Our Why

A record shouldn’t last a lifetime, and neither should the barriers that come along with it.  

That’s why we work everyday to help as many people as possible get the resources they need to reduce the barriers they experience. 

We know that one can not  “simply” reenter society,  And the 4.5 million others in America on probation or parole can testify about the difficulties they faced trying to get life back in order. 

National Expungement Works is run by people who thrive in spite of this system. We know first hand what it’s like to be on your own, trying to do your best with little to no resources. 

We know a safer, more just society is possible. We are working, day in and day out, to make that dream a reality.

Story of us

N.E.W. is a coalition of grassroots organizers from across the country who advocate for access to record relief and wraparound services that go beyond record clearance.  These services create and sustain both personal and public benefit. 

In 2018, we held the first-ever National Expungement Week, which included 18 events in 15 cities across the U.S. 

In 2019, we aimed to double our reach and impact, and we succeeded by serving over 3,000 people. N.E.W. 2019 featured more than 40 events in 30 cities. 

2020 marked the third annual N.E.W., and it was a year like no other. Despite all of the complications caused by the pandemic that were compounded by the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, which highlighted - once again - the brutality of racism experienced by Black and Brown communities, our organizers convened 70 events that touched over 4,000 people in 24 cities. 

Collectively, over the last three years, we have created nearly $18 million in public benefit. This includes increased wages, reduced public spending, and other benefits.*

Now, National Expungement Week has evolved into National Expungement Works - the source for services, advocacy, support, and solidarity, every day of the year. We expect to serve more people, to advocate for broader and deeper legal relief, and to lift up more communities that have been harmed by decades of a racial injustice. 

We hope you will join us in this healing work.