Ways to Stay Engaged While You Stay Home: March 31 Edition

During these unprecedented times, ACS continues to provide a virtual forum for our network to engage and work toward a Constitution that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Here are some ways to help you stay engaged while in-person events are canceled, and you can view all available volunteer opportunities here. Do you have ideas we should include in future editions? Let us know by emailing info@acslaw.org! 

Law Student Volunteers Needed to Help with Progressive Local Policy Work

The Harris County Attorney’s Office is looking for remote law student volunteers to help on a variety of progressive special projects. Some areas of focus include consumer protection, environmental justice, economic justice, criminal justice reform, and voting rights. The office is hoping volunteers can commit to at least 10 hours a week for 8 weeks (though more is welcome!) and volunteers do not need to be based in Texas. If you are interested, please reach out at LCEmails@acslaw.org for more details.  

Volunteer to help with the COVID-19 Eviction Crisis

Pro bono attorneys are urgently needed to help with COVID-related eviction cases across the country. Local legal aid organizations have varying needs and offer support, training, and supervision of pro bono cases. Email LCEmails@acslaw.org to find out more about opportunities available in your area. 

Join Constitution in the Classroom Virtually this Spring

Constitution in the Classroom brings ACS members into schools to raise awareness of fundamental constitutional principles. As lawyers and law students, ACS members have an important resource they can share with students: their knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution. ACS prepares topical lesson plans every year that volunteers use in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. This year, the lessons are focused on our 20th anniversary theme, Race and the Constitution. Learn more about the program and sign up to participate here.  

COVID-19 Compassionate Release Pro Bono

The Compassionate Release Clearing House is seeking pro bono attorneys to be matched with qualified individuals in federal prisons who are applying for compassionate release. The COVID-19 pandemic has made release for those who qualify all the more urgent, and the Clearing House has received over 400 requests for legal aid. Visit their website to sign up and email LCEmails@acslaw.org to let us know if you volunteer.

Notice & Comment Opportunities

The Census Bureau is requesting comment by May 20 on proposed criteria for defining urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Decennial Census. It also provides a description of the changes from the final criteria used for the 2010 Census. Comments may be emailed here: geo.urban@census.gov, to Vincent Osier, Geographic Standards, Criteria, and Quality Branch, Geography Division, U.S. Census Bureau.

Learn more about these opportunities on the ACS Notice and Comment Page. Check out our Notice and Comment Webinar and email LCEmails@acslaw.org with any questions.