Facing Race is back! This time in Raleigh, NC — November 12-14, 2026.

Safety & Security at Facing Race 2026

Ensuring the safety, dignity, and well being of all participants at Facing Race is a top priority for Race Forward and the Facing Race Planning Team.

Organizing Facing Race 2026 takes place within a complex and evolving national landscape. Across the country, racial justice organizations, communities of color, immigrants, and movement leaders continue to face heightened political attacks, surveillance, and threats. We are also convening amid ongoing public health considerations related to COVID-19 and other communicable illnesses.

In response to these realities, the Facing Race Planning Team, in close partnership with Race Forward leadership, has proactively developed a comprehensive safety and security approach grounded in care, preparedness, and accountability.

Our approach to safety and security includes:

  • Identifying and coordinating internal and external resources to support participant safety
  • Planning for a range of potential scenarios, including public safety disruptions and health-related concerns
  • Establishing a clear communications protocol and internal chain of command for timely decision-making related to safety and security
  • Working closely with venue partners to align on safety procedures and emergency response plans
  • Centering de-escalation, harm reduction, and community-informed practices wherever possible

Immigration enforcement and travel considerations

We recognize that many attendees, our community, particularly immigrants, undocumented people, mixed-status families, and those who are routinely targeted by state violence, are navigating heightened risk in the current moment. Immigration enforcement activity varies by location and circumstance, and Race Forward does not have the ability to control or prevent actions taken by federal or local authorities outside of conference spaces.

Race Forward and Facing Race are committed to doing everything within our control as an event to support participant safety while convening this conference. At the same time, we want to be clear and transparent: each individual must make their own informed decision about whether to travel and attend Facing Race 2026 based on their personal circumstances and risk assessment.

We strongly encourage participants to:

  • Consider their own safety needs and comfort level when deciding to travel
  • Consult trusted legal resources or community organizations if they have concerns related to immigration status or enforcement
  • Take care of themselves and their communities in ways that feel right and necessary

Digital & Privacy Safety

For everyone’s safety and privacy, we kindly request that attendees refrain from using any geotags when posting on social media until after the convening has concluded. This helps us maintain a secure and community-centered space for all participants.

What is Geotagging? Geotagging is a feature that adds location information to photos, videos, or posts shared online. Please refrain from sharing your location (state, city, and precise address) in content and photos posted on Instagram/Facebook/Snapchat posts and/or stories.

Please refrain from taking photos of anyone without their prior expressed permission. And please do not post or tag them on photos on any social media channels without their expressed permission.

Please take advantage of the Whova app to circulate photos of your experience in this enclosed platform, only accessible to registered attendees.

Location Privacy

For safety reasons, the exact locations of the conference venue and hotel block will only be provided to registered attendees. Please do not share this information publicly or on social media.

Ongoing Communication

Safety and security information will be updated as needed, leading up to Facing Race. Any time-sensitive updates will be communicated directly to registered attendees through the Whova Event app.

Facing Race exists to support movement builders, truth-tellers, and organizers working toward a racially just future. We are holding that responsibility with care, humility, and seriousness, while honoring that participation is always a personal choice.

COVID-19 Policy

At Race Forward, we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive space that prioritizes the well-being of our entire community, especially those most vulnerable. Our COVID-19 policy is designed with disability justice principles in mind and will be updated as needed.

Masks

  • Masking is strongly encouraged throughout the conference, regardless of vaccination status.
  • A limited amount of KN-95 masks will be available at registration free of charge.
  • Some sessions may be designated Mask Required at the request of facilitators.

Vaccination

  • Proof of vaccination is not required, but we strongly encourage attendees to be fully vaccinated and up to date on boosters.

Testing & Check-In

To ensure a safe and smooth experience for all attendees, the following COVID-19 testing protocols will be in place:

  • All attendees and guests are asked to test for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to arriving at the conference.
  • At registration, please be prepared to show proof of your negative test result. The photo must be dated within the 48-hour testing window (a picture of your test is sufficient—do not bring the test itself).
  • A limited number of complimentary test kits will be available at the registration area.
    • A designated COVID Mitigation Room will be available at the convention center. Location to be announced closer to the event.
    • After confirming your negative test result, you’ll proceed to a kiosk to complete your check-in, where you’ll receive a swag bag and conference badge.
    • If you test positive, please return to your hotel room and notify the Facing Race team via email at [email protected].
  • We strongly encourage daily testing before entering shared spaces.
  • All attendees are asked to wear well-fitting masks that cover both nose and mouth while in indoor shared spaces.

Testing protocols may be adjusted based on national, state, and local health guidelines.

If You Have Symptoms

  • If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc.), please do not attend the conference.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 during the event, we ask that you stay in isolation and notify event staff.
  • We understand that unforeseen circumstances, including COVID-19, may impact your ability to attend. As such, we offer the following options:
    • Partial Refund: If you are unable to attend, you may request a 25% refund up to August 30, 2026. Refunds will not be issued after this date.
    • Ticket Transfer: You may transfer your ticket to another individual within your organization or network at no additional cost. 
    • Scholarship Donation: If you do not wish to receive a partial refund or transfer your ticket, you may choose to donate your ticket to someone who would otherwise be unable to afford attendance. Your generosity will help further our mission. Please notify us at [email protected] to assist with this process.

General Health & Safety Practices

  • Follow these recommendations for COVID-19 prevention, including:
    • Practicing good hand hygiene (hand sanitizing stations will be available).
    • Maintaining physical distance when possible.
    • Staying informed about the latest health updates.
       

By working together, we can create a safe and welcoming space for all. Thank you for your support!

For any questions, contact [email protected].