NEW YORK CITY BAR ASSOCIATION CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP FORM

The City Bar is seeking to enhance civic education in New York City. Our focus is on the City’s public school system, through grade 12. We define civic education broadly, including the justice system, governmental structure and processes, rights, legal topics, civic participation and civic advocacy.

Our concern is that not enough students are adequately exposed to any of these topics, despite the efforts of many educators as well as many in the legal community. We have met with several civic education organizations and believe that lawyers not only have a role to play in enhancing civic knowledge and participation, but would be welcome if they volunteered to assist in civic preparedness.

Following are the organizations we are working with and that would be pleased to have lawyers (and in some cases, non-lawyers) volunteer with them:

To match volunteers with appropriate opportunities, we have created this form. Once you complete the form, the information will be made available to organizations that are involving volunteers in their civic education efforts. You may hear from the City Bar or directly from one of the groups regarding opportunities. It is possible that many of the opportunities will be virtual, though working with students in person is most desirable.

Thank you for your interest.

A. Identifying Information

Your Name *

Firm or Place of Employment *

Home or business address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Type of practice setting (e.g., large firm, mid-size firm, small firm, solo, corporate, government, academia, nonprofit, other) *

Number of years of legal practice *

Areas of concentration *

B. Related Experience

What experience, if any, have you had working with students? This could include professional or volunteer work. In particular, have been involved with students in any of the activities described in section C?

What experience have you had in speaking to nonlawyers regarding any civic-related or legal subjects, or participating in any of the activities in section C?

Feel free to describe any civic activities you have engaged in that would be relevant.

C. Volunteer Opportunities

Which of the following activities would you be interested in participating in (list as many as you want): *

D. Logistics, Etc.

If you are a judge, would you be willing to invite students into your courtroom to see it in action, and then meet with students afterward?

If you have the requisite background, would you be willing to advise or assist civic education organizations regarding policy advocacy?

Many of the City’s schools may be a significant distance from your office. Would you be willing to travel to one of these schools, if required by the project (some projects may be virtual, and some may be in-person)? If so, what are your travel limitations, if any?

Would you be willing to commit to several interactions with a school or class during a school year, understanding that would be schedule-permitting? [Ongoing contact may be the most effective means of conducting various projects.]

Do you have contacts with a principal or teachers in a New York City school that you would be willing to share, so that we or a civic education organization could reach out to gauge interest in civic education programs? If so, please describe:

Please provide any information below that you think will further help organizations decide what opportunities are right for you: