THE FLORIDA BAR YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION AFFILIATE OUTREACH CONFERENCE (“AOC”) 2018 GRANT APPLICATION BY THE ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA (“APABA”)
I. SHORT PROJECT TITLE: APABA Presents “An Injunction Against Hate: Vietnamese Fishermen v. The Ku Klux Klan”
II. CONTACT INFORMATION: Project Contact Persons and Emails: • Benjamin Dowers, [email protected] • Allyn Ginns Ayers, [email protected] • Guy Kamealoha Noa, [email protected] • Vanessa L. Chen, [email protected] • Sandy Chiu, [email protected]
Address: 2385 N.W. Executive Center Drive, Suite 300, Boca Raton, Florida, 33431 Telephone: 561-443-0821 Website www.apabasfla.org Project Presenters: Guy Kamealoha
III. DESCRIBE YOUR AFFILIATE
APABA is a non-profit, voluntary bar organization of Asian Pacific American (“APA”) attorneys and law students in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, composed presently of approximately 50-due paying members. APABA is dedicated to ensuring that the APA community is effectively represented in South Florida. APABA’s goals and objectives include working towards civil rights reform, combating anti-immigrant agendas and hate crimes, increasing diversity in federal, state, and local government, and promoting professional development. The overriding mission of APABA is to combat discrimination against all minorities and to promote diversity in the legal profession.
In 2017, APABA received funding for its AOC project titled “The Legacy of Fred T. Korematsu and the Fight Against Injustice.” In relation to that project, APABA will host a two-part project. The first part will involve APABA working with the Fred T. Korematsu Institute to distribute curriculum kits to various elementary and/or high school classrooms through South Florida for teachers to educate their students about Mr. Korematsu and his legacy. The second part will involve APABA presenting a reenactment of Mr. Korematsu’s trial to lawyers, community leaders,
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and students who studied the curriculum kits. APABA also purchased copies of two types of educational books regarding internment camps, one designed for children and one for adults, which will be distributed to reenactment attendees on a first- come, first-served basis.
IV. SUMMARIZE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR REQUEST
APABA seeks to raise awareness and educate the community on the familiar themes of discrimination and civil rights in the context of immigration to the United States. In the aftermath of the Fall of Saigon in 1975, Vietnamese immigrants arrived in the Gulf Coast and became fisherman. These immigrants were the subject of terrorizing tactics from the Ku Klux Klan (“KKK”) designed to drive them out. Specifically, the KKK practiced guerilla tactics at secret paramilitary camps and tried to destroy Vietnamese-Americans’ fishing businesses by burning their boats and threatening their lives prior to the start of the shrimping season. Rather than submit to the physical, emotional, and economic pressures of the KKK, the immigrants fought back with a lawsuit (Vietnamese Fishermen’s Association v. Knights of the Ku Klux Klan) seeking a preliminary injunction against those terroristic actions, invoking not only civil rights statutes and the United States Constitution, but also the Sherman Antitrust Act. During the pendency of the lawsuit, the Texas legislature passed a law limiting the number of shrimping licenses that could be issued – a facially race-neutral measure that would have the disparate effect of economically harm the Vietnamese immigrants. The federal district judge granted a permanent injunction against the KKK and others because “it is in the public interest to enjoin [the Klan’s] self-help tactics of threats of violence and intimidation and permit individuals to pursue their chosen occupation free from racial animus.” That injunction stopped the KKK’s terror campaign and shut down the KKK’s paramilitary training bases. Morris Dees, the co-founder and chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center, was the attorney who led the lawsuit against the KKK and was the subject of numerous death threats.
APABA would seek to rehearse and present a reenactment of the hearing, with its members taking on the various roles. That hearing led the federal district judge to issue the historic injunction that stopped the KKK’s terror campaign and ended the KKK’s paramilitary training camps and activities. APABA intends to obtain a copy of the script from an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, who has created a script based on the deposition and hearing transcripts and other research materials. APABA will invite lawyers, and non- lawyers, including community leaders and students. In addition, APABA seeks to purchase copies of two types of educational books – one summarizing the cases
2 brought by the Southern Poverty Law Center and the other being a guide for teachers, counselors, and administrators on responding to hate at school for children, to be distributed respectively at the reenactment and to schools.
V. PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION
The same anti-immigrant discriminatory rhetoric present in Vietnamese Fishermen’s Association v. Knights of the Ku Klux Klan are regrettably still present today. This case provides the opportunity for APABA to educate local communities about these struggles and to inspire them to speak up and fight injustice in its many forms, especially for marginalized, underresourced, and underrepresented groups.
APABA seeks to educate the public on the legacy of this case, its relevance as underscored by current events today, and to inspire individuals to fight injustice through this two-part project. These objectives are important to APABA because they further our overriding mission: to combat discrimination against all minorities and to promote diversity in the legal profession. This project will provide services to the community at large and students by teaching them about this case, especially the importance of courageous individuals like the fishermen who refused to be intimidated and their allies like Morris Dees and the Southern Poverty Law Center and the importance of an independent federal judiciary as a bulwark to protect marginalized groups.
VI. PROJECT EVALUATION AND TIMELINE
APABA will measure the effectiveness of this project based on the level of attendance at the reenactment, the feedback the attendees provide, the level of participation of students as they taught about the significance of this case, and the feedback the students provide. APABA will consider the reenactment a success if 75 or more members of the community attend and if the teachers provide positive feedback about their experience and their students’ experience learning about the case.
APABA proposes the following timeline to implement the project:
• January through March 2019: o Review the script, cast the actors for the reenactment, secure a venue, and prepare flyers and advertising for it. o Connect with teachers and schools regarding the upcoming reenactment.
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• April through August 2019: o Hold rehearsals for the actors o Finalize the list of teachers and schools interested in the reenactment o Promote and advertise the reenactment to the community o Plant light bites and refreshments menu o Order books for distribution at reenactment • September through October 2019: o Invite teachers and students to the reenactment. o Hold the reenactment. • October 2019: Submit closing report to the YLD
VII. PROJECT ORGANIZATION
APABA’s president will head the project, with assistance from the organization’s officers and directors (most of whom are younger APA lawyers and law students), and local APA volunteers, as needed. Moreover, the team will perform all necessary tasks to execute the project, including securing the venue, casting actors for the reenactment, scheduling practice sessions, ordering the books, hosting and coordinating the reenactment and distributing the books to the schools, providing small bites and light refreshments at the reenactment, connecting with teachers and professors who are interested in this issue, creating flyers and advertisement, promoting and advertising the project, and creating an evaluation to determine whether the project was successful.
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VIII. BUDGET
Item Cost Marketing materials, including advertising, informational $600 flyer, and printing costs Rental fee for microphones, tables, podium, and audio $200 devices Books for distribution to schools: $1250 • Responding to Hate at School: A Guide for Teachers, Counselors, and Administrators by the Southern Poverty Law Center 25 x $50
Books for distribution at reenactment: $500 • Keeping the Dream Alive: The Cases and Causes of the Southern Poverty Law Center by the Southern Poverty Law Center 25 x $20 CLE Accreditation for Reenactment $45 Food and refreshments1 $500 TOTAL $3,095
1 Funds for food and refreshments will be paid for directly from APABA’s budget and corporate sponsorship. 5
I. SHORT PROJECT TITLE
Health Excellence Advanced by Legal Services (HEALS) medical-legal partnership program
II. CONTACT INFORMATION
Young Lawyers Affiliate: Brevard County Young Lawyers Division Contact: President, Nicholas A. Vidoni, Esquire 959 N. Cocoa Blvd #5 Cocoa, FL 32922 [email protected] Phone: 321-735-7737
Presenter of Project at AOC: President, Nicholas A. Vidoni, Esq.
III. DESCRIBE YOUR AFFILIATE
The Young Lawyers Division of the Brevard County Bar Association (“Brevard YLD”) has approximately 110 members to date. Approximately half of that number are associate members, who are no longer eligible membership in the YLD (due to age/length of practice), but attend Brevard YLD socials and charity events. Brevard YLD has attended AOC in the past.
IV. SUMMARY OF REQUEST
In 2018, Brevard County Legal Aid launched a Health Excellence Advanced by Legal Services (HEALS) medical-legal partnership at the Brevard Health Alliance Women's Health Center. Its goal is to come alongside of the patients at Brevard Health Alliance who have health-harming legal needs and help to resolve those issues so the client may enjoy the best possible outcomes for overall health and wellness. Funds will be used for a Volunteer Coordinator who will work with Brevard YLD to recruit pro bono attorneys and pair them with clients in need from Brevard Health Alliance. Brevard YLD will also partner with Brevard County Legal Aid to perform a continuing legal education (CLE) class to train attorneys who are willing to volunteer pro bono services for patients under the HEALS program.
V. PROJECT OBJECTIVES/DESCRIPTIONS
Doctors, nurses, social workers and attorneys all have one thing in common: a concern for the overall welfare of their client. Social determinants of health can create a chasm of unmet needs which makes total wellness seem out of reach for many low-to-moderate income persons. Brevard Health Alliance (BHA), a Federally Qualified Health Center in Brevard, estimates that a minimum of five BHA clients per week who visit their Women’s Health Center have unmet legal needs that, if resolved, would likely contribute to an improvement in their health. 1
While BHA employs a licensed social worker, attorney expertise is needed in many cases to address health-harming legal issues and achieve the best possible permanent client outcomes for the pregnant mothers and women with young children who visit the clinic. Having an attorney present at the health center eliminates a critical gap for clients who are physically or mentally ill and also in need of legal services to improve their health and wellness.
In 2018, Brevard County Legal Aid launched its Health Excellence Advanced by Legal Services (HEALS) medical-legal partnership (MLP) at BHA Women's Health Center. National studies repeatedly cite MLPs as a valuable means to improving holistic health and wellness for disadvantaged persons.
Currently, with over 48,000 low-income clients served annually at BHA, there is a tremendous opportunity to close the gaps in needed legal services as they pertain to achieving holistic health in addition to other potential civil legal needs. An excerpt from a study on MLPs by The Kresge Foundation states, “Medical-legal partnership is a healthcare delivery model that combines the expertise of health and legal professionals to address and prevent health-harming legal needs for patients, clinics and populations. By partnering together, healthcare and legal institutions transform the response of the healthcare system.”
BHA Women's Health Center has a licensed social worker on staff who currently screens clients for needed social services. It is estimated that five clients per week would benefit from legal support for health-harming legal needs.
Although most economically disadvantaged families attempt to meet their own needs, many face overwhelming barriers impacting their health, such as not having enough food to eat, not having a place to sleep at night, not feeling safe, or being surrounded by harmful environmental factors (such as mold, lead-based paint, infestation of pests) which negatively impact health. While doctors want to send their patients home to healthy situations, they do not personally have the ability to ensure the homes are clean, safe, and offer nutritious food choices. Attorneys are able to assist MLP clients with such issues and more including: immigration needs, domestic violence protection, complex housing issues, access to public benefits, insurance claims, and a host of additional legal specialties.
100% of funds from the Florida Bar YLD will be used toward the expense of a new Volunteer Coordinator position. The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for growing the pro bono commitment in Brevard County, subsequently identifying attorneys who could utilize their gifts and talents to serve HEALS clients. The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for communicating with the HEALS Program Director to identify client needs and then pair clients with an available, qualified, pro bono attorney. So that BCLA retains a large pool of pro bono attorneys with availability and to help grow the participation in pro bono efforts in Brevard, the Volunteer Coordinator will assist with semi-annual CLE training sessions and personal follow up with attorneys to help guarantee their participation in pro bono efforts and the expansion of pro bono 2
availability in Brevard. Brevard YLD feels the Volunteer Coordinator position is vitally important in order to successfully increase pro bono participation at BCLA as well as satisfy the pro bono needs for our HEALS program. Without the Volunteer Coordinator, licensed attorneys would be using excessive amounts of time to try to manage clerical details, follow up phone calls, calendar coordination, etc. instead of using their gifts and talents to provide legal services. We hope Florida Bar YLD will choose to partner with us as we expand our efforts to reach additional disadvantaged persons in Brevard to meet their legal needs.
In addition to funds obtained from the Florida Bar YLD, Brevard YLD will commit $1,500.00 of its own funds toward the project. Brevard YLD will work with the Volunteer Coordinator to organize a continuing legal education (CLE) class with Brevard County Legal Aid to train new pro bono volunteers for the HEALS program. Funding from the Florida Bar YLD will be noted at CLEs and mentioned in CLE materials. Brevard YLD will also make use of its network of young attorneys to recruit pro bono volunteers toward the effort. This effort will not only aid the community at large, but provide avenues to train young lawyers in new legal fields.
Other methods of funding are helping to grow the newly formed HEALS program and the amount requested from the Florida Bar YLD is a small contribution to the overall annual HEALS budget of $96,000 or more. Brevard YLD believes that the strength of this project lies in the ability to build upon some of the initial success Brevard County Legal Aid has generated from the initial commencement of the HEALS program without having to start such a program from scratch—a daunting task with Brevard YLD’s limited resources.
There are no known similar groups or projects fulfilling the role of the HEALS program in Brevard county, which signals its vital role in filling a previously unmet need in the community.
VI. PROJECT EVALUATION
Brevard YLD will work within the pre-existing framework set up by Brevard County Legal Aid’s HEALS program to recruit with pro bono attorneys, provide advice, counsel, and ongoing representation if needed for a minimum of 30 disadvantaged clients of BHA (the current HEALS program currently contemplates assistance to 150 disadvantaged clients). Civil legal aid addresses the social determinants of health by ensuring that clients have 1) availability of resources to meet daily basic needs, 2) healthy physical environments, 3) equal access to the opportunity to work and/or learn, and 4) are protected from exposure to violence at home and in the community. Through HEALS, Brevard YLD will consider the outcome successful if these needs are met for each client.
Brevard YLD is confident that through this program BHA and other community partners will see the value and remarkable outcomes of the program and will enthusiastically support our continued efforts beyond the grant period and hopes to make this a recurring program to provide legal services to a unserved segment of Brevard county’s population.
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VII. PROJECT ORGANIZATION
Brevard Health Alliance will screen clients at the BHA Women's Health Center for health-harming legal needs and refer to the Brevard County Legal Aid Program Director for legal support.
Assisting clients with mental healthcare needs has traditionally been a major deterrent for private attorneys when agreeing to accept a pro bono case. Brevard Health Alliance will provide mental healthcare and/or counseling to BHA clients in need of legal services, allowing the attorney to focus on providing legal support.
18th Circuit Pro Bono Committee and the Brevard YLD will work with the Volunteer Coordinator by providing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) opportunities for attorneys to learn about the need for additional pro bono support in the community. The committee and the Brevard YLD will also help to recruit and prepare private attorneys for pro bono cases related to health-harming legal needs.
VIII. BUDGET
Our affiliate is requesting $5,000 to help fund the project. In addition to the requested AOC funds, the Brevard County Young Lawyers Division will be using $1,500 of its funds toward this project. Brevard County Legal Aid, expects funding from other sources as well. The budget is attached below.
IX. TIMELINE
Brevard YLD anticipates that recruitment and coordination for pro bono volunteers will begin in January 2019. With continued support of the community at large and with the continued financial contributions of the Florida Bar YLD, Brevard YLD hopes that it can grow the network or available attorneys for the HEALS program and continue the success of the program in subsequent fiscal years.
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BUDGET Amount Other Pledged Amount Support/Funding By Requested Resources Brevard County Legal Aid HEALS Brevard from Fla. In- Total Program YLD Bar YLD Cash Kind Amount 1. PERSONNEL % Position Salary/Wage Time/hrs Program Director $39,000.00 33% $12,870.00 $12,870.00 Paralegal $29,000.00 25% $7,250.00 $7,250.00 Volunteer Coordinator $28,000.00 50% $1,500 $5,000.00 $14,000.00 $20,500.00 Subtotal Personnel: $96,000 $1,500 $5,000.00 $34,120.00 $0.00 $40,620.00 2. OTHER PROJECT COSTS Travel $500.00 $500.00 Supplies $818.00 $818.00 Training $409.00 $409.00 TOTAL PROJECT COST $96,000 $1,500 $5,000.00 $35,847.00 $0.00 $42,347.00
The amount requested from YLD (YELLOW highlighted cell)
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EST. 1994 Charise A. Morgan-Joseph, Esq. President THE CARIBBEAN BAR ASSOCIATION [email protected]
Tricia-Gaye Cotterell, Esq. Checks payable to: President-Elect Caribbean Bar Association [email protected] c/o Dominique Burkhardt, Esq. Hilary Creary, Esq. P.O. Box 10429, Miami, Florida 33101 Vice President [email protected] www.caribbeanbar.org
Dominique Burkhardt, Esq. Treasurer [email protected] December 3, 2018 Sasha Francis, Esq. Secretary [email protected]
Laselve Harrison, Esq. Board Member [email protected]
Nikeisha S. Pryor, Esq. Board Member [email protected] CARIBBEAN BAR
Tanya Williams, Esq. Board Member [email protected] ASSOCIATION GRANT Niyala A. Harrison, Esq. Immediate Past President [email protected] APPLICATION Past Presidents:
Niyala A. Harrison, Esq. President FOR THE FLORIDA BAR YLD 2017-2018
Devona Reynolds Perez, Esq. President 2016-2017 AFFILIATE OUTREACH
Michelle T. Bell, Esq. 2015-2016 Annika E. Ashton, Esq. PROGRAM 2014-2015 Alison F. Smith, Esq. 2013-2014
Schuyler A. Smith, Esq. 2012-2013
Carol Green von Kaul, Esq. 2011-2012
Sheldon Philp, Esq. 2010-2011
Cherine Smith Valbrun, Esq. 2009-2010
Lisa Colon Heron, Esq. 2008-2009
Sherylle Francis, Esq. 2007-2008
Pamela M. Gordon, Esq. 2005-2007
Robert C.L. Vaughan, Esq. 2004-2005
Dahlia A. Walker, Esq. 2003-2004
Marlon A. Hill, Esq. 2000-2003
Neil A. DeLeon, Esq. 1998-2000 Jerry D. Hamilton, Esq. Informing • Educating • Empowering 1994-1998
GRANT APPLICATION
I. Short Project Title:
Day at the Courthouse!
II. Contact Information:
Dominique Burkhardt, Esq., Treasurer, Caribbean Bar Association P.O. Box 10429, Miami, Florida 33101 Tel: (305) 502-8219 [email protected]
Tricia-Gaye Cotterell, President-Elect, and Sasha Francis, Secretary, will present the award at the AOC on January 12, 2019.
