session title
session description
9:30AM–9:45AM (NYC/Eastern Time)
2:30–2:45PM (London)
6:30-6:45AM (Los Angeles)
1:30-1:45AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Reception
Time to sign in to Hopin and meet the other attendees in the event chat!
9:45AM–10:00AM (NYC/Eastern Time)
2:45–3:00PM (London)
6:45-7:00AM (Los Angeles)
1:45-2:00AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Welcome and Introduction to Hopin
Aimee Murphy, Rehumanize International
An address from the founder of Rehumanize International. This session will also include a quick introduction to the conference hosting platform Hopin for those who have never used the program before. More information about how to navigate Hopin can be found at hopin.com/learn.
10:00AM–10:30AM (NYC/Eastern Time)
3:00–3:30PM (London)
7:00-7:30AM (Los Angeles)
2:00-2:30AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Why Consistency Matters in Our Work for Human Rights
Maria Oswalt, Rehumanize International
Who deserves human rights? The answer to this question is the crux of all moral and political action in society, and defines our character as individuals and as nations. Maria Oswalt seeks to answer this vital question in this talk on the Consistent Life Ethic, a moral philosophy whose central principle is that each and every human being has inherent dignity from conception to natural death, and therefore deserves to live free from violence.
10:30AM–11:00AM (NYC/Eastern Time)
3:30–4:00PM (London)
7:30-8:00AM (Los Angeles)
2:30-3:00AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 1 (Choose one session)
Bringing Music and Creative Protest to the Sidewalk Presented by Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU)
Caroline Smith, PAAU
Kristin Turner, PAAU
Come watch this inspiring session to learn about bringing creative interventions to sidewalk outreach in a post-Dobbs world. As the coming generation is taken in by death-making propaganda we can bring life back into our outreaches through music, creative protest and community defense. Hear from full time sidewalk counselors and activists share stories from the sidewalk and build strategies to combat the growing uncertainty in movement spaces and bring stability though being unashamedly for life and nonviolence. Music, story telling, and creativity touches hearts and must be part of our work towards breaking through fear and apathy.
10:30AM–11:00AM (NYC/Eastern Time)
3:30–4:00PM (London)
7:30-8:00AM (Los Angeles)
2:30-3:00AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 1 (Choose one session)
Israel & Palestine: How Did We Get Here, and Where Do We Go From Here?
Sr. Paulette Schroeder, Sister of St. Francis
Sr. Paulette Schroeder served with Christian Peacemaker Teams in the West Bank for 3 years, and since then, has led several delegations to the West Bank.
11:00AM–11:15AM (NYC/Eastern Time)
4:00–4:15PM (London)
8:00-8:15AM (Los Angeles)
3:00-3:15AM,Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Networking Break
You can use this time to take a break, head over to the Expo tab to check out some of our sponsoring organizations, or, try the Networking feature to be randomly matched with another conference attendee!
11:15AM–11:45AM (NYC/Eastern Time)
4:15–4:45PM (London)
8:15-8:45AM (Los Angeles)
3:15-3:45AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Killing is Not the Answer: One Family's Witness Against the Death Penalty Presented by Death Penalty Action
Charles Keith, Death Penalty Action
Charles Keith will tell his family's story of being impacted by the criminal justice system and working to end the death penalty. He is the surviving brother of Durad, whose murder remains unsolved; another brother of his, Kevin, had his death sentence commuted by then-governor of Ohio Ted Strickland just 13 days prior to the day he was scheduled to be executed. As someone whose family members have experienced the system both as victims and as offender, he shares his unique perspective and efforts to end capital punishment.
11:45AM–12:30PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
4:45–5:30PM (London)
8:45-9:30AM (Los Angeles)
3:45-4:40AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 2 (Choose one session)
Who Counts? A Panel Discussion on Public Policy and Who it Values
Ryan Meek McGregor, Economist
Emiliano Vera, Rehumanize International
Budgets are moral documents, expressed in the virtue of prudence. How governments (local, state, and federal) allocate money and regulate commerce affects how society perceives families, pregnant people, and their children (born and unborn). Panelists discuss how public policy contributes to (and could counter) the dehumanization of children and the fear and alienation many feel while pregnant.
