Ways to Stay Engaged While You Stay Home: October 20 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! 

Pro Bono Attorneys Needed to Help Election Officials

Election officials face an increasing wave of state laws subjecting them to criminal penalties for performing their professional duties, while at the same time facing threats of violence to themselves and their families. This comes in the wake of the 2020 election and its aftermath, despite that election being the most secure and transparent election in American history. The Election Officials Legal Defense Network is providing these public servants with the advice and protection they need, at no cost and is looking for pro bono attorneys to help in this effort. To find out more and get involved, reach out to LCEmails@acslaw.org. 

Provide Pro Bono Assistance to Afghan Refugees

The Humanitarian Legal Assistance Project is a refugee assistance project operating under the Human First Coalition to help Afghans apply for asylum, refugee status, and travel documents to escape the danger in Afghanistan after the American withdrawal from the region. They are providing legal services and representation in completing and filing documents with USCIS as well as connecting fleeing Afghans to Humanitarian Parole sponsors, shelter in Afghanistan, and transportation out of Afghanistan. The project needs volunteers with or without legal immigration experience with aid workers on the ground, and track cases in the US immigration system, among other tasks. To find out more and get involved, reach out to LCEmails@acslaw.org. 

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. 

Help Create Civics Education Content

ACS has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Alameda, CA on an educational trivia game. The game, VerifyIt!, is geared towards middle and high school students to educate them on voting rights and various Constitutional issue areas. VerifyIt! is looking for volunteers to help with content creation including drafting questions and answers for new games. Explore the VerifyIt! game here and if you'd like to get involved, email LCEmails@acslaw.org. 

Raise Awareness for Voting Rights in Your Community

ACS has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Alameda, CA on an educational trivia game. The game, VerifyIt!, is geared towards middle and high school students to educate them on voting rights and various Constitutional issue areas. VerifyIt! is looking for volunteers to help with content creation including drafting questions and answers for new games. Explore the VerifyIt! Game here and if you'd like to get involved, email LCEmails@acslaw.org. 

Open Justice Police Accountability Volunteer Project

The Chicago Justice Project is seeking law student volunteers to assist in transparency research related to the impact of state legislation, collective bargaining agreements, & court precedent on the accessibility of data & records from local, county, and state criminal justice agencies across all 50 states. CJP asks that volunteers dedicate 5 - 10 hours per week to research, and all work will be done remotely this Fall. For more information and to volunteer, please email LCEmails@acslaw.org.

Notice & Comment Opportunities

The Department of Education is seeking comment by November 4 on a proposed rule to require the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This requirement is intended to promote accountability and transparency and ensure that each State educational agency and each local educational agency meets the statutory requirement to maintain equity. Comments may be submitted to www.regulations.gov or by mail to the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3W113, Washington, DC, 20202. Read more from The Washington Post and The Brookings Institution.

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.