Authors: Nathan M. Ciulla and Gabriel Evelyn
As a new year begins, a popular tradition for many people is making resolutions, goals that we hope to attain to better our lives in the new year. Although these can be hard to keep (as can be seen by the dwindling number of people in gyms from January to the following months), they are much easier to make happen if those goals are something you are truly passionate about. As we make new year career goals for ourselves, there are also collective goals that we can accomplish as a legal community. One worthy goal is to keep in mind the under-resourced communities that do not have equal access to justice and to find ways to help make equal access more of a reality.
As legal professionals, we see the gaps in justice that keep certain communities of people from accessing the resources they need. Although we ourselves often feel helpless, there are many organizations throughout Chicago that are already doing work to provide resources to these communities. While change doesn’t happen overnight, even small successes are worth the effort and worth celebrating. By making the effort to work towards resolving even one issue, we can start to close those gaps. Your effort, passion and resources are important to doing this work and can be the difference that people need. Although working towards equal access to justice may seem daunting at first, there are key ideas that we can remember to ensure that we continue to strive for this ideal.
First, know what your passionate about. Even in equal justice, there are many groups of people that need to have access to resources that we can help. Groups such as immigrants, minorities, senior citizens, and the LGBTQIA+ communities often have experienced gaps in justice. To attempt to help all these groups would seem like a task too tall to tackle. Thinking about one group that you are passionate about serving, however, can help narrow your focus and encourage you to start the fight. For example: as people of color, we’re passionate about helping minority groups, who have been traditionally under-resourced. If you’re particularly close to a grandparent, perhaps seeking ways to help senior citizens would suit you well.
Second, never stop learning, regardless of how far along you are in your career. The more you learn, the better resource you can be to people and the more you will see where these gaps lie. Look around you and find resources you already have access to that you may not have known about previously. Are there people in your office who are already working with social justice organizations? Will your supervising attorney cover the costs of taking a webinar or CLE on pro bono work? You may be surprised by how many attorneys are willing to support non-attorney legal professionals who desire to help others.
Third, partner with people to find ways to help. Trying to do this on your own will leave you much more likely to feel overwhelmed and give up. Partnering with people or groups that are working in these communities will not only encourage you to start action, but it will also help to ensure that what you are doing is making the kind of difference that people need. At the Chicago Paralegal Association, our Pro Bono director seeks partnerships with organizations around the Chicagoland area that serve many different types of community groups. Our members can contribute to those organizations’ causes by volunteering for them through the CPA. In the days of “Googling,” a simple search can help you find many organizations that are working to help under-resourced communities and why that change is needed.
Fourth, listen to those in need. Set up meetings with people in marginalized communities and listen to the struggles they’ve had when it comes to equal access to justice. First-hand accounts of where these gaps exist are essential to create effective, lasting change. You can also talk to leaders of nonprofit organizations and hear about what they’ve learned and experienced, as well as where the difficulties are in creating change. Listening is one of the best resources you have when it comes to doing pro bono work.
Last, but definitely not least, remember that we all are human. We all go through ups and downs trying to build up communities and their resources. At times, this work can feel draining and discouraging, and we can start to feel a sense of hopelessness when faced with seemingly insurmountable issues. While we are passionate about the causes we choose to champion, we also must give ourselves the grace to work through our emotions; acknowledge them as valid; accept them as a part of the struggles of change; and ultimately continue persevering with our labor. We must remember to be intentional about not only our work, but also our hope and belief that said work will lead to change. Change, especially within the legal world, can be slow, but with a positive, hopeful intention and the perseverance to match, change will not only come, it will eventually flourish.
We hope that you are inspired to consider your passion when it comes to social justice work and serving people who are being marginalized. Listening, learning, discovering your passion, and partnering with those in the field are invaluable in getting started and following through. You are a change maker, and your effort can make a difference in one person’s life. Your expertise, drive and effort are needed. Equal justice depends on it.
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