11:45AM–12:30PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
4:56–5:30PM (London)
8:45-9:30AM (Los Angeles)
3450-4:30AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 2 (Choose one session)
How Not to Blow a Historic Victory: Lessons from the Irish Abortion Debate Presented by The Minimise Project
Ben Conroy, The Minimise Project
Muireann Lynch, The Minimise Project
After Roe's overturn, a string of pro-choice referendum results have the movement on the back foot. We want to help the US movement learn from Ireland's mistakes. We explain why legal victories alone aren't sufficient, and how one-to-one conversations worked for the Irish pro-choice movement and can work for us too.
12:30PM–12:45PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
5:30–5:45PM (London)
9:30–9:45AM (Los Angeles)
4:30–4:45AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Networking Break
You can use this time to take a break, head over to the Expo tab to check out some of our sponsoring organizations, or, try the Networking feature to be randomly matched with another conference attendee!
12:45PM–1:30PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
5:45–6:30PM (London)
9:45-10:30AM (Los Angeles)
4:45-5:30AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
The Cloud of War: Understanding Veterans' Trauma, Promoting Veterans' Healing
Dr. Rachel MacNair, Consistent Life Network
Theresa Burke, Rachel's Vineyard
Peter Chacon, Eastern Oklahoma Catholic Charities
This panel discussion will explore the mental health of military veterans, including the trauma, moral injury, and healing work we can promote to stop the cycle of violence and pain. Research expert Rachel MacNair will discuss her work on PITS (perpetration-induced traumatic stress) in regards to veterans, then clinical-end psychologist Theresa Burke will talk about her work to heal this trauma through her ministry Duty to Heal. Finally, we will hear from Peter Chacon, a veteran who has been through this ministry, about his experiences.
1:30PM–2:00PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
6:30–7:00PM (London)
10:30-11:00AM (Los Angeles)
5:30-6:00AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 3 (Choose one session)
No One is Alone: Against the Lie of Autonomy
Leah Libresco Sargeant, Author
We can't build a just culture on a false anthropology. We hold people to the impossible standard of autonomy—standing on your own, and when people (the disabled, the unborn, the elderly) can't clear that bar, we are willing to kill them. Denying dependence places vulnerable lives at direct risk, but it harms us all, as we try to disguise what makes us human and connects us to each other—our need.
1:30PM–2:00PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
6:30–7:00PM (London)
10:30-11:00AM (Los Angeles)
5:30-6:00AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 3 (Choose one session)
From the Rivers to the Mountains, From the Federal Courts and City Scapes: Indigenous Peoples' Lives, Rights, & Dignity
Erin Phelps, Educator
This session will cover a brief overview of the history of the original people of the United States. This will include but not be limited to initial European contact, residential schools, Native American adoption laws, and missing and murdered indigenous people.
2:00–2:15PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
7:00–7:15PM (London)
11:00–11:15AM (Los Angeles)
6:00–6:15AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Networking Break
You can use this time to take a break, head over to the Expo tab to check out some of our sponsoring organizations, or, try the Networking feature to be randomly matched with another conference attendee!
2:15–3:00PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
7:15–8:00PM (London)
11:15AM-12:00PM (Los Angeles)
6:15-7:00AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
When Does Human Life Begin?: The Scientific Evidence
Dr. Maureen Condic
The question of when human life begins is a critical starting point for a reasoned debate on the challenging topics of abortion and human embryo research. While there is considerable disagreement over the legal and philosophical questions of whether and when a developing human embryo is a human person, the biological question of when human life begins is unambiguously resolved by the current scientific evidence.