III. Description of Affiliate:
The Caribbean Bar Association, Inc. (“CBA”), founded in 1994, is a voluntary bar organization comprising more than 200 attorneys, jurists and legal professionals of Caribbean descent who reside or work in South and Central Florida. The CBA is committed to serving the needs of the Caribbean-American community in South Florida. Since its inception, the CBA has implemented numerous activities and partnerships to articulate and promote the goals and objectives of Caribbean-American lawyers in South Florida; to foster and encourage professional excellence among Caribbean-American lawyers; to promote a greater awareness of and commitment to the civil and political rights of the Caribbean American community; to increase the enrollment of Caribbean American law students; and to promote the general welfare of Caribbean citizens in South Florida. Approximately 50 percent of CBA’s membership is comprised of lawyers with less than 7 years in practice.
In 2009, two CBA members, Cherine Smith Valbrun (former President) and Veniese Wilkinson, (former Treasurer) attended the Affiliate Outreach Conference (the “Conference”). In 2010, Cherine Smith Valbrun attended the Conference. In 2012, Carol Green (former President) and Schuyler Smith (former President) attended the Conference. In 2013, Kimare Dyer (former Secretary) and Annika Ashton (former President) attended the Conference. In 2014, Alison Smith (former President) and Annika Ashton (former president) attended the Conference. In 2015, Michelle Bell (former President) and Nikeisha Pryor (current Board Member) attended the Conference. In 2016, Devona Reynolds Perez (former President) and Charise Morgan- Joseph (current President) attended the Conference. In 2018, Niyala Harrison (former President) and Charise Morgan-Joseph (current President) attended the Conference. In 2019, the Conference will be attended by Tricia-Gaye Cotterell (current President-Elect) and Sasha Francis (Secretary).
Informing • Educating • Empowering
CBA has hosted its Caribbean Reading Day Celebrations for the last two years and the first Day at the Courthouse in 2017 with funding, in part, from AOC.
IV. Purpose of Request:
The Executive Board of the CBA has deemed it a priority for the organization to tangibly contribute to the local Caribbean-American Community through service to local youth. For the past five years, the Young Lawyers Division of the CBA has hosted a Caribbean Reading Day Celebration partly funded and made possible by Florida Bar YLD Affiliate Grants. The Caribbean Reading Day Celebration for children between the ages of four (4) to nine (9) years old, historically held at the African American Research Library in downtown Fort Lauderdale which has proven to be very successful and well- received by the community at-large. At our 2015 staging of the event, we were asked if we could increase the number of participants from 60 to 100.
For the past two years, in an effort to expand its reach, CBA hosted two stagings of its Caribbean Reading Day Celebration; (i) the first, at the African American Research Library and (ii) the second, at CARE Elementary School located in Historic Overtown, Miami. Although the Reading Day Celebration, usually held in Fort Lauderdale in the summer has become a signature event for CBA and the local children as part of their summer experience, CBA recognized there is a demographic of students in Miami who might also benefit from the service of the CBA. Accordingly, this grant application is being submitted for the purpose of hosting a Day at the Courthouse for students attending CARE Elementary School in Overtown, Miami.
V. Project Objectives/Description:
Recognizing that minority children on the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum in underserved communities have the same potential and goals as children positioned at the higher end of the socio-economic spectrum, but struggle to realize them due to lack of experience, lack of opportunity and absence of positive role models, the CBA has undertaken to inform, educate and empower these young people through “A Day at the Courthouse.”
Caribbean-Americans and minorities comprise a sizeable population in South Florida communities and at CARE Elementary. The CBA has identified the need for Caribbean–American and minority youths to learn more about professional career opportunities and have access to professionals who are relatable to the students and might serve as role models. The Day at the Courthouse is designed to close the opportunity gap that exists where minority students lack significant experiences and are not aware of opportunities by exposing young people, at the earliest stages to examples of successful professionals—most importantly to examples of attorneys.
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In October 2016, the CBA hosted a reading day at CARE Elementary School which was attended by Judge Donald Graham and Judge Jason Dimitris and several attorneys. The judges were highly impressed by CBA’s service effort and the interest on the part of the students. After the reading the students were able to interact with the judges.
In October 2017, CBA held its first Day at the Courthouse, partly funded and made possible by a Florida Bar YLD Affiliate Grant, in the courtroom and chambers of the Honorable Judge Donald Graham. The significance of being in the Wilkie D. Ferguson Courthouse and in the courtroom of Judge Graham was impressed upon the students. Students reenacted the trial of the Three Little Pigs v. Wolf and were guided through opening and closing statements and direct and cross examination by experienced trial attorneys. The students were also given a tour of the U.S. Marshalls office and had the opportunity to interact with a trained U.S. Marshall dog.
A Day at the Courthouse will consist of an overview of the case and court process, and parties involved, a tour of the courthouse, a session in the courtrooms of selected judges. We expect the students will be able to hear from the judges, lawyers, judicial assistants, clerks, bailiffs, etc. A Day at the Courthouse is slated to take place in September or October 2019. We have developed a good working relationship with the administration at CARE Elementary School, the Honorable Judge Graham and several other federal and district court judges and they are looking forward to ongoing and continued interaction between CBA, the Florida Bar YLD, and CARE Elementary students. Our goal is to host at least 60 children. We will work with the school to arrange transportation for the children from the school to the venue to participate in A Day at the Courthouse. Our hope is that A Day at the Courthouse will pique the students’ interest in the law and legal careers by enhancing their awareness of the legal profession and convince them that a career in the law is attainable and within reach.
At the end of the day, each child will be given an age-appropriate book about the law and some school supplies. Possible book titles include Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? by Megan Stine, a book about the first Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
A Day at the Courthouse’s objectives are:
A. To increase young lawyers’ involvement in addressing the needs of their surrounding communities through direct interaction with some of the most financially challenged families;
B. To introduce and encourage early goal-setting among children between the ages 7 to 12 years old;
Informing • Educating • Empowering 3
C. To educate children between 7 to 12 years old about the possibility of a career in the law or legal- related opportunities available through a fun yet educational medium;
D. To help young children recognize and identify positive minority and diverse role models in the legal field; and
E. To simply put a smile on the faces of young children from underprivileged areas through exposure to a new experience.
Project Description Overview:
• The project will provide services for the community and young lawyers.
• The specific number of participants of in the program is unknown at this time. However, we aim to host 60 children.
• During A Day at the Courthouse the children will have the opportunity to tour a courthouse and court room with direct access to lawyers and judges, and the history and the achievement of diverse lawyers and judges. The attorneys who participate will receive a shirt and the children will receive a storybook related to the law and school supplies.
• This project is relatively easy for other young lawyers or voluntary bar associations to duplicate.
VI. Project Evaluation:
The CBA Executive Board will work with CARE Elementary to select the students to benefit the most from attending A Day at the Courthouse. We will also seek feedback from the participants, teachers and the administrators, and judges.
VII. Project Organization and Structure:
Two CBA Executive Board Members will co-chair the project. CARE Elementary will identify a group of children who will be transported to the location to participate in A Day at the Courthouse. The Young Lawyers Division of the CBA will provide young attorneys to chaperone the students and identify judges who will serve as a survey of the diversity of the judiciary. We expect that the students will receive a brief overview of the court system and the different roles/positions found in a courtroom.
We expect the students will be introduced to various people including police officers, bailiffs, judicial assistances, clerks, etc.
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VIII. Budget: (based on an estimated 60 children attending A Day at the Courthouse)
Item Estimated cost Books for children $600 Gift Bags and School Supplies $600 Transportation $800 Total Expenditures: $2,000
CBA Funds $200 In Kind Donations $300 AOC Grant $1,500 Total $2,000
IX. Timetable:
December: Submit AOC grant application. February: Begin basic plans with CARE Elementary School. April: Recruit volunteers and confirm courtroom venue for A Day at the Courthouse July: Identify and select students and judges to participate in the event; continue fundraising and recruiting volunteers. October: Advertise and host A Day at the Courthouse.
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Day at the Courthouse 2017
Students from CARE Elementary and Honorable Judge Donald L. Graham, United States District Judge
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Informing • Educating • Empowering 7 I. SHORT PROJECT TITLE:
CFAWL: Helping to Create a Home for the Homeless.
II. CONTACT INFORMATION:
CFAWL Kathleen Shea Attn: Young Lawyers CFAWL YL Director P.O. Box 3351 [email protected] Orlando, Florida 32802-3351 407-453-3750
Erica Cipparone Arti Hirani CFAWL YL Co-Director CFAWL President [email protected] [email protected] 407-926-7714
Project Presented by: Kathleen Shea and Erica Cipparone – CFAWL YL Directors
III. DESCRIBE YOUR AFFILIATE
The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (“CFAWL”) is a professional organization devoted to actively promoting the advancement and recognition of women in the legal profession and expanding the leadership role of its members in the community at large.
To achieve these goals, CFAWL will further the common interests of its members and encourage camaraderie and learning among its members. CFAWL will promote women’s opportunities and rights, uphold the highest standards of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession, promote reform in the law, and facilitate the administration of justice.
CFAWL currently consists of about 400 members and has participated in the Affiliate Outreach Conference for many years. We are grateful to have received funding for many amazing projects over the years. The last three AOC projects for which we have received funding are:
2018 – Samaritan Village 2017 – Harbor House 2016 – Samaritan Village
IV. SUMMARIZE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR REQUEST:
The purpose of CFAWL Young Lawyers 2019 AOC Grant request is to obtain funding to be able to make residents at the Coalition for the Homeless feel more comfortable during their stay. CFAWL members will be giving the two women and infant dormitories a fresh coat of paint so that it feels more inviting and calm. Additionally, CFAWL members will help fix up the Intake Center, the starting point for those seeking help at the Coalition, by providing new waiting room chairs and picture frames to showcase success stories to potential residents. The hope is that 1
changing the shelter from a sterile environment to a warm environment sends a message to residents that someone cares.
V. PROJECT OBJECTIVES/DESCRIPTION:
About the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida (the “Coalition”) is a low barrier residential shelter that was formed in 1987 by a group of concerned citizens who noted a growing problem of homelessness in Central Florida.
In 2018, the Point-in-Time Count, which counts sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January, found 2,053 homeless individuals in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Furthermore, according to Orange County Public Schools’ figures, nearly 9,700 students experienced homelessness over the past academic year. Some of the main contributors to homelessness include loss of income, low wages, lack of affordable housing, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, and aging out of foster care.
The Coalition aims to assist individuals facing homeless to return to self-sufficiency, by providing homeless men, women and children safe accommodations and food security. Additionally, the Coalition assists residents in finding jobs, obtaining GED’s, preparing kids to enter school, and obtain permanent housing.
The Coalition is comprised of four facilities: (1) the Intake Center, which is the starting point for those seeking help at the Coalition, (2) the Center for Women and Families, which accommodates 240 single women, single mother, and families, and has a daycare for children and infants, (3) the Men’s Service Center, which accommodates 250 single homeless men, and (4) the Bridge Housing Apartments, which is designed to provide “gap” housing for nine homeless families awaiting affordable rental units.
What need does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate?
The focus of the project is to provide the residents of the Coalition with a welcoming space and encouragement to achieve their goals. CFAWL also hopes that this project raises awareness about the large amount of homeless children and families in the community.
The above needs are important to CFAWL because they are in alignment with CFAWL’s mission and values of facilitating women’s opportunities in the community and encouraging involvement of members in the community at large.
To what groups will the project provided services? How many people will the project serve?
The project will benefit every single potential resident of the Coalition who comes into the updated waiting room. Additionally there will be a specific impact on the women and children 2
who will be housed in updated women and infant dormitories. Last, our CFAWL members, who are comprised of attorney and student volunteers, will benefit from this project by way of the opportunity they will receive to bond with other members and give back to the community.
What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar?
The Coalition is fortunate to partner with different groups throughout the year in providing services to the homeless community. The last volunteer project approximately one year ago saw volunteers update the multipurpose room in the Center for Women and Families. The Coalition reports that it was a great success. While a number of groups provides updates to the facilities, none are slated to improve the Intake Center or women and infant dormitories this year.
Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project?
Yes, CFAWL Young Lawyers will work closely with the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida in order to make sure that the project is a success.
How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project?
The project will provide direct services to the community at-large while providing professional development opportunities to the young lawyer membership.
What impact will the project have in the local or legal community?
Exposing the local and legal community to the needs and benefits of working with the homeless population in Central Florida.
Will handouts or other materials be provided to participants?
Yes. CFAWL Young Lawyers will be giving a fresh coat of paint to the walls in the women and infants dormitories, providing new chairs to the Intake Center, and providing picture frames.
Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate?
Yes, the project will be easy for other affiliates to replicate. There are homeless shelters all over Florida that are likely to have similar needs for improvement, update, or repair.
From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project?
In addition to any awarded grant money, CFAWL will be holding a donation drive to collect items from the Coalition’s wish list, such as detergent, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, hair brushes, underwear and bras, and sneakers.
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If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project?
We will put in our marketing material that this project is supported and made possibly by the YLD funding. We will also thank the YLD for its funding when we make announcements about this project to our CFAWL membership, both in electronic communications and at CFAWL monthly luncheons.
VI. PROJECT EVALUATION/TIMELINE:
Timeline: DATE PROJECT GOALS January 2019 Present to AOC. Early 2019 Receive notice of grant award. March 2019 Form committee to start planning service project. Early April 2019 Meet with community outreach staff at the Coalition for the Homeless to finalize project goals. Late April/Early May Helping to Create a Home for the Homeless. 2019
Evaluation: At the completion of the project, CFAWL Young Lawyers Directors will meet with the community outreach directors at the Coalition to discuss the effectiveness of the project. The meeting would also act to define the scope of future projects based on the changing needs of the residents addressed by the community outreach directors.
VII. PROJECT ORGANIZATION:
The project will be organized by the CFAWL Young Lawyers chairs, Kathleen Shea and Erica Cipparone, who are part of the Executive Board. The CFAWL Young Lawyers will then create a committee that will consist of CFAWL members to delegate tasks and duties in order to ensure a successful project. Committee members will then show up at the Coalition for the Homeless in order to paint the walls of some of the family dormitories. Additionally, CFAWL members will help coordinate a supply drive in order to obtain “wish list” items.
CFAWL Executive Board/Leadership Team
CFAWL Members CFAWL YL Chairs
AOC Committee 4
VIII. BUDGET:
Item Cost Paint for Rooms (5 gallon buckets) 4 x $140 = $560
Painting Supplies: Roller Frames, Paint $225 Rollers, Paint Tray Liners, Painters Tape, Drop Cloths, Brushes.
Intake Waiting Room Chairs 6 x $50 = $300
Picture Frames for Waiting Room 6 x $25 = $150
Intake Center Waiting Room Chairs 6 x $75 = $450
Items from Coalition “Wish List” $315
TOTAL: $1,700
IX. EXHIBITS: a. Lobby Photos b. Center for Women and Families Floorplan c. Coalition for the Homeless Case for Support d. Paint and Waiting Room Chair estimates e. Donation “Wish List” f. Housing by the Numbers
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EXHIBITS
Lobby Photos
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida Case for Support
“The only option I had was the streets and it was horrible. I was scared all the time that my life was in danger.” Annie lived on the streets for eight years, too sick to find help. She had a house and income to support herself despite dealing with schizophrenia. But, on one sunny Florida day everything changed. A family tragedy set her on a spiral of ever worsening mental health challenges until she couldn’t manage daily life anymore. Annie lost her home. She gathered the belongings she could carry and slept wherever seemed safest.
Luis is a veteran who miraculously survived a spinal injury and two heart attacks, but lost his home in the process. Sherry and her children, 6-month-old Jacqueline and 2-year-old James, slept in a car for four months after her husband left them. For 30 years, Wendy lived on the streets battling addiction, but finally worked up the courage to make a change.
Homelessness can happen to anyone. A lost job or medical expense can put a whole family on the streets. Sadly, it’s all too common since 45% of Florida households are one health emergency, one car repair, one harsh storm away from poverty. Nearly 30% of jobs in Central Florida pay less than $25,000. This forces many households to use 50% or more of their income on housing. Every day is a day on the edge of homelessness.
More than 12,000 school-age children were homeless in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties during the last school year. Domestic violence, poor health, lack of savings, no family support, aging out of the foster care system, addiction, and a shortage of affordable housing are also leading causes of homelessness.
Our mission is to transform the lives of Annie, Sherry, Luis and Wendy from homelessness to housing stability. Located in downtown Orlando, the Coalition meets the diverse needs of about 3,500 adults and children each year, 88% of whom come from Central Florida. Founded in 1987, in just the last 10 years over 37,000 people, including more than 8,000 children have lived here. We are the only agency in the region that provides residential shelter and innumerable services to 500 homeless persons each day, including about 150 children.
More than 60% of our clients are homeless for the first time. Families with children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. The stress they feel can be extreme. Fear, hunger, uncertainty, and increased risk of health problems have negative consequences for homeless households. Homeless children who do not receive high quality shelter and services lag behind in their education, and families often dissolve.
Their journey home starts at our doors. The Coalition responds to the significant need in our community by inviting homeless men, women and children to start their journey home with us. We are the first line of homeless services – from safe accommodations and food security to finding jobs, getting GED’s, preparing kids to enter school, and obtaining housing. From day one, we help them begin their transformation from despair to hope, and from homeless to housed.
We motivate clients to seek more than they knew was possible for themselves and their children. They may receive medical and mental health services; free educational childcare and voluntary pre-kindergarten; financial assistance and health insurance; job training; job search and interviewing skills; job referrals and job fairs; education, including college classes; legal assistance; victims of crime counseling; streamlined veterans benefits; applications for disability benefits; budgeting and saving coaching; subsidized housing, and much more.
• Our Center for Women and Families provides safe residential shelter for up to 240 people per day. We strongly believe in keeping family members together. This is the only shelter in the area that keeps together fathers with daughters, parents with teenage sons, unmarried parents with children, and large families. Last year, 462 women, 321 children and 42 men stayed at the Center for an average length of stay of 120 days. 63% were homeless for the first time. • Our Men’s Service Center is one of few in the nation that offers residential shelter with full case management to single homeless men. This 250-capacity program helps them overcome their barriers to self-sufficiency. Last year, 788 men, including 104 veterans, received these services. Their average length of stay was 143 days. 58% were homeless for the first time. • Rapid Rehousing services provide time-limited rental assistance along with wraparound services to help families regain housing quickly and transition into self-sufficiency. • Our Shelter Prevention/Diversion program explores alternatives to shelter with persons seeking shelter and provide advocacy, housing referrals, resources, and one-time monetary assistance to get back into housing. In just the last three months, we diverted 114 persons. • Our Community Meal Service provides hot, balanced meals every night of the year for low income neighbors to help them make ends meet and prevent homelessness. • Community Health Initiative provides showers, laundry services and clothing to unsheltered homeless individuals and families. In the past three months, we provided more than 3,600 units of service to 360 unduplicated men, women and children living unsheltered in Orlando, some of whom we were able to bring into shelter.
