Ways to Stay Engaged While You Stay Home: January 7 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! 

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. For more information and to volunteer, please email LCEmails@acslaw.org.

Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action

Black Lives Matter at School is a national coalition advocating for racial justice in education. They are holding an annual Week of Action focusing on implementing resources on restorative justice and creating more opportunities for teachers of color. During the week of January 31- February 4, 2022, BLM in School encourages educators, students, parents, unions, and community organizations to get involved to raise awareness for the movement and the demands for BLM in School Week of Action. Volunteers can find educational curriculum, discussion guides, and more information on how to get involved here.

Volunteer with Immigration Justice Campaign

The Immigration Justice Campaign needs pro bono attorneys to represent individuals in immigration court proceedings – both those who are imprisoned in ICE detention centers around the country and those who were previously subject to the Migrant Protection Protocols and are now living in the U.S. All opportunities are fully remote, but could change in the future. The Immigration Justice Campaign provides resources, hands on guides, and mentors to help volunteers. Find out more and sign up here.

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. 

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. 

Notice & Comment Opportunities

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families is extending the deadline to January 25 for the submission of public comments in response to its December 10, 2021 notice on recommendations to minimize the separation of migrant parents and legal guardians and children entering the United States, consistent with the law. This input will help in the drafting of a report required by the Executive order titled "Establishment of the Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families." Comments may be submitted to: https://www.regulations.gov.

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.