3:00PM–3:45PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
8:00–8:45PM (London)
12:00-12:45PM (Los Angeles)
7:00-7:45AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 4 (Choose one session)
The Rights and Dignity of Our Embryonic Siblings: Why I'm Pursuing Embryo Adoption
Aimee Murphy, Rehumanize International
Over 400,000 tiny embryonic humans are stuck in freezers all over the United States, with millions more around the globe. A lucrative and scandalously unregulated fertility industry has led to this horrifically unsustainable situation where these tiny embryos are frozen in cryostasis, unable to live their lives. However, many in the scientific community disregard these consequences or desire to use such "leftover" embryos as parts for research. By weaving in her own story, Ms. Murphy will review the available scientific evidence and the ethical considerations of human dignity and human equality when it comes to human embryos, and share what led her and her spouse to pursue embryo adoption.
3:00PM–3:45PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
8:00–8:45PM (London)
12:00-12:45PM (Los Angeles)
7:00-7:45AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 4 (Choose one session)
Accompanying Refugees & Immigrants Fleeing Violence: Helping People Stranded in Nogales Presented by Kino Border Initiativ
Pedro de Velasco, Kino Border Initiative
This session will review the work Pedro does with the Kino Border Initiative (KBI). KBI seeks to promote humane, just, and workable migration through direct humanitarian assistance and holistic accompaniment of migrants in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, education and encounter to awaken solidarity with migrants, and policy advocacy in Mexico and the US. KBI provides services to thousands of migrant people each year, the vast majority of whom have fled their places of origin due to violence and who arrive to seek asylum in the United States.
3:45–4:00PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
8:45–9:00PM (London)
12:45–1:00PM (Los Angeles)
7:45–8:00AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Networking Break
You can use this time to take a break, head over to the Expo tab to check out some of our sponsoring organizations, or, try the Networking feature to be randomly matched with another conference attendee!
4:00PM–4:45PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
9:00–9:45PM (London)
1:00-1:45PM (Los Angeles)
8:00-8:45AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 5 (Choose one session)
Consistent Life Issues in Board Games
Kyle Murphy, Lawyer
This session will be a reflection on two facets of the board gaming hobby. The first is rehumanizing the other through personal interaction and shared experience. The second is exploring CLE issues in game design. This session will explore examples of the power of creative design to influence understanding of important issues.
4:00PM–4:45PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
9:00–9:45PM (London)
1:00-1:45PM (Los Angeles)
8:00-8:45AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 5 (Choose one session)
Art and Activism Workshop
Maria Oswalt, Rehumanize International
This workshop chat and chill will be an opportunity to talk about art and activism while doing some low-key art for activism.
4:45–5:30PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
9:45–10:30PM (London)
1:45–2:30PM (Los Angeles)
8:45–9:30AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Closing Guantanamo: Justice and Accountability
Mansoor Adayfi, Former Guantanamo Detainee
Closing Guantanamo is a matter of justice and accountability, aiming to put an end to the indefinite detention of individuals without due process. It underscores the need to adhere to the rule of law by addressing human rights violations and guaranteeing detainees' rights are upheld through case reviews. Advocates assert that closing Guantanamo is vital in reestablishing the United States' commitment to justice and human rights on the global stage, while holding those responsible for any wrongdoing accountable for their actions.
5:30–5:45PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
10:30–10:45PM (London)
2:30–2:45PM (Los Angeles)
9:30–9:45AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Networking Break
You can use this time to take a break, head over to the Expo tab to check out some of our sponsoring organizations, or, try the Networking feature to be randomly matched with another conference attendee!
5:45–6:30PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
10:45–11:30PM (London)
2:45-3:30PM (Los Angeles)
9:45-10:30AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 6 (Choose one session)
Fostering Noncooperation with Planned Parenthood
Dr. Rachel MacNair, Consistent Life Network
Peace activists think in terms of noncooperation with violent institutions, so encouraging those now using Planned Parenthood to instead non-cooperate is a strategy we would naturally think of. This is an interactive session that will cover resources available for documentation on medical dangers, sexual abuse, labor problems, and racism. We'll also cover resources for sending people to alternative places for the legitimate medical services PP provides.