Last year, our homeless residents accomplished the following: • 91% increased their employability skills • 97% improved their life skills according to the Florida 507 Self-Sufficiency Matrix • 53%, or 453 adults, got jobs • 61%, or 1,127 persons, moved into permanent housing from the Coalition
Standing on the threshold of a new life. Annie got the mental health services she needed. After nine months at the Coalition, she moved into an apartment with ongoing services. When she left, Annie said, “I want to be able help others the way they’ve helped me.” Without the Coalition – the only shelter in Orlando that does not require fees from clients – Annie might still be living on the streets.
Thanks to the thousands of compassionate hearts every year who join us, folks like Annie, Luis, Sherry, and Wendy, can cross the threshold of a new life for themselves and their children. With their hard work combined with yours and ours, we transform the fabric of our community, one person at a time.
Finding Their Way Home HOUSING BY THE NUMBERS
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida plays a On any given day, crucial role in serving homeless individuals and families by the Coalition serves functioning as a housing-focused shelter while providing more than 500 men, programs that are part of the Housing First model. women, and children.
1,127 Coalition guests moved from one of our programs to permanent housing over the past year.
COMMUNITY HEALTH 77% (FYE 2017) INITIATIVE of the individuals and families who From April 4 to October 4, our new turn to the Coalition do not qualify Community Health Initiative, supported for community supportive housing by the City of Orlando, has provided programs, such as Rapid ReHousing over 7,000 units of service (showers and Permanent Supportive Housing. and laundry) to 683 unique individuals, The Coalition is here to meet the primarily the unsheltered homeless. unique, individual needs of all people experiencing homelessness through innovative programs and services. DIVERSION PROGRAM From February 9 to October 4, our Diversion Program, supported by Orange County Government and housed in our new Intake Center, has $22.28 successfully diverted 431 individuals per day (FYE 2017) from entering the shelter system. is the cost of an individual staying at the Coalition while awaiting housing, compared to the average cost per day for a chronically homeless individual living on the streets, which is $84.93 per day – adding up to over $30,000 CentralFloridaHomeless.org per year!
CLEARWATER BAR ASSOCIATION YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION 2018 AFFILIATE OUTREACH CONFERENCE PROJECT GRANT APPLICATION “Keeping Pinellas and Florida Beautiful” Presented by: The Clearwater Bar YLD
I. Short Project Title: Keeping Pinellas and Florida Beautiful
II. Contact Information:
a. Dane Heptner, Secretary, Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, 1875 North Belcher Road, Suite 201, Clearwater, FL 33765, 727-796-8282, [email protected]
III. Describe Your Affiliate: The 50 members of the Clearwater Bar Young Lawyers Division strive to improve their members, profession, and community throughout the year. Our robust affiliate tackles projects such as: Helping for the Holidays – Three-part volunteer event where members participate in a Habitat for Humanity Build, ring bells for the Salvation Army, and serve members of the Homeless Empowerment Program The Reading Retreat – continuing our AOC-grant-funded project from two years ago where we are providing a child-friendly reading nook for the children whose family members are using services of the Clearwater Civil Courthouse (ongoing); Holidays in January – annual project providing holiday joy to underprivileged children by hosting an educational day at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home of Winter the dolphin) complete with toys and a pizza party (annually in January); The Great Debate – High school student debate program created and run by YLD members; real judges hear final round arguments and provide feedback. The winners receive a trophy and a cash prize form the YLD. Afternoon at the Courthouse – providing newly sworn in attorneys with a boot camp including a tour of the courthouse, panel discussion with judges, and a CLE regarding solo practice.
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Lawyers for Literacy – partnering with Lawyers for Literacy to provide tutoring for struggling elementary school students on a weekly basis throughout the school year.
Each year the Clearwater Bar YLD also attends the Affiliate Outreach Conference and puts the awarded grant monies to use implementing new community programs such as The Reading Retreat, Prepared for Parenting, and Interviewing for Success. This year's grant application is also for a new project to benefit the Clearwater community.
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request: Pinellas County was greatly affected by the red tide that has plagued the Gulf coast and marine life across the State of Florida. Although the causes of the toxic algae and red tide have been widely debated, one thing is clear: Floridians need to make a greater effort to keep our State beautiful and clean.
To that end, the CBA YLD is hoping to receive funding for supplies and promotion of a series of beach and environment clean ups throughout the year. Our plan is to schedule between three and six voluntary clean up projects throughout our Circuit and the State of Florida and pair each clean up with a fun excursion or event. For instance, members of our organization recently went on a camping trip to Ginnie Springs wherein we participated in a park clean up but also took time to raft down the Santa Fe river and relax and enjoy each other’s company.
We hope to purchase gloves, bags, goggles, and stick-picker-uppers for the clean up portion of our initiative. We are also requesting money for park and admission fees to the various State Parks we hope to host these clean ups and events. We feel by coupling the clean ups with an excursion such as paddle boarding or rafting we will not only provide a benefit to our community, but also provide a health and wellness benefit to those members who participate.
V. Project Objectives/Description: PROJECT: The Clearwater Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division would like to host a series of park and beach clean ups throughout our circuit and the State and couple those clean ups with unfunded excursions and events to promote mental health and wellness and work-life balance. .
a. To what groups will the project provide service? The project will assist organizations that already exist such as Keep Pinellas Beautiful but will also benefit the State Park system and the citizens of Florida, generally.
b. How many people will the project service? Although the project will not directly benefit any one individual or group of individuals, it will benefit the State of Florida and Pinellas County as a whole.
c. What other projects in the area have attempted to provide similar services to the same group? When and with what success? How is your project different?
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Keep Pinellas Beautiful is a local organization that already organizes and conducts local cleanup projects in our Circuit. We hope to not only provide man power to this organization, but also follow their model in creating and sponsoring our own cleanups across the County and State.
d. How will the public benefit from the project? The publics will benefit from having cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing parks and beaches; and the environment will benefit from the removal of harmful trash and waste.
e. What impact will the project have in the community? We hope that our example will inspire others to pick up the proverbial baton and engage in their own environmentally-conscious efforts and projects. Of course, it will also serve the community by creating a cleaner, happier environment.
f. Will the materials, if any, be sold or provided to the participants? Safety and education materials and equipment will be provided, such as rakes, shovels, pickers, gloves, goggles, and reusable bags.
g. Is this an easy project for other Young Lawyers Sections to duplicate? Yes.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline: Our goal is to host a cleanup on a bi-monthly basis, starting with Madeira Beach near St. Petersburg Florida, and carrying on to Weedon Island Wildlife Preserve, Honeymoon Island and Caladesi State Parks, and other locations. We plan for the first cleanup to take place in March of 2019.
VII. Project Organization: Clearwater YLD will be working in conjunction with the other partners—specifically Keep Pinellas Beautiful and the State Parks Department. Internally, one Clearwater YLD member will serve as chairperson of the project. A committee made up of other Clearwater Bar YLD members will be formed to assist the chairperson with implementing the project.
VIII. Budget: We anticipate having at least 20-25 members participate in the projects throughout the course of the calendar year and have budgeted for t-shirts for as many members so that they can feel like part of the group and promote the initiative both while actively participating and while at home or in their community. However, recognizing that it is unlikely all 25 members will participate at once, we have budget safety equipment for an expected capacity of about 10 per clean-up.
Expenses Per Item Cost Total Cost Protective Lens wear $20 $200.00 Home Depot Metal Yard Rake $20.00 $60.00 Home Depot E-Z Reacher Pick Up Tool $30.00 $300.00
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Home Depot Spade Shovel $25.00 $25.00 Home Depot Flat Shovel $25.00 $25.00 Home Depot West Chester Protective Gloves $12.00 $120.00 Home Depot Eco-Friendly Reusable Accessory $10.00 $100.00 Bag Home Depot AllMade Environmentally $30.00 $750.00 Conscious Custom Printed T-Shirts AllMade State Park and Administrative Fees $10.00 (est.) $100 x 6 = $600.00
TOTAL $2,180.00
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Young Lawyers Section of the Collier County Bar Association 2019 Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application “Everglades City Public Park Restoration Project” Presented by: Joseph Coleman and Jennifer Cachon
I. Short Project Title: Everglades City Public Park Restoration Project
II. Contact Information: Joseph Coleman, Esq. Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. 3200 Tamiami Trail N. Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 (239) 649-6555 [email protected]
Jennifer C. Juchnowicz, Esq. Cheffy Passidomo, P.A. 821 5th Ave. S. Naples, FL 34102-6640 (239) 261-9300 [email protected]
III. Affiliate Description:
We are the Collier County Young Lawyers Section of the Collier County Bar Association (“CCYLS”). There are over one hundred (100) members of the CCYLS. We have attended the Affiliate Outreach Conference for the past several years. In 2017, Jennifer and Joseph attended the AOC on behalf of the Young Lawyer’s Section of the Collier County Bar Association. They earned the President’s Award on behalf of then acting President of the Young Lawyers Division, Zackary Zuroweste, for their grant project. In the past, we have tackled projects such as:
▪ “Drug Free Bonfire” – promoting drug and alcohol awareness amongst Collier County Youth; ▪ “Backpacks for Buddies” – providing backpacks and school supplies to foster children; ▪ “Bowling for Legal Aid” – raising funds for Legal Aid’s Educational and Legal Rights programs; ▪ “Pumpkin Painting with Sunshine Kids” – volunteering and engaging in community outreach with children diagnosed with various forms of cancer
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IV. Summary:
On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Southwest Florida, devastating thousands of residential homes and businesses, leaving millions without power and shelter, and causing millions of dollars in property damage. Of those areas affected, Collier County, particularly the City of Everglades City, was one of the areas impacted the hardest. While more major hurricanes have come and gone since then, Everglades City is still working towards rebuilding its infrastructure, including McLeod Park, located at Copeland Avenue & Hibiscus Street West, Ochopee, Florida, 34141. The City would like to engage in a major restoration of McLeod Park, including repainting and adding a new playground set for kids, but they are having trouble getting the funds and manpower necessary to accomplish this. That is where we would come in. We would identify, purchase, and put together a children’s playground set, and we would drive our members down to Everglades City on one or two separate weeks to contribute labor and manpower towards helping the City restore and renovate McLeod Park.
V. Project Objectives/Description:
We would work with the United Methodist Church and the City of Everglades City to bring this project to life. It is expected that hundreds more families would use McLeod Park after it is renovated.
Handouts or other materials will not be sold to participants, and we are not seeking funding for this project from any other sources at this time. This would, additionally, be an easy project for other affiliates to replicate. If we are awarded the Florida Bar Young Lawyer Division (“YLD”) funds, we will recognize the YLD’s support of the project at the event and ask that the Young Lawyer Division be recognized on any website or e-mail communication created to promote or foster this program. We would also create t-shirts for those members of our Affiliate who decided to join us on those two weekends, and those t-shirts would include recognition of the Florida Bar Young Lawyer Division.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline:
We expect that the project will be a success if young lawyers assist with the renovation of McLeod Park. The project shall commence in the Spring of 2019, either in March or April of 2019. We will measure the effectiveness of our project by attendance and completion of the project. We will task our Affiliate members, working or living in Everglades City, with providing monthly or quarterly reports about the continued use or attendance of families and other individuals at McLeod Park.
VII. Project Organization:
A committee will be organized to oversee this event. The committee will consist of at least three (3) lawyers and at least two (2) non-lawyer representatives. The committee
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will motivate other CCYLS members to participate, request donations, and invite volunteers from both the legal and local communities. The project will be promoted through social media, the newsletter of our local Collier County Bar Association, through e-mail correspondence sent through the Collier County Bar Association, and through various other outlets.
VIII. Budget:
Playground Set $2,000.00 Marketing and Printed Program Materials $0.00 Tools and Equipment $100.00 Transportation to Everglades City $0.00 (In-kind donations) Lunch in Everglades City $0.00 (Provided by CCBA or CCYLS) T-Shirts $200.00
Total $2,300.00
We are investigating whether sponsorship opportunities will be available and/or if donations will be requested from the community-at-large.
IX. Exhibits
No exhibits attached.
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DCBA DADE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION PRESIDENT 123 N.W. 1st AVENUE SUITE 214 Evian White De Leon MIAMI, FLORIDA 33128 1951 NW 7 Avenue, # 300 Miami, FL 33136 December 6, 2018
(954) 849-6016 SENT VIA EMAIL PRESIDENT-ELECT [email protected] Isabella Poschl [email protected] 1501 Biscayne Blvd., #300 RE: Dade County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (“DCBA Miami, FL 33132 YLS”) Affiliate Outreach Conference (“AOC”) Grant Application (305) 812-0997 SECRETARY Dear Ms. Palermo and Mr. Miller: Kristen Corpion It is with great pleasure that the DCBA YLS submits the following AOC Grant 300 S. Biscayne Blvd., #3216 Application. If you have any questions or require any additional information, please do Miami, FL 33131 not hesitate to contact us. Thank you, in advance, for your time and consideration. (754) 202-1199
TREASURER I. Short Project Title
Scott Merl Miami-Dade Public High School Essay Contest 1735 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, FL 33134 II. Contact Information
(305) 444-1575 The Dade County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section 2017-2019 DIRECTORS C/O Yamile Rodriguez Michael T. Davis 123 NW 1st Avenue, #214 Lauren Doyle Miami, Florida 33128 (305) 371-2220 Rachael Mitchell Fagenson
Amber Kornreich Project Presenters: Daniel Rowinsky Isabella Poschl, DCBA YLS President-Elect Richard D. Shane III. Describe Your Affiliate Jihan Soliman
2018-2020 DIRECTORS The DCBA is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in Florida with Marianne Curtis approximately 2,000 members. The DCBA was incorporated in 1920 to serve Miami- Tiffany-Ashley Disney Dade County lawyers, to promote the administration of justice, to enhance attorney professionalism, and to cultivate positive relationships among members. The YLS is a Daryl Greenberg section of the DCBA. All regular, associate and government service DCBA members Michael Levine aged 36 or under are automatically members of the YLS. The YLS has approximately Rodrigo Palomino 600 members. The YLS Board of Directors (“Board”) consists of a team of talented Nikki Rigl and driven young lawyers. YLS Board members have regularly attended the Florida Bar YLD AOC. In 2018, the AOC awarded the DCBA YLS $1,700 for its “Law Week Justin Stivers 2019: Volunteer Like You Live Here” project. In 2017, the DCBA YLS was awarded IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT $1,100 for our “Miami Mentorship: Giving Young Lawyers the Best Opportunity to Eric Bluestein Succeed Personally and Professionally” project.
DCBA COMMUNICATIONS + PROGRAM DIRECTOR IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request
Yamilé Rodriguez The purpose of the DCBA YLS Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest is to provide an educational and competitive opportunity to students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Cash prizes assist these students with college expenses (applications, books, room and board, etc.). In a time where Miami has been ranked the worst city for renters for the second year in a row, and where housing affordability is at a crisis, college expenses are a luxury expense that many households cannot afford. The DCBA YLS has held the essay contest for the past two years and hopes to continue providing financial opportunities for the winning students.
The DCBA YLS Essay Contest will run from January through March of 2020, and will be open to all students enrolled in Grades 9 – 12 in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The DCBA YLS will provide an essay prompt, along with detailed rules and guidelines for the contestants. The DCBA YLS will have a committee review each of the submissions with a particular set of grading criteria and will announce three winners. The top scorer will receive a cash scholarship of $1,500; the second top scorer will receive a cash scholarship of $1,000; and the third top scorer will receive a cash scholarship of $500. In addition, the DCBA will host an awards event for the top three scorers and their families where the winners will be presented with plaques.
In 2017, the inaugural year of the DCBA YLS Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest, 21 students participated. The 2018 DCBA YLS Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest received 81 submissions. While the essay contest was open to all students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the DCBA YLS targeted underperforming schools and schools with law magnet programs.
V. Project Objectives Description
The DCBA YLS will begin its Essay Contest in January 2020, by distributing the contest materials to students in grades 9 – 12 of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The DCBA YLS designs the prompt and scoring materials. This distribution is made via the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Department of Social Sciences, Teach for America, teachers who previously participated, and any other organization or group that works with students eligible to participate. Essays will be due to the DCBA YLS in March 2020 and the winners will be announced in April 2020.
The DCBA YLS’ goal and objectives are to continue and strengthen its relationship with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and to provide exciting competitive and educational opportunities for students. Through the essay contest, the DCBA YLS has developed programming that provokes discussion on issues affecting our community (like gun violence) and also provides a scholarship opportunity. Over the years, the DCBA YLS has given back to the local Miami-Dade County community through education with student mock trial programs, middle school mentoring, and Florida Bar exam classes for law school students. The DCBA YLS Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest added a new and exciting dimension to our community outreach, which we hope to continue with the generous support of the AOC.
The DCBA YLS Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest requires students to not only use their intellect, but also their creativity in preparing their essay submissions. While the top three scoring essay writers receive a monetary scholarship award, all students benefit from sharing their thoughts on topics relevant to their lives. Last year’s essay prompt on gun violence, attached as Exhibit 1, produced impressive and thought-provoking work from the contestants. Our local NPR station, WLRN, covered the award reception. See Exhibits 2, 3, and 4.
The DCBA YLS Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest addresses the monetary needs of students as they begin to think about college and whether or not they can afford to attend. While the scholarship amounts range from $500 to $1,500, that money can go a long way in supporting a student through the college application process. Further, the project helps high school students develop their writing skills as they delve in a topic they may normally not have the chance to discuss in a classroom setting. The contest covers the Miami-Dade County community as a whole.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline
January 2020 Contest distributed to students in grades 9-12 in Miami-Dade County Public Schools March 2020 Essays due April 2020 Winners announced May 2020 Award ceremony for winners and their guests
2 The DCBA YLS will measure the effectiveness of the project based on the number of essay submission and the number of schools containing participants. In the two years the DCBA YLS has done the essay contest, participation jumped from 21 participants to 81. Our goal is to receive over 100 submissions for the project.
VII. Project Organization
Along with the DCBA YLS Executive Committee, a group of Directors will be tasked with managing the day-to-day logistics of the project, including developing the essay prompt and grading rubric, distributing the contest to grades 9 – 12 of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and organizing the award ceremony. All DCBA YLS Directors will be tasked with reading and grading the essays.
VIII. Budget
Scholarship Awards Top Scorer $1,500 Second Top Scorer $1,000 Third Top Scorer $500 Plaques $150 Award Banquet Food and Refreshment (no alcoholic $1,000 beverages) TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED $4,150 FROM AOC
IX. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: 2018 DCBA YLS Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest Rules, Prompt and Grading Rubric Exhibit 2: 2018 DCBA YLS Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest Top Scoring Essay Exhibit 3: Local NPR station, WRLN, article on the 2018 Miami-Dade High School Essay Contest Exhibit 4: Photographs of the 2018 awards reception
Again, thank you for your consideration of our AOC Grant Application. We look forward to seeing you in January.
