On Wednesday May 7 2025, community members gathered in Worcester for a powerful Clean Slate Info Session hosted by Neighbor to Neighbor. The session was meant to answer questions about what the passage of the bill would mean for residents of the Commonwealth. It was also a space to share stories of resilience by people who have continued to be punished by the morality of society for an old or outdated record that continues to follow them around.

The conversation was honest, urgent, and grounded in real-life impact. Clean Slate legislation would automatically seal certain criminal records after a set period of time, giving thousands of people across Massachusetts a fair shot at housing, jobs, and dignity. And for communities of color who are disproportionately targeted by policing and incarceration this policy is about survival.

We heard stories from people directly impacted by the system: those who’ve served their time, paid their dues, and are still being punished every time they apply for work or try to rent an apartment. These are our neighbors. Our family. Our community. They deserve a system that recognizes their full humanity not one that keeps them locked out of opportunity forever.

But this session is only about what’s wrong but also about what’s possible and what we can do. Attendees were asked to help by urging their legislators to throw their support behind the bill, sharing info with their networks, and joining the push to get Clean Slate passed this legislative session.

Because here’s the truth: the system was designed to fail some people. But we’re building something different.

As we left the session, the message was clear: this isn’t just about policy. It’s about people. And Neighbor to Neighbor is ready to lead.

We won’t stop until Clean Slate is the law of the land in Massachusetts. Because everyone deserves a real second chance.