5:45PM–6:30PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
10:45–11:30PM (London)
2:45-3:30PM (Los Angeles)
9:45-10:30AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 6 (Choose one session)
5 Things Pro-Lifers Need to Know About Adoption & Choosing Life: A Firstmom's Hard-Won Wisdom
Marcia Lane-McGee, Author
Having made the choice to place her son for adoption over 20 years ago, Marcia Lane-McGee knows the joy among the pain of a lifelong decision. She will share the five things we as pro-lifers need to know as we accompany women, understand the reality and the realness of making an adoption plan, and how the narrative falls short.
6:30–7:15PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
11:30PM–12:15AM, Nov. 12 (London)
3:30–4:15PM (Los Angeles)
10:30–11:15AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Not Dead Yet: Disability Justice Activists Struggle Against Assisted Suicide Presented by Not Dead Yet
Anita Cameron, Not Dead Yet
Hear from Anita Cameron, Director of Minority Outreach for Not Dead Yet, as she discusses the topic of assisted suicide, disability justice. Anita Cameron has met with national and state policy makers and written persuasively about opposition to a public policy of assisted suicide from the perspective of communities of color who experience disparities in access to healthcare.
7:15–7:30PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
12:15–12:30AM, Nov. 12 (London)
4:15–4:30PM (Los Angeles)
11:15–11:30AM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Networking Break
You can use this time to take a break, head over to the Expo tab to check out some of our sponsoring organizations, or, try the Networking feature to be randomly matched with another conference attendee!
7:30PM–8:15PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
12:30–1:15AM, Nov. 12 (London)
4:30-5:15PM (Los Angeles)
11:30-12:15PM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 7 (Choose one session)
Social and Political Inclusion of Pro-Life People Presented by Consistent Life Network
Lisa Stiller, Consistent Life Network
Lois Kerschen, Consistent Life Network
The speakers have experienced ostracism, dehumanization, and violence by opponents to the pro-life position. The right to be fully engaged as citizens has been hampered, which is unjust and impedes healthy, cooperative dialogue. Following a review of our experiences and of our actions that resulted in cooperation, or not, we will invite others to share their productive outreach and give practical tips. This is a session to inspire invitations and provide tips for peaceful interactions and discussions.
7:30PM–8:15PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
12:30–1:15AM, Nov. 12 (London)
4:30-5:15PM (Los Angeles)
11:30-12:15PM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Breakout 7 (Choose one session)
Life on Death Row: The Death Penalty and its Alternatives
Sam Heath, Equal Justice USA
23 U.S. states have repealed the death penalty and public support for it is at a half-century low, yet the United States stands in opposition to the 70% of the world's countries that do not engage in state executions. While the death penalty must end, we also need to pursue alternatives. Come hear how we can respond to harm without continuing the cycle of violence.
8:15–8:45PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
1:15–1:45AM, Nov. 12 (London)
5:15–5:45PM (Los Angeles)
12:15–12:45PM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Rehumanize Your World
Aimee Murphy, Rehumanize International
After spending the day learning about human dignity, the systems of violence we live with today, and ways we can counter them and work for peace, this session will give attendees some practical steps towards building a world beyond violence in our own communities and propel action going forward.
8:45–9:00PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
1:45–2:00AM, Nov. 12 (London)
5:45–6:00PM (Los Angeles)
12:45–1:00PM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Closing Remarks
Aimee Murphy, Maria Oswalt, and Teresa Aquilina
A brief farewell message from the Rehumanize team. Thank you for attending the 2022 Rehumanize Conference!
9:00PM–10:00PM (NYC/Eastern Time)
2:00–3:00AM, Nov. 12 (London)
6:00–7:00PM (Los Angeles)
1:00–2:00PM, Nov. 12 (Sydney, AUS)
Rehumanize Allies and Chapters Strategy Networking
The event is formally over. If you want to become connected with a Rehumanize chapter or allied group or start one of your own, join their conversation in this session! (Current chapters include Boise ID, Madison WI, DC/MD/VA, Toronto, and Chicago IL.)