Regards,
Isabella Poschl
President-Elect, DCBA YLS
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EXHIBIT 1
DADE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION 2018 ESSAY CONTEST
Description
Thank you for participating in the second annual Dade County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (“DCBA YLS”) Essay Contest! The DCBA was formed in 1920 to serve the lawyers in Miami- Dade County, to promote the administration of justice, to enhance professionalism, and to cultivate positive relationships among all members of the bar. Part of the DCBA YLS’ mission is to serve and empower the local community. We are proud to support programming in local schools.
Timeline
January 2018: Essay Contest is distributed to Grades 9 – 12 of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (via the Miami Dade Public Schools Department of Social Sciences); Teach for America; and, any other organizations or groups that work with students eligible to participate.
March 16, 2018: Essays are due by 5:00 p.m.
April 13, 2018: Essay winners will be announced.
May 2018: Scholarships will be awarded during Law Week. Further details to be announced about the date, time, and location.
Rules
1. The contestant must include the following information at the top of the first page of the essay: first name, last name, e-mail, telephone number, grade, and school. Failure to include this information will automatically disqualify the contestant. 2. Contestants must be enrolled in Grades 9 – 12 in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (this includes charter schools). 3. Essays may not exceed 1,000 words. The contestant’s information at the top of the first page and the title do not count toward the total word count. 4. Essays must be typed in size 12-point Times New Roman font and double-spaced. 5. Essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word format. 6. All facts, quotes, and evidence in the essays must include citations in MLA Style.
- 1 - 7. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If all or part of an essay is copied from a source without giving that source credit, the contestant will be disqualified from participating in the essay contest. 8. Essays must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] and received on or before 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2018. “Essay Contest” must appear in the subject line. Late essays will not be accepted. There are no exceptions. All timely submissions will receive a confirmation that the essay was received. All untimely submissions will receive a notification that their essay was late and that they are not eligible for the contest. 9. Essays will be graded according to the attached rubric. Scores will range from 0 to 40 points. Contestants may not appeal the results of the Essay Contest or their scores, and they may not request a review of their scores or the scores of any other contestants. All results are final. 10. There will be three cash scholarship awards. The three contestants with the highest scoring essays will receive cash awards as follow: first top scoring essay $1,500; the second top scoring essay $1,000; and, the third top scoring essay $500. 11. Essays will be graded by members of the DCBA YLS, and will be required to disclose if they have a conflict. Members of the DCBA YLS will have a conflict if they know the contestant, are related to the contestant, if they have children or relatives who are in the contestant’s school, or if they have any other connection to the contestant or the contestant’s school that would not allow them to be impartial. 12. If there is a tie in scores for any of the top three awards, the President of the DCBA YLS will break the ties. The President of the DCBA YLS will receive copies of the top scoring essays with the names and schools redacted. He will not have access to the original scores when grading the essays to break ties. 13. By participating in the essay contest, contestants are giving the DCBA YLS permission to use their essays and photographs from the awards ceremony in their promotional materials and with the media. 14. Only one entry per student. Each entry must be the work of one student.
- 2 - ESSAY CONTEST PROMPT
Gun violence affects thousands of people in the United States. Not only are the individuals who are shot, injured, and/or killed affected, but their families, friends, and communities also suffer the consequences of gun violence. Miami-Dade County is not immune to this.
In 2017, the University of Miami School of Medicine published a study evaluating gunshot wound injuries in Miami-Dade County and how those gunshot wound injuries are “…linked to socio- and geo-demographic indicators such as occupation, income, neighborhood and race…” BMC Public Health, Geo-Demographics of gunshot wound injuries in Miami-Dade County, 2002-2012, https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-017-4086-1.
“Researchers with the University of Miami School of Medicine mapped the zip codes of gunshot injury patients by incident location and where the patient lives. Most victims are shot in their neighborhoods, which are typically predominantly black communities, according to the study.” WLRN, Green, Nadege, “Study: Gun Violence in Miami-Dade Disproportionately Affects Young Black Men,” http://wlrn.org/post/study-gun-violence-miami-dade-disproportionately-affects- young-black-men (April 26, 2017).
The study also concluded that there “…needs to be more understanding about the role race, poverty and other social pressures play in neighborhoods with high rates of gun violence injuries when considering possible solutions.” Id.
Based on the information above, any additional research you conduct, and your personal experiences, how can Miami-Dade County reduce local firearm violence? In writing your essay, you may consider the following questions and statements:
• Do you agree with the University of Miami School of Medicine’s recommendations that "targeted public health interventions by municipal— and state-level policy makers, starting with employment opportunities, economic inclusion, poverty reduction programs, and efforts to reduce structural racism, would likely have a significant county- wide public health impact” on gun violence? WLRN, Green, Nadege, “Study: Gun Violence in Miami-Dade Disproportionately Affects Young Black Men,” citing to BMC Public Health, Geo-Demographics of gunshot wound injuries in Miami-Dade County, 2002-2012. Why or why not?
• Is gun violence a public health crisis in Miami-Dade County? Why or why not? How does it compare to other health crises the County has faced (e.g., Zika)?
• As a society, how do we balance protecting the public and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, which, in part, states that “…the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed”?
- 3 - • Should the Second Amendment be revised? Does historical context play a role in whether it should be revised? Do you think that the Founding Fathers of the United States of America intended for the Constitution to be a living document that changes with time, or did they intend for it to always remain the same?
• Even if the Second Amendment were revised or gun control laws were introduced, do you think it would reduce local firearm violence? Why or why not?
Make sure that you review the rubric on the following pages before you start writing your essay. Thank you for your participation!
- 4 - RUBRIC
Categories and Criteria 0 1 2 3 4 5 SCORE Did not Needs meet the major Needs standard work work Adequate Good Excellent Title, Introduction, and Conclusion
Title should include both subject and a hint about the thesis or point of view. Introduction should be engaging and should prepare the reader accurately for the body paragraphs. Conclusion should be thought-provoking or interesting, tie everything back together, and take the thesis further. Thesis and Focus
The essay should respond directly to the assignment’s questions with a clear argumentative thesis in the first paragraph that continues to be the focus of the paper. Organization
Each paragraph should have one main idea, good use of transitions, clear topic sentences, and smooth connections between paragraphs. If the introductory paragraph sets out a roadmap, it should be followed. Development: Support
The essay should have specific, concrete, relevant details, examples, evidence, and numerous references to source material to substantiate and explain the thesis. Development: Analysis
The essay should explain the connections between evidence and main ideas thoughtfully and thoroughly, should make the connections explicit, and should discuss the implications, relevance or, significance of the same. The essay’s analysis should not be too general or brief. It must be convincing. Sentence Craft and Style
The essay should demonstrate excellent use of language, precisely chosen words, complex and varied sentence structure, and appropriate tone and style. Word choice should not be too vague or imprecise. The sentence structure should not be too simple, awkward, monotonous, or choppy. Mechanics: Grammar and Spelling
For an “excellent” score, the essay should be almost entirely free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors (one per page or less). An essay with an average score will have a few errors which may distract the reader, but not impede the meaning (about two to three errors per page). An essay with a low score has frequent or extensive errors in diction, grammar, punctuation, and spelling (more than four errors per page).
- 5 - Categories and Criteria 0 1 2 3 4 5 SCORE Did not Needs meet the major Needs standard work work Adequate Good Excellent Mechanics: Citations
The essay must cite to all sources used. An excellent essay will follow the MLA Style (smooth signal phrases will be used, parenthetical citations will be in the text, a citation will be used for every fact or quote, and the citations will be formatted correctly with few or no errors). An average essay will mostly use in-text citations correctly and smoothly. A low-scoring essay will be missing many in-text citations or will have other significant omissions or errors.
TOTAL:
Contestant’s Name:
Contestant’s School:
Grader’s Name:
Grader’s E-mail:
Grader’s Signature: By signing, I certify that I do not have a conflict. This means that I do not know the contestant, that I am not related to the contestant, that I do not have children or relatives that attend the contestant’s school, and that there is no connection to the contestant or the school that would prevent me from being impartial.
- 6 -
EXHIBIT 2 Aisha Galdo Miami Beach Senior High School Grade 12 305-582-5022 [email protected]
Is Getting Shot Miami’s New Zika?
The occurrence of a mass shooting often sparks widespread discussions on gun violence.
Oftentimes, these conversations highlight the flaws in our society and in the laws that govern us; mental health and loopholes within gun purchasing laws are the main subjects of such discussion. While these conversations can be and often are enlightening for those who are unfamiliar with the current state of gun violence in the United States, discussions surrounding this topic tend to center around the minority of gun violence victims, namely middle-class white communities, rather than the majority of gun violence victims, low-income black and brown communities. By addressing the issues that low-income black communities face, gun violence throughout Miami Dade County can be decreased.
The simplest solution to ending gun violence is banning all gun use; however this is infeasible in current society. Legally, the Second Amendment is the main roadblock preventing most forms of gun control as a majority of Americans believe it is more important to protect the right to gun ownership than to control gun ownership (Pew Research Center, 2016). there is significant legislative opposition to gun control measures from well-funded political groups making a ban on guns unlikely and undemocratic. Outside of the Constitution, the main argument against gun control is increased personal safety with evidence both supporting and contradicting this. For example, “for every justifiable homicide in the United States involving a gun, guns were used in 44 criminal homicides” (Langley and Sugarmann, 2013), yet nations with high gun ownership have equal or lower rates of homicide than those with low gun ownership (Kates and Mauser, 2006). Nevertheless, the debate surrounding rights to access to firearms will likely not end in the near future, therefore it is the current state of affairs that must be taken into account when attempting to find practical ways to reduce gun violence.
Currently in Miami Dade County, historically black, low-income communities experience the strongest effects of firearm violence. In the University of Miami study cataloguing gunshot wounds in the county from 2002-2012, it is made clear that incidences of such wounds occured in the predominantly black and brown neighborhoods of Opa-Locka,
Liberty City, and Overtown. Firearm violence disproportionately affected young black men and appeared to increase over the course of the study, from about 275 to 325 yearly incidences.
These figures indicate a significant issue in Miami-Dade County. To give perspective, the total number of Zika virus cases in the county was 115 in 2017, and 255 statewide (Zika Free Florida,
2018). If gun violence was treated like Zika, there would widespread distribution of bulletproof vests and hours of local news anchors giving out “Five helpful tips to avoid getting shot”.
Gun violence is indisputably a public health crisis and the fact that it primarily affects the socioeconomically disempowered is why it is not treated as one. Unlike those who have most to lose from the Zika virus, pregnant mothers, the majority of gun violence victims do not evoke a strong sense of sympathy. Images of black and brown people in the media, especially young black men, are often negative and indistinguishable from one another, leading to both black victims and perpetrators being viewed similarly. A report done by the Center on Juvenile and
Criminal Justice found that in the media, “Black suspects were routinely depicted as being poor, dangerous, and indistinct from other non-criminal Blacks,” (Dorfman and Schiraldi, 2001). Local media only reinforces this. In August 2017, Miami-Dade police shot and killed Anthony Ford, an unarmed black male, yet the headline identifies him as a “probation violator” (Ovalle and Rabin, 2017). Headlines like these reinforce the perception of black victims as deserving of the violence that befalls them.
The aforementioned University of Miami study, offers recommendations to reduce rates of gun violence among low-income black and brown communities. These suggestions range from economic inclusion to efforts to reduce structural racism in our society (Zebib et al. 9).
Achieving this will require time and energy. Societal perspectives towards members of historically black communities will have to change. The media must start portraying black people as individuals rather than a monolithic group of criminals in order for the marginalization of serious urban violence as a “black problem” to end (Braga and Brunson, 2015). Ending the otherization of the violence these communities face will spurn people into action as they begin to understand that this everyone’s issue, not just “theirs”.
There needs be more services put in place to encourage a culture of economic and academic success for communities with high levels of gun violence. Community centers and outreach programs are a great place to start. Community centers serve to help bridge the economic and educational attainment gap for those in low-income urban areas (Bryan, 2005), which in turn lower gun violence as low levels of economic and educational achievement are linked with higher levels of gun violence. Outreach programs, like CeaseFire Chicago, have been shown to help high-risk adolescents and young adults avoid or disengage from gang violence completely through helping them find jobs or get high school degrees. Even though these two solutions seem simple, shootings (including attempts) in the Chicago areas where the program was implemented declined 17-24% and the amount of people actually injured or killed declined
16-24% (Skogan, 2008). If Miami Dade County implemented these two services, the amount of gun violence would decline now and continue to decline in the future. From the way firearm violence is reported in the media and discussed by people, it is easy to believe that it is far away from Miami Dade County, that the gun violence issues within low-income communities is a “them” problem, that issues like these are too different from the typical that reduction must entail some complex methodology. The reality is that gun violence is a current Miami-Dade public health crisis, a Miami-Dade community problem, and that simple methods for reduction implemented in other cities have proven to be successful. Gun violence can and must be addressed now.
Works Cited
Kates, Don B., and Gary Mauser. "Would Banning Firearms Reduce Murder and Suicide-A Review of International and Some Domestic Evidence." Harv. JL & Pub. Pol'y 30 (2006): 649.
“Map .” Zika Free Florida, Florida Health, zikafreefl.org/map/. Zebib, Laura, Justin Stoler, and Tanya L. Zakrison. "Geo-demographics of gunshot wound injuries in Miami-Dade county, 2002–2012." BMC public health 17.1 (2017): 174.
Dorfman, Lori, and Vincent Schiraldi. "Off Balance: Youth, Race & Crime in the News. Building Blocks for Youth." Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice (2001).
Ovalle, David, and Charles Rabin. “Cop Stop Turns Deadly When Probation Violator Takes off Running and Gets Shot.”Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2017.
Fingerhut, Hannah. “Opinions on Gun Policy and the 2016 Campaign.” Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, Pew Research Center, 26 Aug. 2016.
Center, Violence Policy. "Firearm Justifiable Homicides and Non-Fatal Self-Defense Gun Use." Washington, DC: Violence Policy Center (2013): 2.
Braga, Anthony Allan, and Rodney Brunson. The Police and Public Discourse on" black-on- black" Violence. US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice, 2015.
Bryan, Julia. "Fostering educational resilience and achievement in urban schools through school- family-community partnerships." Professional School Counseling (2005): 219-227.
Skogan, Wesley G. "Brief Summary: An Evaluation of CeaseFire-Chicago." Evanston, IL: Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University (2008).
EXHIBIT 3 12/6/2018 Miami-Dade High School Teens Take On Gun Violence In Award-Winning Essays | WLRN Miami-Dade High School Teens Take On Gun Violence In Award-Winning Essays
By NADEGE GREEN • MAY 3, 2018
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From left to right winners of the Miami Dade Bar Association's Gun Violence Essay Competition: Asja Jennings, Wendy Reyes and Aisha Caldo.
MIAMI-DADE BAR ASSOCIATION
The Dade County Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section held an essay contest for students to discuss their experiences with gun violence and to offer up possible solutions.
Students from across Miami-Dade wrote about hearing gun shots outside of their homes, the lack of resources for neighborhoods plagued by gun violence and the need for more counselors to address youth trauma.
The three winners are : first place Aisha Galdo, a junior ar Miami Beach Senior High School; second place, Wendy Reyes, a junior at Miami Norland Senior High School, and third place, Asja Jennings, a junior at Miami Norland Senior High School.
The students won $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. Below are excerpts of their essays.
"Is Getting Shot Miami’s New Zika?" by Aisha Galdo http://www.wlrn.org/post/miami-dade-high-school-teens-take-gun-violence-award-winning-essays 1/3 12/6/2018 Miami-Dade High School Teens Take On Gun Violence In Award-Winning Essays | WLRN
Currently in Miami Dade County, historically black, low-income communities experience the strongest effects of firearm violence. In the University of Miami study cataloguing gunshot wounds in the county from 2002-2012, it is made clear that incidences of such wounds occurred in the predominantly black and brown neighborhoods of Opa-locka, Liberty City, and Overtown. Firearm violence disproportionately affected young black men and appeared to increase over the course of the study, from about 275 to 325 yearly incidences. These figures indicate a significant issue in Miami-Dade County. To give perspective, the total number of Zika virus cases in the county was 115 in 2017, and 255 statewide (Zika Free Florida, 2018). If gun violence was treated like Zika, there would widespread distribution of bulletproof vests and hours of local news anchors giving out “Five helpful tips to avoid getting shot”. Gun violence is indisputably a public health crisis and the fact that it primarily affects the socioeconomically disempowered is why it is not treated as one. Unlike those who have most to lose from the Zika virus, pregnant mothers, the majority of gun violence victims do not evoke a strong sense of sympathy.
"How Programs Can Help Gun Violence in Miami Gardens" by Wendy Reyes
Why is this being a trend in my community where there is young black males being shot. Guns are being used to kill kids who won’t live to see themselves become senior citizens. It’s a sad statistic that shows the reality of my county and environment. Now the question is why this occurring to a specific race and gender? Well it’s because of the way we provide programs and academic opportunities to the youth in my community... The way we receive education is different. For a private charter school that is predominately white they receive funding for several programs and clubs in their school that can help the students go into college and receive a career path that can help them in the future.
"Our County, Our Children" by Asja Jennings
Gun violence is a public health crisis in Miami-Dade County. A public health crisis is a situation that affects people in an area, this is exactly what gun violence is. Gun violence is not exclusive to Miami, but it is one of the biggest issues here...Unlike other public http://www.wlrn.org/post/miami-dade-high-school-teens-take-gun-violence-award-winning-essayshealth crises like HIV, gun violence is not a disease, but it continu2e/3s to claim the lives of the young and innocent. I feel like if gun 12/6/2018 Miami-Dade High School Teens Take On Gun Violence In Award-Winning Essays | WLRN violence was treated as the public health crisis by the government and the people then more people would be aware and would see how ailing it can become to a community and society. Apart from the community being the most vital, the local and federal government can also help in eliminating gun violence in poor black neighborhoods like ones here in Miami Dade County. I believe that the Second Amendment needs to be revised. The Second Amendment was written in 1791, a time when the African slave trade still existed. This amendment was ratified so long ago and has not changed through all of these decades. The Second Amendment needs to be updated for modern society... Systematic racism is real and it will kill us if we let it.
http://www.wlrn.org/post/miami-dade-high-school-teens-take-gun-violence-award-winning-essays 3/3
EXHIBIT 4 Third place winner, Asja Jennings
Essay contest winner, Aisha Galdo with Second place DCBA YLS past winner, president, Eric Wendy Bluestein Reyes
I. TITLE: Onbikes Pensacola – Lawyers and Logistics
II. CONTACT INFORMATION Alex Andrade 350 W Cedar St. Suite 100 Pensacola, FL (954) 816-3395 [email protected] III. DESCRIBE YOUR AFFILIATE
The Young Lawyers Division of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association is comprised of approximately sixty five (65) members, and spans the two westernmost counties of Florida. Our affiliate’s past attendance at AOC has been sporadic. Last year, our affiliate attended and proposed a grant that received the President’s Award in support of ESRBA YLD’s onbikes Pensacola initiative.
