Ways to Stay Engaged This Summer: July 5 Edition

Just because it is summertime doesn’t mean you can’t 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. All available volunteer opportunities here. Do you have ideas we should include in future editions? Let us know by emailing info@acslaw.org! 

ACS's Run. Vote. Work. Initiative
ACS is launching our Run. Vote. Work. Campaign, which will focus on increasing voter engagement on down-ballot races, advocating for voting rights and non-partisan redistricting, mobilizing and educating voters about their rights, and connecting our members with special opportunities to support voting rights and election integrity. You can find ways to get involved on our website.

One of the best ways you can help preserve our democracy this year is by becoming a poll worker. That’s why we’re asking you to take our pledge and to become a poll worker this year. After you sign the pledge, we’ll provide you with the information necessary to get active in your state.

Join If/When/How’s Reproductive Justice Lawyers Network
If/When/How has created a Reproductive Justice Lawyers Network to bring together a powerful, nationwide group of legal professionals who want to mobilize for reproductive justice. The network will fight together, learn together, and advocate for reproductive justice together. When you become a member, you’ll gain access to a variety of skill-building workshops, continuing education credits, exclusive networking events, and volunteer opportunities. Wherever you are in your career, whatever your skillset, and wherever you live, there’s a place for you in this work. You can learn more and become a member here.

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.

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 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

Submitting a comment for a federal or state notice of proposed rulemaking is one of the simplest and essential ways for the public to participate in the rulemaking process. ACS is looking for volunteers to monitor agency notices in the Federal Register for a project allowing lawyers and law students to participate in federal and state notice and comment processes. Learn more about these opportunities on the ACS Notice and Comment Page, and email LCEmails@acslaw.org if you’d like to get involved.