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Building or Expanding a Pro Bono Program

Building or Expanding a Pro Bono Program. Michael B. Misenheimer NFPA Pro Bono Conference 2010. Before You Begin. Identify area(s) of interest to you: If you have an interest in it, your drive will be increased which will fuel your passion to make it a reality. Think locally and nationally.

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Building or Expanding a Pro Bono Program

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  1. Building or Expanding a Pro Bono Program Michael B. Misenheimer NFPA Pro Bono Conference 2010

  2. Before You Begin • Identify area(s) of interest to you: If you have an interest in it, your drive will be increased which will fuel your passion to make it a reality. Think locally and nationally. • Once you identify area(s) of interest, conduct some field research to see if there is a legal entity already assisting your targeted area. • If so, reach out to them to find out if there is any way you can assist their cause, show your interest and willingness to assist. Most will be glad you are there to help. • Recruit others to help with the cause by forming a pro bono committee.

  3. Before You Begin (con’t) • If there is not, reach out to others in the area who you think may be interested in serving this unmet population. • Social networking sites, local paralegal associations, local and\or state bar associations, non-profits are all great sources for finding others to connect with. • Once you connect with them, form a pro bono committee.

  4. Forming a Pro Bono Committee • If you are part of a local or state paralegal association, form a committee within your local organization. • If you are not part of a local organization, consider reaching out to others who have the same interest and form a committee. • Committees are extremely important because you can’t possibly do everything yourself. There are just not enough hours in the day.

  5. Forming a Committee (con’t) • When forming a committee, you want to be selective of those who are on the committee: • You want people who have a passion for giving back to the community, who authentically want to assist those who would not otherwise have access to the legal system. • Look for people who are willing to produce.

  6. Once Committee is Formed • Set up regular meetings: • Set the agenda/plan of action; • Stay on topic; • If necessary, assign homework; • Take minutes • Regular meetings hold the committee accountable to each other and if applicable, their associations.

  7. First Meeting • Your first meeting should be a brainstorming session: • What is the purpose of the committee? • What are the goals of the committee? • What areas of interest will the committee focus? • Do you want sub-committees or titles? • As a committee, you must develop a plan. Without a roadmap, where will you know to go?

  8. Future Meetings • Future meetings should focus on how to achieve the goals set forth in the first meeting. • Contact local and state bar associates, paralegal associations, law schools, etc. and advise them of the areas of interest or the program you want to get involved with and\or what programs you are in the process of designing and implementing. Ask them if they want to get involved.

  9. Train Your Volunteers • Trainings can be tedious; yet, they are necessary to ensure the longevity of your program. May need to have multiple trainings per year. • Design a training that will educate volunteers on your program. What is involved? What is expected of the volunteers? What role will they play in the project? • Can you get CLE credit for this training? • In each training, touch on areas that are crucial: client interviewing, diversity, UPL- to name a few.

  10. Once Program is Up and Running: • Promote your program by reaching out to your target audience. • Advertise your program in paralegal newsletters and magazines, state and local bar association newspapers, website, e-zines, social networking sites, etc. • Promoting your project will inspire others to get involved, can lead to monetary donations, gaining more volunteers, etc.

  11. Important Things to Remember: • The client is the heart and soul of the project. Without them, there would be no project. • Details are important: have volunteers wear name tags, treat each client as though they are paying for the services of your project. • Volunteers are just as important as clients. Treat them accordingly. • Always promote, promote, promote.

  12. Michael Misenheimer • Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. I am here to help, if at all possible. • Email: mmisenheimer@gmail.com • Phone: (404) 545-4541

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