IV. PROJECT SUMMARY
Thanks to support from the Florida Bar YLD, and from local sponsors and other grants, onbikes Pensacola (OBP) has been able to provide 2 bikes, helmets and locks PER DAY to children since its inception. OBP has given out approximately 2,000 bikes, helmets and locks since starting in December 2016.
OBP’s continued desire is to lower the logistical burden on the organizations receiving the bikes. OBP’s current model is to order large quantities of bikes at one time, and to have local charities come pick up the bikes the day they are built. OBP, with the help of YLD, has started storing a small inventory of bikes in order to do several smaller, more manageable bike building events throughout the year. These smaller events have been very successful; but OBP’s main event has remained the larger, December bike build, where hundreds of bikes are built at one time.
The next logistical task OBP would like to address is the purchase of a cover, flatbed trailer, to allow OBP the ability to store and transport large quantities of bikes to charities without the resources to transport them themselves.
Covered trailers like the one contemplated by this proposal are approximately $5,000.
V. PROJECT OBJECTIVES/DESCRIPTION
a. Background
OBP was started by young lawyers in Pensacola. In its first fiscal year (2016), OBP provided 300 bikes, helmets and locks to children in the Pensacola area. In December 2017 (OBP’s second year), OBP purchased and assembled 678 bikes, to be distributed to almost every charity serving children in the Pensacola area. OBP assembled similar numbers of bikes in FY 2018. OBP raises money throughout the year through sponsorships and grants. OBP uses the money it raises to purchase bikes wholesale from a national manufacturer. The wholesale bikes come in boxes and must be assembled. OBP hosts “bike builds” where community volunteers come out and help to assemble the boxed bikes.
OBP is a 100% volunteer board made up of mostly lawyers under the age of 35. OBP’s mission coincides with the services the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association’s YLD has provided for years, namely, to serve children in the foster care system.
OBP is the only local charity dedicated to providing a bike, helmet and lock to underprivileged children. OBP does not provide the bikes directly to children, and that is one aspect that makes OBP so special, the charities that serve children in town are the ones who get to deliver the bikes to the children they serve. The people who serve these children day in and day out, year round, are the ones who get to play Santa for Christmas. b. Problem
Though OBP only gives away brand new bikes, one of the most important bikes OBP gave away this year was a used bike. In September, a mother who’d recently lost her home came to the NWFL Children’s Home Society with a transportation concern. The mother didn’t have a way to get to and from work. The NWFL Children’s Home Society approached OBP to see if there was anything it could do. An OBP board member (a young lawyer) had a rusty old beach cruiser stored in his back yard. The beach cruiser was dropped off at OBP’s 2016 bike build, but was too rusty and worn to be given away. Another OBP member (also a young lawyer) put in the time to fix up the bike, and managed to give the used bike to the mother until she was able to receive a brand new bike at OBP’s December 2017 bike build. That used bike allowed that mother to get to work and continue to support her kids. This experience framed the one problem OBP currently has, its delivery model of very large bike builds, all at one time, can’t help people exactly when they need it.
Organizations continually approach OBP in “off” months with an immediate need for a bike for a parent or child. Because OBP does not have a dedicated storage facility, OBP is forced to tell that organization it will need to wait until December, when OBP’s large order of bikes comes all at one time, for that parent or child to receive a bike.
OBP also has a storage problem. Because OBP is 100% volunteer based, large boxes of helmets and locks have to be stored in all available spaces. c. Solution
YLD provided OBP the logistical support of a permanent storage unit last year to solve OBP’s storage problem.
This year, OBP would like to solve the transportation problem by purchasing a flatbed, covered trailer. This purchase would allow OBP to not pay monthly for storage, and to instead have a mobile storage unit/delivery vehicle, that would kill two birds with one stone. While OBP supports all the large organizations serving children in Pensacola, several local schools, and smaller groups would also benefit if OBP were able to build its bikes on a smaller scale and deliver them to the charities, instead of requiring overworked staff to find a truck large enough.
VI. PROJECT EVALUATION/TIMELINE
If OBP were to receive this grant, OBP would begin shopping for a covered trailer (appx 6x14) suitable to address OBP’s needs.
OBP would also continue t0 be able to host small bike builds for companies and charities on their time, and allow OBP to do both a large bike build in December and April and smaller bike builds throughout the year.
To recognize the Florida Bar YLD, OBP would label the trailer with YLD’s name and logo, and treat YLD as a sponsor of OBP’s 2019 event.
VII. ORGANIZATION
The beauty of this grant proposal is its simplicity; it solves a direct need with a single purchase. A covered trailer will allow OBP to provide small amounts of bikes on demand, and also relive overworked childcare professionals from having to address a sometimes gargantuan task of transporting large quantities of bikes at one time.
VIII. LAST YEAR’S GRANT AWARD
In 2017, the Florida Bar YLD awarded OBP with enough money to pay for the helmets and locks for over 100 children at OBP’s Spring Bike Build. OBP ultimately gave away 167 bikes because of the cost offsets provided by the Florida Bar YLD and other organizations. OBP also instituted a safety brochure program, and a YLD branded safety brochure is given with every bike.
In 2018, the Florida Bar YLD awarded OBP with enough funds to pay for temporary storage for its “inventory” of bikes, helmets and locks. By storing an inventory, OBP was able to do several smaller, more targeted bike builds throughout the year, which allowed OBP to provide bikes to smaller and different charities.
OBP owes a major debt of gratitude to the Florida Bar YLD for providing a grant that allowed OBP the leeway to operate more creatively, because of these grants, OBP has been able to serve hundreds more children in Northwest Florida.
With this grant, OBP will be able to impact even more children through even more charities.
THE FLORIDA BAR YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION AFFILIATE OUTREACH GRANT
YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS 2018-2019 GRANT APPLICATION I. Short Project Title: Lobby Days
II. Contact Information and Presenter at AOC: Sarah Young Hodges Chair Young Lawyers Section Florida Association of Women Lawyers P.O. Box 731685 Ormond Beach, Florida 32173 (850) 572-3664 [email protected]
III. Describe Your Affiliate: FAWL strives to propel women lawyers into economic, social, and leadership spheres of power. FAWL actively promotes gender equality and the leadership roles of FAWL’s members in the legal profession, judiciary, and community at large. To achieve these goals, FAWL upholds the highest standard of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession, promotes reform in law, and facilitates administration of justice. FAWL’s membership exceeds 3,000 members and approximately 40% of members are young lawyers.
Previously, FAWL was represented at AOC by Iris Elijah (2017 & 2018), Stephanie Myron (2016), and Kate Mesic (2015). In 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 grant cycles, FAWL, in partnership with the Young Lawyers Section of Tallahassee Women Lawyers, presented at AOC for funding for Girls Where They Are and Reaching for Higher Heights. Girls who attended Nims Middle School in Tallahassee participated in a tour of the Florida Supreme Court, a networking lunch with elected officials, judges, and attorneys at the Capitol, and a mock trial at the Division of Administrative Hearings. In 2017, FAWL was awarded $3000. In 2016, FAWL was awarded $1776. In 2015, FAWL’s AOC grant was a live panel discussion and webinar entitled Creating Your Blueprint for Leadership during the Florida Bar’s Annual Convention on how Gindi Eckel Vincent’s techniques can advance women in the legal profession. In 2014, FAWL applied for and successfully obtained an AOC grant for a live panel discussion on Lean In for Lawyers: How Does Sharon Sandberg’s Advice Help Us Grow in Our Profession?
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request: The purpose of Lobby Days is: (1) to engage with our Legislature to promote laws that empower women; (2) provide an opportunity for young lawyers and law students to engage in the legislative process; and (3) through this engagement, to encourage young lawyers to run for elected office. V. Project Objectives/Description: Lobby Days is an annual, multi-day event in Tallahassee where FAWL members attend CLEs on the legislative process and advocacy, and then have the opportunity to engage with state leaders on issues of importance to women lawyers in Florida. FAWL has not yet determined what our legislative priority will be this year, but some potential priorities include paid parental leave for government employees and mandated lactation space in all public buildings. Our CLEs will focus on lobbying skills that can be applied to any topic.
FAWL hopes to increase the participation levels of young lawyers and law students at this unique event. We want these lawyers to be engaged in the legislative process and empowered to advocate for issues that affect their lives. We also hope to inspire these young leaders to run for elected office. FAWL’s commitment to this goal is evidenced in having the Lobby Days’ CLEs and board meeting on the FSU Law campus. FAWL intends to reach out to FSU law as well as students interning in Tallahassee that attend other law schools to participate in this event.
Lobby Days begins Sunday, March 10, 2019, with a Welcome Reception at the Doubletree Hotel. Lobby Days is beginning on Sunday this year to accommodate those traveling from outside of Tallahassee, which we hope will increase attendance. On Monday, March 11, 2019, FAWL will present a day of education and CLEs from lobbyists and subject area experts. After the CLEs, attendees will receive a tour of Governor’s Mansion or attend a meeting with Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried or Attorney General Ashley Moody. On Monday evening, FAWL will host a Legislative Reception with Florida legislators, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage with these leaders. On Tuesday morning, attendees will use their new lobbing skills in meetings with legislators. After the lobbying session has ended, there will be a joint luncheon co-hosted by FAWL and Tallahassee Women Lawyers. Later that afternoon, FAWL will hold its Board Meeting.
There are usually handouts to accompany the CLEs, and all publication of the event will acknowledge YLD’s contribution. Additional resources for this event will be provided by FAWL.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline: FAWL will conduct a survey after the event to determine areas that can be approved. Every young lawyer and law student that attends and participates in this event is an indication that this event is a success. The successful passage of legislation that FAWL has lobbied for would be another indicator of success.
A timeline for the event is as follows: November 2018 – Secure room block for event December 2018 – Apply for AOC grant January 2019 – Finalize programming including our lobbying focus for 2019, confirm locations and events February 2019 – Advertise for Lobby Days. Contact FSU student organizations, the Florida Bar’s Administrative Law Section, which has a large amount of members that live in Tallahassee, TWL, and the Tallahassee Bar Association to get the word out. Update our website with information on event. VII. Project Organization: This event will be organized, coordinated, and lead by FAWL with the assistance of Tallahassee Women Lawyers.
VIII. Budget: FAWL Young lawyers Section is requesting $2,000 in funding to execute this event. At this time, there is $9,500 in funding for this event from FAWL. The proposed budget for this event is:
YLD funds FAWL funds (registration/sponsorship/dues) Welcome reception $500 $2000 CLEs – recording $500 $300 CLEs – working lunch $1000 Joint CLE Luncheon $500 $1500 with TWL Legislative Reception $500 $3000 Staff Travel $1500 Signage/Name $200 Tags/Printing Totals $2000 $9500 $11500
IX. Exhibits
None. Annie Kwong, Board of Directors: President Janice Chon Leia Leitner, Teris Deitsch President-Elect GOAABA Sarah Guo Hazel Gumera, Greg Maaswinkel Secretary GREATER ORLANDO ASIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION Avita Samaroo
Onchantho Am, www.GOAABA.org | [email protected] | [email protected] Treasurer P.O. Box 2652 Orlando, Florida 32802 Vanessa Braga, Ex Officio
December 7, 2018
Via Electronic Mail – [email protected]; [email protected]
Alex Palermo, Local Awards Chair Tom Miller, Program Administrator The Florida Bar 651 E. Jefferson Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300
Re: 2019 Florida Bar YLD Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application
Dear Ms. Palermo and Mr. Miller:
Please accept the following as the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association’s 2019 Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application.
I. Short Project Title: STEP UP with GOAABA
II. Contact Information:
Annie Kwong, Esq. – President Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone: 407-872-6011 E-mail: [email protected]
Leia Leitner – Presenter E-mail: [email protected]
Sarah Guo – Presenter Email: [email protected]
III. Description of the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (“GOAABA”):
Founded in 2009, the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (“GOAABA”) is a voluntary bar association comprised of approximately 72 members, consisting of attorneys, jurists, and law students. The mission of GOAABA is to represent and advocate the interests of the Asian Pacific American community of the Greater Orlando, Florida area; to encourage and promote the professional growth of the members of the Association; to facilitate client referrals and to broaden professional opportunities for Asian Pacific American attorneys; to foster the exchange of ideas and information among and between the members of the Association and other members of the
Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association 2019 AOC Grant Application December 7, 2018 Page 2 legal profession, the judiciary and the legal community; and to coordinate legal services to Asian Pacific American communities in the Greater Orlando area. GOAABA is also affiliated with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), based in Washington, D.C.
GOAABA’s representatives first attended the Affiliate Outreach Conference in January 2013. In the past, GOAABA has applied for and received grants for the following:
- 2017: Elevate Orlando Outreach Program ($1,500.00) - 2018: GOAABA’s “Y.E.S.S. for the Community” Project ($1,750.00) IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request: This project will allow GOAABA members to collaborate with the United Against Poverty Orlando, whose purpose is to inspire and empower people living in poverty to lift themselves and their families to economic sufficiency. United Against Poverty is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Through the help of the Florida Bar YLD, GOAABA is hoping to host two seminars designed to inform United Against Poverty clients of their legal rights. The second element of this grant application would be used to fund a scholarship for United Against Poverty’s “Success Training Employment Program” (STEP). Both elements of this project are further discussed below.
V. Project Objectives/Description: GOAABA’s proposed project builds off United Against Poverty’s existing program called “Success Training Employment Program” (STEP), where adult students are taught job-readiness skills. The STEP is a program dedicated to enhancing job-readiness skills. The first six weeks is made up of in-class discussion-based learning in the areas of Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment Training, Workplace Skills and Job Acquisition. Following graduation students work with a job coach and success coach to help them get hired and stay employed.
The STEP Program begins with an in-class component, and upon graduation from that portion, the students work with job and success coaches emphasizing career development and job retention. GOAABA is particularly interested in this program because it empowers individuals and provides them with the skills needed to maintain a job in the workforce, including, resume writing and job skills. Below is a link that includes more information on the STEP program and what it all entails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRzLeBD7dh4&t=11s.
In partnering with United Against Poverty (“UAP”), GOAABA hopes to supplement the STEP Program with two seminars targeted towards informing an individual of his/her legal rights. The seminars would be one-hour long and provide a basic overview of “hot legal topics,” ranging from landlord/tenant issues to informing individuals of pro bono representation.
GOAABA’s grant from the YLD last year was for a very similar project. Building from that idea, and identifying the issues of that program, this year’s Program will streamline the emphasis of last year’s programing in help the elderly at the Youth Empowerment and Support Services (“YESS”) Center, and transition this focus to helping adults at any age who have difficulty finding obtaining
Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association 2019 AOC Grant Application December 7, 2018 Page 3 employment because of a lack of a GED, prior criminal records, unstably housed, or lack transportation to UAP’s STEP program.
Additionally, because GOAABA recognizes that United Against Poverty has the ability to touch more lives than GOAABA’s individual efforts otherwise would, GOAABA hopes to use a portion of this grant to sponsor a student through STEP.
• How many people will the project serve?
It is anticipated that each seminar will attract at least 25-30 individuals. GOAABA plans to leave paper marketing material for distribution at the United Against Poverty offices, and marketing will largely take place by word-of-mouth.
• What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project?
UAP already partners with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association (“the Legal Aid Society”); however, the idea for this Program would be held at the United Against Poverty location, which would provide a general sense of familiarity for our target audience. Although the exact time of the seminars has not yet been determined, the idea is to have it either before or after a STEP class, so that participation is increased. Alternatively, GOAABA is looking to have the seminars held at night so that graduates of the STEP program can also attend. Additionally, GOAABA will reach out to the Legal Aid Society for a possible partnership. Further, GOAABA will communicate with and invite other voluntary bar associations to the Project’s programming.
• How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project?
This Project aims to bridge the gap between local community and the legal community, and to inform individuals of his/her legal rights. With the help of the Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers’ Division, GOAABA hopes to expand upon its successful “Pathways to the Legal Profession” panelist discussion to UAP to either volunteer as an instructor for the six-week STEP program, and/or provide legal seminars to educate students participating in the STEP Program. Young lawyers will also gain experience in advocacy and client interaction with each program.
• What impact will the project have in the local or legal community?
This Project will educate the local and legal community about legal topics and will enable the community to participate in discussions about an individual’s fundamental rights.
• Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants?
Handouts and other materials will be provided to participants free of charge. GOAABA intends to build on handouts and materials previously prepared.
Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association 2019 AOC Grant Application December 7, 2018 Page 4
• Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate?
Yes! This will be GOAABA’s third year working on a similar seminar-based project. Moreover, by partnering with United Against Poverty, an organization that has a very committed staff and well-structured programs, GOAABA hopes to further identify the success (and pitfalls) of this program, such that it can be replicated in the future.
• From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project? GOAABA will contact surrounding businesses for sponsorship opportunities.
• If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project? GOAABA will recognize the YLD’s support of its project in GOAABA’s advertising, including e-mail communications, printed flyers, and announcements. GOAABA will also include a “special thank you” to YLD at the event and within the event handouts and materials. In the event GOAABA is featured in any news publication, GOAABA will also recognize the YLD’s support of its project.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline:
This project will require two seminars to be taught within the span of a year. GOAABA will work with United Against Poverty to determine which of the following topics will garner the most interest:
1. Landlord-tenant law; 2. Employment Rights; 3. Criminal law; 4. Family law; 5. Professional Panelist Discussion (attorneys of varying areas of practices and legal paths); and 6. Technology, featuring how-to use computer, cellphone and other electronics.
Prior to the event, GOAABA will prepare the printed handouts and materials, confirm a secured speaker or speakers and the location of the event, and begin advertising the event among GOAABA members, as well as within the Central Florida communities. We will request attendees RSVP to adequately prepare printed material, refreshments, and non-alcoholic beverage needs.
We hope to involve 25 to 30 people at each program. At the beginning of each program, we will hand out a survey to help GOAABA determine the success of the program and its preparations for the program. Sample survey questions would include: How did you find out about the program? How helpful did you find the program? What would you recommend in the future for the same program?
GOAABA’s criteria for success for the project will be based on a combination of attendance and feedback from attendees. GOAABA’s success will come from partnerships formed among community members and organizations, as well as future events which will spring from this
Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association 2019 AOC Grant Application December 7, 2018 Page 5 project. GOAABA hopes to contribute its efforts towards growing United Against Poverty’s involvement within the community.
