Ways to Stay Engaged While You Stay Home: March 3 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! 

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. 

Help Create Resources for School Civics Education

This year we are adding a new virtual, interactive component to Constitution in the Classroom, and we need your help! Volunteer to help research and write questions on various Constitutional topics for elementary, middle, and high school students. Volunteers can start right away and the time commitment is a few hours a week. To learn more or volunteer, email LCEmails@acslaw.org.

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 Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) is seeking comment by March 15 on a proposed rule that revises the way HUD-assisted housing is inspected and evaluated. This rule, the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), proposes a new approach to defining and assessing housing quality, that will reduce regulatory burden and improve HUD oversight through the alignment and consolidation of the inspection regulations used to evaluate HUD housing across multiple programs, which are currently evaluating housing quality through differing standards, protocols, and frequencies. Comments may be submitted here: http://www.regulations.gov or in writing, to the Office of the General Counsel, Rules Docket Clerk, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0001.

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.