VII. Project Organization: GOAABA board members, Leia Leitner and Sarah, will be the chairs of this project, and will be responsibility for advertising the programs, creating and/or updating handouts and materials, ordering refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages, and preparing and analyzing the program surveys. Ms. Leitner and Ms. Guo will have assistance from GOAABA’s Board and membership and will contact leaders of local voluntary bar associations to seek additional volunteers to speak at the seminars.
VIII. Budget: GOAABA is requesting $1,900.00 from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division to cover the cost of the Project.
Description Amount Advertising $50.00 for each seminar Food/Refreshments & Non-Alcoholic $300.00 per program for 25 – 30 people for Beverages each seminar Printed Materials (e.g., Legal Forms) $100.00 for each seminar
Sponsorship of a STEP Student $1,000
Total Requested Grant: $1,900.00
The seminars will be held at United Against Poverty and as a result, there will be no costs for this venue. Additional funds cannot presently be obtained to achieve the project objectives.
Possible Sponsorship Opportunities: In the event that actual attendance well exceeds GOAABA’s estimation of the attendance for a program or program(s), GOAABA may need to secure sponsorship to be able to adequately host future programs. In that event, GOAABA would seek sponsorship from law firms or donations to cover costs, not already covered by this grant funding. GOAABA is unable to determine the exact amount or total cost, if any, of possible sponsorship. GOAABA’s Project Presentation will be forthcoming.
Thank you for time and consideration. We look forward to providing the Florida Bar YLD with more information at the upcoming AOC Conference in January 2019.
Very Truly Yours,
Leia V. Leitner On Behalf of the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association, President-Elect
GWEN S. CHERRY BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION,
AOC PROJECT GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT TITLE
The Rainmaker’s Academy
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sherria Williams, YLD Co-Chair Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association Post Office Box 012631 Miami, Florida 33101 [email protected]
Anna-Bo Emmanuel, YLD Co-Chair Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association Post Office Box 012631 Miami, Florida 33101 [email protected]
AFFILIATE INFORMATION AND AOC Members of Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association: 123 Members
Past Attendance of GSCBWLA at Affiliate Outreach Conference: The GSCBWLA has participated in the Affiliate Outreach Conference since 2015. Our organization joined as an Affiliate in 2014.
Last 3 AOC Projects and Funding:
2017-2018 The Rainmakers Academy $2,000 2016-2017 The Rainmakers Academy $1,500 2015-2016 Dine and Dish $2,000
AFFILIATE DESCRIPTION GWEN S. CHERRY BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
The Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association (GSCBWLA), formerly the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Dade County Chapter, was formed in 1985. The association’s mission is to address the concerns of women lawyers as they relate to the social, economic, political and moral needs of the community. For over twenty-four years, the association has been a network of attorneys dedicated to community service and the professional development of its members. The association has placed a strong emphasis on community service through its community seminars, free neighborhood legal clinics and programs educating and empowering youth and the mentorship of law students. In 2005, the association voted to be renamed in honor of community activist Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry, who was the first Black female attorney to practice in Dade County and the first Black female legislator in the State of Florida. Throughout the association’s existence, it has grown and its reach has expanded. Although it began as a Dade County bar association, GSCBWLA currently represents over 350 men and women law students, lawyers and judges throughout the State of Florida.
PURPOSE OF REQUEST With over 67% of the Florida Bar is made up of solo practitioners and small firms, which also reflects the landscape of the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association’s membership. The delivery of legal services has changed, which allows more attorneys to venture out as a solo practitioner and/or as a member of a small law firm. Plenty of lawyers are looking and considering the opportunity to build a legal practice.
The Rainmakers Academy is designed to provide information, knowledge, and resources to those interested in starting and/or maintaining a successful legal practice. The academy members will go through “bootcamps” for how to successfully build, run, and manage a law practice. Upon acceptance into the academy, students will be encouraged to take one pro bono case (from a designated list of pro bono organizations) for the year in which they are enrolled into the academy.
The Academy will have small workshop type session, or series of sessions, with an emphasis on starting a legal business, ethics, advertising, sharing office space, and the nuts and bolts of running a practice.
Sample Topics: Starting a law practice, Trust accounting, General accounting procedures, Client relationship building and marketing, Conflict checking procedures, Calendaring and docketing systems, Personnel policies and procedures, Succession and continuation planning (estate planning), The business of law and law as a business, Law firm technology, Social media and marketing, Websites, SEO and blogging, Setting up a virtual practice, Cloud computing, and many others.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
• What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate? To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)? This project will address the need for more pro bono assistance by practicing attorneys and the lack of resources attorneys face when deciding to venture out into becoming a “solo practitioner.” Those desiring legal services will be directly benefitted by this project as well as the young lawyers who are enrolled in the academy.
• How many people will the project serve? The Rainmakers Academy is designed to accommodate 10-20 attorneys who are interested and/or motivated to learn more about properly preparing to become a solo practitioner and/or a member of a small law firm.
Each year the students are encouraged to provide pro bono assistance, therefore assisting 10-20 local families each year.
• What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project? There are national programs aimed to help and assist solo practitioners additionally, the Solo and Small Practice Group of the Florida Bar holds a conference in November. There is nothing locally that is available for our members.
• How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project? Young lawyers will be provided the tools from experienced attorneys on how to successfully start, run and manage a law practice. Lawyers also can receive Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits for completing each session (2018- 14 CLE credits, 2017-13 CLE credits) . While the community and legal aids will benefit by more attorneys assisting with pro bono cases.
To apply for the program, candidates must:
1. Be admitted to practice in Florida; 2. Be a member of Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association 3. Have a commitment to access-to-justice for those in need; 4. Be willing to engage in at least one (1) pro-bono and low-bono service within 1 calendar year of involvement (strongly encouraged); 5. Work well in intimate settings with a diverse group of individuals; 6. Be committed to learning how to establish a solo-firm or small-firm practice; and
• What impact will the project have in the local or legal community? The Rainmakers Academy will educate young lawyers in the importance of assisting organizations with pro bono opportunities. Additionally, CLE credits are made available for attending each session.
• Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants? Yes, for each lesson in the academy the speaker(s) will provide handouts, links to virtual resources, and homework free of charge.
• Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate? The outline will be easy to replicate, however it may be beneficial for other affiliates to have different presenters.
• From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project? Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Lawyer Services/Products Sponsors St. Thomas University School of Law The Florida Bar The Small & Solo Practitioner Section of the Florida Bar (Hopefully awarded an assistance grant)
• If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project? YLD will be recognized: (1) on its flyer promoting this program, (2) at each meeting of the Rainmakers Academy, and (3)on GSCBWLA website and social media pages.
PROJECT EVALUATION Effectiveness of Project will be measured in reviewing the results of a before and after survey/test given to the student at the beginning and at the end.
This academy will be a success when our students start and successfully manage a small law practice.
PROJECT TIMELINE
December- Application available for Rainmakers Solo Academy January– Applications for Rainmakers Solo Academy DUE February– Rainmakers Solo Academy Begins Sessions 1 March– Rainmakers Solo Academy Begins Sessions 2 April - Rainmakers Solo Academy Begins Sessions 3 May- Rainmakers Solo Academy Begins Sessions 4
PROJECT ORGANIZATION Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association will be responsible for the programming of this event. The Pro Bono organizations that will benefit from the cases will be responsible for the cases relating to the pro bono case. The students enrolled will provide a “self-report” once they have accepted a pro bono case. BUDGET
EXPECTED EXPENSES Food (Meeting) $2,000.00 Printing of Student Booklets $300.00 Notebooks/Journals for $300.00 Students Certificates of Completion $150.00 Awards Awards for Speakers $650.00 Marketing/Flyer Promotion $150.00 Video/Photography $500.00 Business Marketing Session $500.00 Free Business Headshot $500.00 TOTAL $5,050.00
EXPECTED REVENUE Florida Bar, YLD $2,500.00 GSCBWLA $2,000.00 Solo and Small Firm Section (TBD) (in kind resources) Lawyer Products/Services $350.00 Sponsorships Solo/Small Firm Sponsors $250.00 TOTAL $5,100.00
EXHIBITS
A- Proposed Application for The Rainmakers Academy B- Sample Session Itinerary
GWEN S. CHERRY BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION APPLICATION FOR THE RAINMAKERS ACADEMY
Basic Information:
Name: ______
Home Address: ______
City, State, Zip: ______
Home Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______
E-mail address: ______Year of JD degree: ______
Law School Attended: ______
Date of admission to Florida Bar and Florida Bar number(s):
______
Other bar admissions and dates (if applicable):
______
The following documents must be submitted with this application:
1. A current résumé.
Please initial each statement below indicating your agreement:
______If I am selected as a participant in the RAINMAKERS ACADEMY, I agree to abide by and remain compliant with all the rules governing the program.
Printed Name: ______
Signature: ______
Dated: ______
Application MUST be returned to [email protected] by January 31, 2019
Rainmakers Academy: Rainmaking & Marketing March 17, 2018 Building A Successful Practice: Growing Your Book Of Business.
Marketing and business development skills are key to generating a book of business. Developing a plan, turning contacts into clients, mastering networking at events, and creating a plan are necessary to become a woman rainmaker. With the advent of social media, developing a strategy becomes a necessity and not a luxury. The Rainmakers Academy will provide each participant with tools to becoming a “2017 Rainmaker.”
9:30am-10:00am Arrival, Meet and Greet, IceBreaker Topics/Ice Breakers will be given at each session to encourage participants to interact before the session starts.
10:30-11:30am Knowing and Understanding Your Clients Time Topic Speaker 10:00-10:35 Client Selection Kendra Stephen, Esq. Learn how to get and retain clients. Improving your customer Supra Legal Group service skills. 10:35-11:05 Consultations/Scheduling Nexcy De La Rosa Monroe, Esq. Time is money. Understanding when your time is more valuable De La Rosa Monroe Law Firm, than a “free consultation.” PLLC 11:05-11:30 Putting It All Together Christina McKinnon, Esq. Knowing how to maximize your time and money through creating a The Law Office of Christina process. McKinnon, PA
11:30-11:35 am SNACK – LIGHT LUNCH 11:35-1:15am Navigating the World Wide Web
Time Topic Speaker
11:35-12:05 Client Referrals Joycelyn Brown, Esq. Is there really a better way to build a better business network? IPS Legal Group, P.A. Find out how to initiate and increase “good” client referrals. 12:05-12:35 Getting and Retaining Your Client Jillene Doolkadir, Esq. Creating your client avatar and client persona. Understand how Doolkadir Law, P.A to retain your clients to maximize your business. 12:35-1:05 Social Media Yanique Otto, Esq. Social media marketing is instrumental in attracting and keeping The Otto Law Group clients today. Understand how to connect to your clients. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION
Alexandra H. Palermo [email protected] 8125 Highwoods Palm Way Tampa, FL 33647-1776
Re: Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division - AOC Grant Application
Dear Mrs. Palermo, Members of the AOC Awards Committee, and YLD Board of Governors:
On behalf of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (“HCBA YLD”), please accept this as the HCBA YLD’s application for the 2019 Florida Bar Affiliate Outreach Grant (“AOC”).
I. Short Project Title:
Read to Dream – Young Readers Initiative
II. Contact Information:
Andrew Smith and Laura Tanner are submitting this application on behalf of the HCBA YLD. Their contact information is as follows:
Laura Tanner, Burr and Forman, 201 North Franklin Street, Suite 3200, Tampa, Florida 33602 ([email protected])
Andrew W. Smith, J.P. Morgan, 100 North Tampa Street, Suite 3300, Tampa, FL 33602 ([email protected])
Tiffany McElheran ([email protected]) and Christopher Arnold ([email protected]), both members of the HCBA YLD board of directors, will present our project at the AOC.
III. Describe Your Affiliate:
The HCBA YLD is open to lawyers who are less than 36 years old or have less than five years of experience as an attorney. The Hillsborough County Bar Association has over 3,800 members and its YLD division has over 926 members. The HCBA is proud to have one of the largest and strongest young lawyers divisions in the state. Our success is rooted in our membership and the support each of our dedicated young lawyers provides in all facets of the YLD. The mission of the YLD is to support the initiatives and goals of the HCBA, promote professionalism and ethical conduct, provide guidance and support to new lawyers, provide educational opportunities for our members, organize programs and events of interest to young lawyers, and encourage community involvement. The HCBA YLD has been represented at many past AOC’s and has been grateful for the support of the Florida Bar YLD AOC in many of its initiatives, including, among others, support and funding towards its Wellness Initiative, Mock Trial Program, Annual Chester H. Ferguson Law Center 1610 N. Tampa St. | Tampa FL 33602 phone: (813) 221-7777 | www.hillsbar.com | fax: (813) 221-7778 30883173 v1 32689211 v1 Golf Tournament, and the Read to Dream Program, which has become an important project to the HCBA YLD over the last few years.
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request:
In the 2016-2017 year, the HCBA YLD began participating in the John F. Germany Young Readers Initiative “Read to Dream” program. It is a volunteer staffed program created to address the lowest reading levels of children in Hillsborough County public schools by providing engaging reading activities and books for children in at-risk or underserved communities. The “Read to Dream” program encourages lawyers to spend about an hour a week volunteering to read books with elementary school children at various schools throughout Tampa. The goal of the program is to expose young children in at-risk communities to literature to foster a lifelong love of reading. Children who read regularly, tend to lead more productive lives, do better in school and generally go on to work in higher paying jobs. During the 2017- 2018 year, HCBA members reached approximately 120 students in the Fall of 2017 and 130 students in the Spring of 2018, resulting in 300 hours of volunteer reading time and 1900 books donated to the children to take home to continue encouraging their reading and participation in the program. In the Fall of 2018, approximately 125 students were served, over 175 hours of reading time and 50 hours of school coordinators were donated, as well as 1000 books. The HCBA YLD is appreciative of the Florida Bar YLD’s previous support of this project and is making this request again in order to be able to purchase more books for the program in the coming year, so that even more children can experience the joy of reading and be exposed to a wide variety of books, including the classics.
V. Project Objectives/Description:
The goals of our project are:
• To increase young lawyers’ involvement in addressing the needs of their surrounding communities through direct interaction with some of the most financially challenged families; • Share and promote the excitement and enjoyment of reading with children, through regular active small group reading sessions; • Assist school-aged children in improving their ability to read and comprehend at grade level; • Expose children to a wide variety of books, including the classics; • Most importantly, to put books into the hands of children who might not otherwise have them and to encourage children to take ownership of their reading.
Questions: 1. What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate? To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)? Recognizing there was, and continues to be, a need to improve the literacy skills among young children, especially those from underserved communities, the Read to Dream initiative addresses the lowest reading levels of children in Hillsborough County public schools by providing engaging reading activities and books for children in at-risk or underserved communities.
2. How many people will the project serve? We hope to impact all of the schools in Hillsborough County that serve at-risk or underserved communities. In the Fall of 2017 the program reached approximately 120 students and in the Spring of 2018 it reached about 130 students. In the Fall of 2018, approximately 125 students were served by the project. We hope to continue to reach more children and schools as the program grows.
Chester H. Ferguson Law Center 1610 N. Tampa St. | Tampa FL 33602 phone: (813) 221-7777 | www.hillsbar.com | fax: (813) 221-7778 30883173 v1 32689211 v1 3. What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project? The Read to Dream Initiative is the vision of the late John Germany, a student during the Depression years in Hillsborough County public schools, who graduated from Plant City High School in 1940. The program is the first of its kind in Hillsborough County. The HCBA YLD will work with community volunteers coordinating with the Hillsborough County Public School System and the Friends of the Library to, on a regular, weekly basis, place caring and engaged readers and mentors in positive group reading sessions with at-risk and underserved children.
4. How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project? Mr. Germany was an attorney, judge, founding member of the Holland & Knight law firm, leader in the development of the downtown Tampa library which bears his name, and a lifelong reader and dreamer. Germany always credited his long and fine career and love of reading, to a gift of a book which he received at a young age. We hope to inspire the same love of volunteerism and social impact on the public and young lawyers that Mr. Germany had during this lifetime. We also hope to help educate and inspire the children in the program by exposing them to books and the love of reading.
5. What impact will the project have in the local or legal community? Exposing the local and legal community to the needs and benefits of working with at-risk and under-served children.
6. Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants? Books are provided to the children participating in the program.
7. Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate? Yes. We encourage all young lawyer affiliates to replicate this initiative and welcome questions from any other affiliates on how to do so. It begins with partnering with underserved schools and recruiting volunteers to read to children participating in the program.
8. From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project? Local Hillsborough County charitable organizations and Tampa Bay area law firms.
9. If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project? For this event, we will recognize the Florida Bar YLD by having signage prominently placed that acknowledges the Florida Bar YLD’s donation and encouraging those in attendance to join and participate in the Florida Bar YLD.
VI. Project Evaluation:
The HCBA YLD Committee will coordinate with the Hillsborough County Public School System and the Friends of the Library to, on a regular, weekly basis, place caring and engaged readers and mentors, who are young lawyers in the community, in positive group reading sessions.
Criteria for success includes ensuring that there are enough attorney volunteers to staff the project on a weekly basis and that each child that is a participant of the program is able to take, at a minimum, one book home following their Read to Dream session. Our goal with this grant is to be able to have enough funding to fulfill the goal of providing each child with at least one book. We will also seek feedback from the participants, teachers and the libraries that host the event.
Chester H. Ferguson Law Center 1610 N. Tampa St. | Tampa FL 33602 phone: (813) 221-7777 | www.hillsbar.com | fax: (813) 221-7778 30883173 v1 32689211 v1 Timeline:
• December: Submit Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application and finalize basic plans with Hillsborough County Public School System. • January-May: Advertise, recruit, and match volunteers with the Read to Dream volunteer slots for the Spring Semester. • August – November: Advertise, recruit, and match volunteers with the Read to Dream volunteer slots for the Fall Semester. • Purchase books for children participating in the Read to Dream program for the Fall and Spring Semester
VII. Project Organization:
The Read to Dream initiative is a community volunteer project of the HCBA YLD and the HCBA. The HCBA Bar staff assists with the project; however, details, volunteer logistics, and school placement are handled and managed by the HCBA YLD Board and Youth Projects Committee.
HCBA YLD Board Members: • Responsible for organizing event and marketing. • Responsible for purchasing books to provide to the students. • Volunteering at the Read to Dream sites.
HCBA Bar Staff: • Works alongside HCBA YLD Board Members in organizing in marketing the initiative.
HCBA YLD Youth Projects Committee: • YLD Committee tasked with planning, coordinating, and overseeing all youth-related activities and events sponsored by the YLD.
VIII. Budget (Based on an estimated 300 children attending the Read to Dream initiative throughout the year)
Item Estimated Cost Books for Children $3,000.00 Gift Bags (bags, pencils, notepads) $800.00 Total Expenditures $3,800.00
HCBA YLD Funds $250.00 In Kind Donations $550.00 Grant $3,000.00 Total Funds $3,800.00
IX. Exhibits (See attached pictures and link to training video)
Chester H. Ferguson Law Center 1610 N. Tampa St. | Tampa FL 33602 phone: (813) 221-7777 | www.hillsbar.com | fax: (813) 221-7778 30883173 v1 32689211 v1 We hope that you and the committee will favorably consider the HCBA YLD’s application for this year’s Florida Bar Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Laura Westerman Tanner, Esq. Director, HCBA YLD Board
Andrew W. Smith, Esq. Member, HCBA YLD Long-Range Planning Committee
Chester H. Ferguson Law Center 1610 N. Tampa St. | Tampa FL 33602 phone: (813) 221-7777 | www.hillsbar.com | fax: (813) 221-7778 30883173 v1 32689211 v1 Link to Read to Dream training video: https://mix.office.com/watch/1f337nu50siuo Pictures of Read to Dream in Action:
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HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (“HBACF”) 2019 The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Affiliate Outreach Conference (“AOC”) Grant Application
I. Short Project Title: HBACF Fortaleza Project.
II. Contact Information: Provide the name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address of a contact person or persons at your Affiliate. The mailing address should be the address where The Florida Bar should send any award funding. Additionally, in this section, please identify the individual(s) who will present your project at AOC on January 12, 2019.
For the purposes of this grant and project, the appropriate HBACF contacts are executive committee members, Sandra K. Artreche and Andrea D. Ortiz who together will be presenting the grant proposal at the 2019 Affiliate Outreach Conference in St. Augustine, Florida.
Sandra K. Artreche Siemens Corp. 4400 North Alafaya Trail MC Q1-239 Orlando, FL 32826 Telephone: (407) 461-3268 E-Mail: [email protected]
Andrea D. Ortiz, Esq. ADO Law Telephone: (407) 502-6400 E-Mail: [email protected]
III. Describe Your Affiliate: The Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida, Inc. (HBACF) is a non-profit organization that was incorporated on September 3, 1991. The founding members were a group of Hispanic attorneys recognized the immense need for support and representation of the Hispanic community, which made up a significant part of the Central Florida population.
It is indisputable that twenty plus years later the Hispanic Community continues to grow in size and influence but remains vulnerable. That is why the HBACF’s mission remains as meaningful and important today as it was when it was formed. Currently, the HBACF has over 130 members made up of judges, magistrates, attorneys, legal assistants, law students, and other members. As the HBACF’s membership continues to grow, so does its influence and ability to fulfill its mission.
The HBACF stands ready to advocate for the rights of the Hispanic community and help Hispanics learn and understand their legal rights and gain greater access to the courts and the legal system. The HBACF is also committed to promoting a greater representation of Hispanics in leadership positions. These efforts include supporting Hispanics in becoming judges, lawyers, law professors, law students, civic leaders, and business owners. The HBACF has attended the AOS for the past nine (9) years. In the last three (3) years, the HBACF presented (1) the Speed Mentoring: Early Career Success for Law Students; (2) the HBACF’s Practice Series for the New Minority Lawyer; and (3) The Conozca Sus Derechos (Know your Rights) Seminar Series
HBACF 2019 Application for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Page 1 Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Project for persons affected by Hurricane Maria. The HBACF Fortaleza Project has not been previously presented at an AOC by this Affiliate.
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request: Provide an organized and well-conceived project summary.
The HBACF will host an interactive program which we have entitled the Fortaleza Project during the fall of 2019 (exact date TBD). This program will benefit the organization Feeding Children Everywhere. Feeding the Children Everywhere is a non- for-profit organization who is committed to creating a hunger-free world. The hunger project is a fun, high-energy and hands-on way for our organization to make a tangible difference in the fight against hunger. The HBACF will be packaging 30,000 healthy meals for hungry children and families who need it most. The meals packed will be delivered to hungry children in predominately Hispanic areas.
V. Project Objectives/Description: Describe the project in detail and address the following questions:
1. What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate?
The HBACF is extremely passionate about serving the greater Hispanic community. This project will pack 30,000 meals that meet the basic nutritional needs of children and their families. We believe that when a child is not hungry, he/she can focus its energy in other areas including education. By sending meals to schools’ crisis food pantries and supplementing food budgets abroad, Feeding the Children Everywhere has seen an increase in enrollment and school attendance, thus affecting the future of their communities in a positive manner.
2. To what groups will the project provide services?
This project will provide services to hungry in a predominately Hispanic area.
3. How many people will the project serve?
The project will serve approximately 30,000 children and their families who receive one of these meal packages that will be packed by the HBACF.
4. What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project?
As hunger is a major world problem, there are many organization including legal organizations who have done similar projects.
5. How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project?
In addition to sending 30,000 meals to hungry children and their families, the event in a high energy environment where volunteers work as a team to pack healthy meals. Prior to
HBACF 2019 Application for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Page 2 Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant packing the meals refreshments will be provided to the volunteers who will use this time as a time to network. In addition, the HBACF will work with law student organizations at the local Orlando law schools Barry University School of Law and FAMU School of Law to add diversity and impact to the event.
6. What impact will the project have in the local or legal community?
The HBACF expects this event to also act as team building establishing bonds within our Central Florida legal community.
7. Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants?
No handouts or materials will be provided.
8. Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate?
This project will be easy for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate. Information to contact Feeding the Children Everywhere will be provided.
9. From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project?
The HBACF will be seeking additional donations from its members.
10. If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project?
If the YLD awards funds for this project, recognition to YLD will be provided in all marketing materials. Should the YLD have additional ideas for how the HBACF can recognize its contribution, the HBACF is open to suggestions.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline: Please provide a timeline for implementation of your project and the results you expect to achieve. Explain how you will measure the effectiveness of your project. Describe the criteria for success of the project.
The HBACF’s criteria for success for the project will be based on a combination on attendance and feedback from attendees.
VII. Project Organization: The project will be chaired by the 2019 Young Lawyers Section Chair, Andrea D. Ortiz and President Ex-Officio, Ani Rodriguez-Newbern. The chairs will report to the HBACF executive board for approval of all budgeting. To assist in implementing and carrying out the even event, a committee will be formed of HBACF members.
HBACF Co- Chairs HBACF HBACF Andrea Executive Fortaleza Ortiz & Ani Board Project Rodriguez- Committee Newbern
HBACF 2019 Application for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Page 3 Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant VIII. Budget: Develop a preliminary line item budget of monies needed to complete your project. State whether additional funds can be obtained, if necessary, to achieve the project objectives and continue the project in the future. Please provide information on the projected sources for all funds. If you are providing sponsorship opportunities, please provide a summary of those opportunities. Show the total cost, the amount requested from the YLD and contributions from all other sources (cash or in-kind).
If you budget for expenditures to cover staff or attorney time, meeting space, alcoholic beverages, or travel reimbursement, you must show income outside of the YLD funds to cover these expenses as YLD funds cannot be used for these expenditures.
Budget Item Description Amount 30,000 Meals for Hungry Children (.27 per meal) $8,100.00 Shipping and Logistics Cost $850.00 Refreshments $500.00 Beverages $100.00 TOTAL $9,550.00
The chart above summarizes the preliminary budget for this project. To the extent grant funds fall short and/or not eligible to cover specific expenses, the difference will be sought from sponsors, the local law schools, charitable contributions, and contribution from the HBACF’s general budget.
In addition, the HBACF will also be seeking contributions from other local voluntary bars.
IX. Exhibits: Please attach any exhibits supporting your Affiliate’s project grant application. However, given copying costs, please only include essential exhibits with your application.
None.
X. Page Limitation: Applications should not exceed five (5) typed pages, not including exhibits.
XI. Project Presentations: To be eligible for funding, each Affiliate must present the project at AOC on January 12, 2019. Each Affiliate will have 3-5 minutes to present their project and field questions from the grant decision committee. The YLD Board of Governors encourages creative, innovative and fun presentations. This year, the YLD Board of Governors is encouraging (but not requiring) affiliates to submit a video grant presentation, or incorporate a video into their grant presentation, to make the presentations more entertaining. However, even if an affiliate utilizes a video for the entirety of the presentation, we ask that at least one representative from that affiliate be present to field questions from the judges. A projector is available for your presentation. If you plan to use technology (PowerPoint, videos, etc.), you must provide the materials to Tom Miller ([email protected]), on or before January 7, 2019.
XII. Follow-up: Affiliates are encouraged to submit a closing report upon completion of the project. This report should inform the YLD of the success of the project and the use of the YLD funds.
HBACF 2019 Application for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Page 4 Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant
The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Affiliate Outreach Conference 2018 Young Lawyers Division of the Indian River County Bar Association GRANT APPLICATION
I. Short Project Title
Social Justice Resources for the Gifford Youth Achievement Center
II. Contact Information
Ashley Novander, Past President, Indian River County Young Lawyers Division (IRCBA YLD) Email: [email protected] Address: 3111 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963 Telephone: (772) 231-6900 Presenter: Dane Ullian, Vice President, IRCBA YLD ([email protected])
III. Affiliate Description
The Young Lawyers Division of the Indian River County Bar Association is a local bar organization of lawyers under 35 years of age or with fewer than 5 years practicing law, whichever occurs first. IRCBA YLD is currently composed of approximately 30 active members; however, several former members who are “young at heart” attend YLD social and community events. IRCBA YLD has attended the AOC in the past and received funding for the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County.
IV. Request Summary
Young people across Florida have become increasingly more active and engaged in social justice issues and the civic processes that shape our government and society. Students are mobilizing to promote positive cross-cultural interactions and equal justice for all people. However, students in many areas of our community may lack access to materials and resources to further inspire and educate them on the social justice issues.
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Young lawyers, as active members of the legal profession, have a duty to support organizations working toward social justice for all citizens. IRCBA YLD actively promotes civic literacy in Indian River County through programs such as pocket constitutions for grade-school students. IRCBA YLD recognizes the need for increased access to resources for students interested in activism and politics, and we can assist the Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) in expanding its library to increase access to social justice materials for all students in our community.
This project will provide books at no charge to GYAC to promote interest and knowledge of the law and access to resources for social justice and advocacy. Because GYAC relies on the Indian River County library system, middle and high school students will benefit from GYAC-owned books to use in conjunction with their classroom curriculum and after-school activities, in addition to students investigating topics relating to social justice.
The Gifford Youth Achievement Center was established in 1998 in Indian River County to enhance youth and adult success in life through its programs to increase high school and college graduation rates for African-American students in Indian River County. GYAC’s mission is to establish a partnership among youth and adults of the Gifford community and surrounding municipalities of Indian River County that will develop self-esteem, teach character, and encourage each individual to reach their ultimate potential.
V. Project Objectives and Description
This project will create a small social justice library for GYAC containing books for use by the students who attend its many programs and after-school activities. This grant will allow IRCBA YLD to purchase approximately 30 books on social justice and similar related topics for a wide range of ages.
GYAC serves 200+ families in Gifford and the surrounding communities in Indian River County, including over 200 students and adults each day. Three copies of each book title will be available to the students at GYAC, separate from the availability of books at the local Indian River County Library. IRCBA YLD hopes to provide 100 middle and high school students with access to these titles, which would not otherwise be available to them, to encourage positive civil engagement by youth in the local community.
IRCBA YLD will recognize the Florida Bar YLD’s support of this project to both its membership, the local bar, and the public in its social media and email campaigns, including the local bar association newsletter.
VI. Project Evaluation and Timeline
It will take approximately two months to complete this project in early 2019.
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Timeline: (1) YLD IRCBA submits grant application in December 2018. (2) First meeting of YLD Board and membership at January 2019 meeting. Board will locate and compare prices on requested books. (3) Books purchased by YLD Vice President in February 2019 (or once funds received) and delivered to GYAC before school releases for Spring Break.
Success will be measured by the number of students with access to these books that were previously unavailable and evaluating the number of times the books are checked out by students at the GYAC each month. IRCBA YLD will request feedback from the GYAC staff regarding participation by the students at the center after the first three months.
VII. Project Organization
The committee overseeing this project consists of IRCBA YLD Board, chaired by the YLD Vice President. All YLD active members will be in attendance to distribute the books to GYAC, which will be photographed and promoted in the local news media and on social media, including the local bar association newsletter.
VIII. Budget
Title of Books for GYAC Quantity Estimated Estimated Price Ea. Total Encyclopedia of Activism & Social Justice 1 $660.00 $660.00 (3 vol. Set) The Day Gogo Went to Vote 3 $7.00 $21.00 101 Changemakers 3 $18.50 $55.50 Teenage Rebels 3 $12.00 $36.00 The 100 Greatest Americans of the 20th Century 3 $12.75 $38.25 I Dissent – Ruth Bader Ginsburg 3 $12.00 $36.00 Separate is Never Equal 3 $13.50 $40.50 Freedom Walkers 3 $13.50 $40.50 What Should Danny Do? 3 $13.25 $39.75 What Can A Citizen Do? 3 $13.00 $39.00
Total Book Cost $1,006.50 Est. Sales Tax + Shipping $93.50 GRAND TOTAL $1,100.00 AMOUNT REQUESTED FROM YLD $1,100.00
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2018 AOC Grant Project Application Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association – Women’s History Month Program
I. Short Project Title “Celebrating Women’s Legal History”
II. Contact Information For the purposes of this grant and project, the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association ("JWLA"), contacts are Brittany Ford and Jennifer Vanover. Brittany Ford and Jennifer Vanover will be presenting the grant proposal at the 2018 Affiliate Outreach Conference ("AOC").
Brittany Ford Abbott Law Group, P.A. 2929 Plummer Cove Road Jacksonville, Florida 32223 Phone: (904) 292-1111 Email: [email protected]
Jennifer Vanover GrayRobinson, P.A. 50 N. Laura Street, Suite 1100 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: (904) 598-9929 Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address for Award: Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association c/o Cyndy Trimmer, Treasurer Driver McAfee Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC 1 Independent Drive, Suite 1200 Jacksonville, FL 32202
III. Affiliate Description JWLA was founded in 1982 as a non-profit organization that provides support and networking for women lawyers in Jacksonville, Florida. JWLA membership is open to all attorneys, male or female, in Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding counties. JWLA is a Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. JWLA’s mission is to actively promote gender equality and the leadership roles of its members in the legal profession, judiciary and community at large. There are approximately 300 members of JWLA, many of whom are young lawyers and law students. This project has not been previously presented at AOC by JWLA. JWLA received an AOC grant in 2018 for the “GOOD Guys” program in an amount of $2,000.
IV. Purpose of Request The purpose of this request is to obtain funding that will assist JWLA in hosting the "Celebrating Women’s Legal History" continuing legal education program. JWLA will bring together a group of six to ten female attorneys who have been practicing in the legal field in for 20 or more years, to lead a panel discussion on female advancement in the legal field. By inviting these highly-successful, seasoned attorneys to discuss their experiences as a panel with our members, JWLA hopes to shed light on the history of women in our local legal community and glean valuable insight on how to break the impasse in women’s advancement. We will seek CLE credit (gender bias elimination) for the event.
V. Project Objectives/Description Needs Addressed by Project Equality and advancement of women in their legal careers and retaining experienced, successful female attorneys in the profession are integral to the mission of JWLA. This project will help young attorneys and law students learn how to level the playing field by hearing about the history of successful female attorneys in Jacksonville and the ways in which female lawyers can increase diversity in their firms and areas in which they practice. By demonstrating the success of these seasoned attorneys, we seek to encourage more female attorneys to stay in the legal field and seek advancement in the field in the same number as their male colleagues. The panel will also answer questions from JWLA members regarding their concerns and the barriers they are facing in advancing their legal careers. We believe that hearing the stories of success from this panel of women who faced the same obstacles our young lawyers and law students are facing today and how they overcame them, will encourage and motivate our young lawyers and law students to preserver and not let such barriers hold them back.
Groups Served by Project and Public Benefit Both members and non-members of the legal community may attend our luncheons. We attract a wide-array of lawyers in the community including a large number of young lawyers and law students who frequently attend our luncheons. The event will benefit the public by sparking and encouraging conversation about women staying in the legal field, which in turn will inspire the younger generation to follow in their footsteps and create diversity and experience in the legal profession. Young lawyers and law students will feel motivated knowing that the obstacles they are facing have been overcome by many successful women before them, and they will feel encouraged to keep striving for the top. The project will not only reach the attendees, but also the media in the Jacksonville area has been actively attending JWLA events and publishing key points of discussions taking place at our events.
Other Similar Projects in the Area To our knowledge, there are no other similar projects in the area. By being able to host this unique Women’s History Event celebrating the history of female attorneys in such a large legal community, we will be able to make a great impact in continuing our mission of diversity in the legal profession.
Ability to Replicate Program The program could be replicated in other jurisdictions in the same way – by seeking out successful female attorneys within the area and bringing them together for a panel discussion.
Materials for the Program There will be no materials required for the program. We will not be seeking funding from any other organizations. The event will be held at our monthly luncheon which our members pay to attend to cover the cost of their attendance. The funds from the grant would be used to provide, as funds allow, for discounted or free attendance for young lawyers and law students, seasoned women lawyers who are not currently engaged with JWLA but could be valuable resources and mentors to our members, particularly young lawyers, in addition to our panel of speakers.
YLD Recognition The YLD will be recognized during opening announcements at the event as well as on the social media and email announcements for the event. In the opening statements at the event we will thank the YLD for making it possible to hold this event and assisting in developing diversity in the legal profession.
VI. Project Evaluation JWLA’s goal is to advance diversity in the legal profession which includes retaining successful female attorneys within the legal profession. The event will be deemed a success if we are able to obtain a full panel of seasoned, successful female attorneys and full turnout at the event. The success of the event can also be seen in the increased amount of interest and the number of females successfully advancing to the partner level or senior leadership in the legal community in the years to come after we hold this event.
VII. Project Organization The board members of JWLA are currently identifying the 6-10 female attorneys with 20- or-more-years of experience to invite to be on the panel of the “Celebrating Women’s Legal History” event. The event will be held in March to coincide with Women’s History Month. In the months leading up to the event a committee will be appointed by the board, which will include young lawyers. The committee will develop the questions that will be asked of the panelists. The committee will be encouraged to develop and include questions that address barriers young female attorneys are facing when trying to advance their legal careers. The committee will formally invite the female attorneys, organize the advertising for the event, and assist at the event to coordinate the introduction and questioning of the panel attorneys. JWLA’s Programs Director will be ultimately responsible for organization and execution of the event.
VIII. Budget JWLA is requesting $2,000.00 for the "Celebrating Women’s Legal History" event. This will cover the attendance cost of the female attorneys for the event panel (10); free attendance for 25-30 young lawyers and law students, as well as some seasoned women lawyers in our community that are not currently engaged with JWLA but could be valuable resources and mentors for our members; the formal invitations; and presenter gifts for the panelists. Below is a breakdown of the costs of the event.
Fund Source YLD Grant Normal JWLA Member Total Funds Attendee Fees Dues Food and (10 panelists x (50 x $35)= $3,500 Beverage $35) = $350 $1,750
(30 young lawyers and law students x $35) = $1,050
(10 seasoned women lawyer non-members x $35) = $350 Constant $70 monthly $70 Contacts Invitations $20 $20 Speaker Gift (10 x $20) = $200 $200 Name Tags $30 $30 Grand Total = $3,6820
IX. Timetable January – Committee will be appointed. The Committee will identify and reach out to potential panelists and being planning the schedule for the event.
February –Advertising for the event will begin and formal invitations will go out to the panelists. The Committee will develop and finalize questions for the panel. Once responses for the invitations are received, the event outlay will be configured.
March - The event will be held on March 14, 2019. Following the event, the Committee will begin collecting feedback about the event.
X. Exhibits None
Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application Lee County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
I. Short Project Title: Lee County YLD Children’s Literacy and Law Project
II. Contact Information: Nicole Brunswick, President of the Young Lawyers Division of the Lee County Bar, is the contact person and main presenter for the grant application.
Nicole Brunswick, Esq. Simmons Law Firm, P.A. 2211 Widman Way, Suite 110 Fort Myers, FL 33901 Phone No.: (239) 887-4282 Fax No.: (239) 204-9378 Email Address: [email protected]
III. Description of Affiliate and Past Attendance at the AOC: The Young Lawyers Division of the Lee County Bar Association (the “Lee YLD”) is a growing organization made up of about 60 active young lawyers dedicated to furthering their professional growth and developing the skills necessary to become leaders within the Lee County Bar Association (“LCBA”) and the community at large. The Lee YLD places great emphasis on improving the community through philanthropic activities that focus on children. The Lee YLD is governed by a seven-person board and has consistent monthly meeting attendance of around 20 members. The Lee YLD rotates meeting and social event locations throughout Southwest Florida to accommodate our members and support a broad spectrum of the community.
This will be the eighth consecutive year that the Lee YLD has attended the Affiliate Outreach Conference (“AOC”) and submitted a grant application. In 2013, the AOC Grant funds received by the Lee YLD helped fund a S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program at Child Care Southwest Florida, an organization that provides day care services to lower-income families in Lee County. In 2014 and 2015, the AOC Grant Funds received by the Lee YLD were used to partner with Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida (“VFK”) and its “Bedz for Kidz” program. This program provides beds and related items for children in the Lee County Guardian ad Litem Program. In 2015, the Lee YLD’s $3,500 AOC Grant was combined with an additional $1,500.00 raised by the Lee YLD, for a total contribution of $5,000.00 to VFK. In so doing, the Lee YLD met the $5,000 project goal stated in its 2015 AOC Grant application. In 2016 and 2017, the Lee YLD partnered with the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida for a yearlong Tryathlon event, where young lawyers teamed with children in foster care and their foster families to participate in three sporting and community service events each year. This past year, the Lee YLD participated in the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida’s Literacy Buddy Program, where young lawyers were paired with a child in an early learning facility. The children and young lawyers exchanged letters where each had an opportunity to learn about the other. Based on this knowledge, the young lawyers were able to provide high-quality books to the children geared toward their individual interests. This partnership allowed the Lee YLD to provide over 100 books to children in the community. This year we hope to continue focusing on the importance of improving child literacy in the community.
IV. Summary – Purpose of Request: The purpose of the Lee YLD’s 2019 AOC Grant request is to obtain funding to support and expand the Lee YLD’s efforts to improve child literacy in the community. This year we will continue to build on last year’s success by partnering with Child
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Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application Lee County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
Care of Southwest Florida (“CCSWFL”). CCSWFL provides child care to low income families with a focus on preparing children for success in both academics and life.
Throughout the year, the Lee YLD members will make at least three visits to one of CCSWFL’s Learning Centers where the members will engage in hands-on activities with the children by reading with them and/or engaging in an active learning experience. The Lee YLD’s goal is to use this opportunity as a fun learning experience for the children to become acquainted with the practice of law. During the visits, members will hold a Q&A session, where the children will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about each member’s individual area of practice. Toward the end of the year, the Lee YLD will hold a year-end event at a local venue where the teachers, children and their families can attend, have fun, and interact with the Lee YLD members.
The way we are expanding on last year’s literacy project, is the face-to-face interaction members of the Lee YLD will have with the children. This will allow the children to develop potential mentor relationships with Lee YLD members, while Lee YLD members will have the opportunity to serve as role models and interact with the community.
AOC Grant funding will allow the Lee YLD to purchase quality educational material, such as books, school supplies, snacks and other learning activities to bring to the classroom during their visits. Funding will also enable us to host a year-end event where the children and teachers can introduce Lee YLD members to their families and expand upon the relationships developed throughout the year. The Lee YLD will pay for non-covered expenses through sponsorships, its traditional fundraising efforts (periodic sales, drives, and raffles), and with LCBA funds budgeted for the Lee YLD.
V. Project Objectives/Description: The Lee County YLD Children’s Literacy and Law Project consists of at least three in-person visits to one of CCSWFL’s Learning Centers, where Lee YLD members will engage with children in an educational/active learning activity, and year-end event for the teachers, children, and their families. The Lee YLD has partnered with CCSWFL in the past and has developed a professional rapport, which will assist us in achieving the purpose of this project, which is to improve child literacy in the community.
1. What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate? To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)? The project addresses the importance of improvement of child literacy by emphasizing how significant reading is to children. Lee YLD members will have an opportunity to show how reading provides the foundation for any career, especially the field of law. This project will not only provide services to the children, but also to the young lawyers who will have the opportunity to engage with the children and serve as role models in the community. 2. How many people will the project serve? We anticipate that there will be around 30 children to a class, possibly more if the visit occurs during the afterschool program. We hope to engage as many children as possible among a diverse age group. Including participants (teachers, children, and their families) and the Lee YLD and LCBA members, the total number of participants will likely reach around 90 persons in 2019.
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Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application Lee County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
3. What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project? We do not know of any other composite project organized by a professional organization like the Lee YLD and a community organization similar to the CCSWFL. There may be other instances of single events that foster child literacy by mixing or pairing participants from similar types of organizations, such as the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida’s Literacy Buddy Program, which the Lee YLD participated in this past year. The Children’s Literacy and Law Project is distinguishable in that it allows for hands-on, face- to-face interaction with the children and Lee YLD members over an extended period of time. This will foster a continued mentor-mentee relationship between Lee YLD members and children. 4. How will the public benefit from the project? The public’s relations with the Southwest Florida legal community will benefit because the Children’s Literacy and Law Project represents a sustained effort by the Lee YLD (and LCBA) to improve child literacy in this area. Disadvantaged children of the community will be provided with a series of free educational, active learning activities. At the end of each classroom visit, all educational supplies and material will be donated to the classroom for continued use by the children and teachers. Repeat visits to the children’s classrooms will ideally allow participants to form friendships and mentorships that last beyond completion of the Project. Additionally, the year-end event will allow children participants and their families to interact with representatives of the legal community. Finally, the collaboration between the Lee YLD and the CCSWFL will strengthen our existing partnership and will encourage cross-organizational involvement and support in the future. Connecting professional organizations with charitable organizations allows for a strategic union to better impact and address the needs of our community 5. What impact will the project have in the community? The Children’s Literacy and Law Project will impact the community by providing free educational and fun activities that emphasize literacy to children. We hope to provide a yearlong project that is a positive experience for children participants, that has a positive impact on their future career and overall quality of life. The Children’s Literacy and Law Project will also help develop positive public relations among the participating organizations, sponsors, and community at large. 6. Will the materials, if any, be sold or provided to participants? The Lee YLD will donate all learning material and supplies brought to the classroom during their visits. Further, we will strive to supply material that can be reused over time, to allow continued use by the children and the learning centers. Depending on available funding and the outcome of negotiations with event sponsors, we anticipate covering the cost of event/venue rental to host the year-end event, including any games, activities, and prizes to award the children for their participation and effort throughout the year. 7. Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate? The concept of improving child literacy is simple to understand and replicate. While the level of planning and involvement over the course of the year is substantial, dedicated affiliate organizations can replicate and/or improve upon this concept, as our own evolving event model has demonstrated.
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Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application Lee County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
8. From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project?
The Lee YLD participates in traditional fundraising efforts such as periodic sales, drives, and raffles to raise additional funds throughout the year. We will use these funds along with monies received through sponsorships, donations, and with LCBA funds budgeted for the Lee YLD to pay for non-covered expenses.
9. If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support for your project? We will recognize The Florida Bar YLD for its support of the event in the e-mails for the events to the Lee County Bar Association general membership, in the write up of the event in “Res Gestae,” the monthly local Bar Association magazine, on the Lee YLD Facebook page, and in any mailings, flyers and/or notifications to the CCSWFL and participants.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline: The success of the Lee County YLD Children’s Literacy and Law Project will be evaluated based on the level of general participation, repeat participation during the visits to the classroom, attendance at the year-end event, and post-event feedback from Lee YLD participants, the CCSWFL, and children participants involved.
The Lee YLD will analyze anticipated funding and expenses by early February 2019. Project organization will emphasize the earliest events first until we have secured sufficient funding for the entire Project. The first visit to the learning center/classroom is anticipated to take place in March 2019, the second visit will follow in May 2019, and the third visit will occur in September 2019. The year-end event will most likely be held sometime in October 2019.
VII. Project Organization: The Lee YLD has the largest role in the Children’s Literacy and Law Project because it is responsible for organizing the different classroom visits and obtaining funding and local sponsors to supply educational material. Lee YLD Members will volunteer and/or participate on the days of the individual visits and year-end event. The Lee YLD has partnered with the director of the CCSWFL’s learning centers to organize and schedule the classroom visits and the year-end event. The Lee YLD will also strive to have a local venue sponsor the year-end event. The LCBA has committed to making budgetary funds available to the Lee YLD in order to reduce some of the fundraising pressure and instead allow for the investment of our time into the Children’s Literacy and Law Project itself. Members of the LCBA will be invited to participate in Children’s Literacy and Law Project events.
VIII. Project Budget: Lee County YLD Children’s Literacy and Law Children’s Literacy and Law Project Budget Amount Classroom Visit 1 School Supplies/Books: $300.001 Food & Refreshments: $150.00
1 This is based on $10 per child for school supplies, books, or other educational materials. We anticipate there being 30 children in a class. 4
Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Affiliate Outreach Conference Grant Application Lee County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
Classroom Visit 2 School Supplies/Books: $300.00 Food & Refreshments: $150.00
Classroom Visit 3 School Supplies/Books: $300.00 Food & Refreshments: $150.00
Year-End Event Event/Venue Rental2 $500.00 Prizes/Decorations/Games: $350.00 Food & Refreshments: $300.00
Subtotals
Total Educational Supplies Costs: $900.00 Total Event/Venue Cost: $500.00 Total Prize/Decorations Costs: $350.00 Total Food/Refreshment Costs: $750.00 Total Children’s Literacy and Law Budget $2,500.00
Children’s Literacy and Law Project Funding Amount AOC Grant Request $2,500.00
We are already into the planning stages and are excited for the kick-off of our project in 2019. We thank the Florida Bar YLD for the opportunity to present this grant application at the AOC and for the consideration and assistance in making this project a success.
Thank you,
Nicole R. Brunswick
Nicole Brunswick, Esq.
2 It is anticipated that the year-end event will be held at a local venue, such as a park, nature center, or skating rink. This estimated cost would cover any admission costs for the children and other venue costs required to hold the event at that location. 5
Seminars for Service
2019 Grant Application Presented by:
The Manatee County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
1 I. Project Title
The Manatee County Young Lawyers Division (“YLD”) is proud to present the SEMINARS FOR SERVICE for consideration by the YLD Board of Governors.
II. Contact Information
• Project Chairs
Melissa Casanueva, Presenter Porges, Hamlin, Knowles & Hawk, P.A. 941-748-3770 1205 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 Email: [email protected]
III. Describe Your Affiliate
• The Manatee County Bar Association has approximately 60 attorneys that qualify for membership in the YLD, with approximately 30 attorneys actively participating in regular YLD events. The Manatee YLD have attended the ten (10) AOC conferences and will attend the 2019 AOC conference as well.
• The last three AOC Projects Manatee County Bar Association has received funding for are the following:
o 2018 AOC Grant – Lactation Room for the Courthouse for $1,500.00 o 2017 AOC Grant - Take Stock in Children of Manatee County for $1,500.00 o 2016 AOC Grant - Expansion of Art Creations for the Courthouse for $1,200.00
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request
The Manatee YLD promotes community involvement among its members, and serves the needs of numerous local non-profit organizations. Two years ago, we worked with Take Stock in Children to help the program’s 29 graduating seniors prepare for college by hosting a panel to discuss secondary education and providing each graduating senior an Amazon tablet. This year, we want to join up with Step Up Suncoast, Inc. and help our community through this organization. Step Up Suncoast is a charity that works to transition people in our community out of poverty through education and has 220 employees.
This year, the Manatee YLD will partner with Step Up Suncoast, Inc. to provide “Seminars for Service” to educate Step-Up Suncoast employees, who are in day-to-day communication with members of the community, and Step-Up Suncoast’s affiliate charity organizations on
2 general legal principles that the community members are struggling with. Step Up Suncoast’s mission is to empower people toward self-sufficiency through education, support, services and community partnerships. By partnering with Step Up Suncoast, Inc., the Manatee YLD will directly help educate attendees on basic legal principals, and then the attendees will be able to use that information when dealing with the members of the community who are in need of their service. Further, we will also be able to educate the community on legal aid services Manatee County can provide.
“Seminars for Service” would be three lunch-n-learns held throughout 2019. At each lunch, a panel of young lawyers will present on topics that are continuously asked about by the community who utilizes Step Up Suncoast’s services. This presentation will include a question and answer period to make sure the attendees understand the law surrounding the topic. Additionally, we would like to make this a lunch presentation and provide lunch for the employees and other charitable organizations as a thank you to the attendees for their help with this non-profit, which is benefitting our local community.
V. Project Objectives/Description
This project addresses the needs of the community and the county’s legal community to connect in a positive manner. Step Up Suncoast has stated their employees need education to help guide the community in the right direction on basic legal topics. Providing this needed education will help create positive connotations of the legal profession and young lawyers, and will also promote the legal field in general. Further, these needs are important to our affiliate because education is what allows us to practice law and we would like to give back to our community the education that residents need. This project will allow young lawyers to directly give back to the people who have chosen to work or volunteer in the non-profit sector, and then indirectly support people who are trying to become self-sufficient, through basic education of different areas of law.
This project will directly serve approximately 110 participants from Step Up Suncoast and their affiliate charities, but indirectly the community of Manatee County. We hope for 50 attendees at each lunch, and with some overlap, we expect around 110 people. There will be three different topics discussed at each lunch through a panel of young lawyers. Topics that are being considered are Family Law (including divorce, child support, and dependency), Employment Law (including what can impact hiring, having a criminal record), and Malpractice/Disability discussion. The attorneys would present a short presentation on their practice field, and then time for questions and answers.
The attendees will then be able to use the information they learned and help any community member they come into contact with, not just through the organization, but personally as well. Additionally, the attendees will be shown appreciation for their time and efforts in bettering our community through the provided lunch and a small token. The public will benefit from this project by learning of resources that are available to them through contact with Step Up Suncoast. Young lawyers will benefit as it allows us to give back to the
3 community using our major asset as attorneys, our knowledge. Also, as stated above, this will help create a positive connection between the young lawyers and the community.
At this time, we do not know of another organization that offers what we are proposing to do. We will work with Step Up Suncoast by coordinating the event with them. Their affiliate organizations, such as Salvation Army, will be invited to be attendees of the lunch-n-learns. Currently, we plan to offer attendees information from local legal aid services, so we can promote our local resources. The YLD AOC grant is the only source we are seeking funds for this project. The YLD will be recognized in the marketing of the event and will be mentioned at each seminar.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timetable
Project Evaluation. The true success of this program will be measured by the future successes of Seminars for Service participants. Additionally, success of this project will be determined through lasting connections created between Manatee YLD members and a large non-profit organization. In addition, success of the project can be evaluated by Manatee YLD members learning of a new way they can give back to the community.
Project Timeline. In the spring of 2019, Manatee YLD will finalize the Seminar for Service dates with Step Up Suncoast, Inc. Thereafter, the three dates will be advertised and the seminars are scheduled to be completed by December 2019.
VII. Project Organization
This project will be executed by a special committee of the Manatee County YLD, with the assistance of the Gass of Step Up Suncoast, Inc.
Jill Gass and the special committee will confirm dates and topics for the seminars. Jill Gass will coordinate the marketing efforts for this program. The special committee will schedule lunch and order the token of appreciation.
At each seminar, we plan to have three different attorneys participate to speak on their respective field, followed by a question and answer session.
VIII. Budget
The below preliminary line-item budget represents the costs necessary to carry out the “Stock Up for College” project through the mentorship seminar.
Anticipated Income AOC Grant (Requested) $4,000.00
4 Anticipated Expenses Marketing (to create and disburse the marketing) $1,000.00 Lunch (approx. 50 people, for 3 sessions) $1,500.00 Thank you item for all attendees (150 attendees) $1,500.00
IX. Exhibits
No exhibits for this presentation.
5 Marion County Young Lawyers Section
2019 AOC Project:
“Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic”
I. Short Project Title:
Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic
MCYLS is seeking financial assistance for its 2019 philanthropic project to assist residents of Marion County obtain valid driver’s licenses. For the event MCYLS will partner with Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF) to facilitate license reinstatement by collaborating with the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Public Defender’s Office and the Clerk of Court to provide a “one-stop” option for residents.
II. Contact Information: Wynn Smith (President, Marion County Young Lawyers Section) Officer of the State Attorney 110 NW 1st Ave, Suite 5000 Ocala, FL 34471
III. Describe your Affiliate:
The Marion County Young Lawyers Section (MCYLS) is composed of approximately 35 active members. The MCYLS has attended every AOC since 2005, receiving funding for every year except 2017, where we did not present a project but observed the presentations. In recent years the MCYLS has received funding for its Interfaith Summer Celebration, Veteran’s Day Luncheon Celebration, (annual) Great Debate Tournament, and the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County Honor Program.
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request:
This request is for funding to collaborate with various organizations to hold one Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic in Marion County in 2019. The purpose of the Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic is to facilitate license reinstatement for low-income individuals whose licenses were suspended due to outstanding citations, nonpayment of child support or other reasons.
V. Project Objectives/Description
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For low-income individuals, having a driver’s license suspended as a result of outstanding traffic citations or nonpayment of child support creates barriers to meeting basic life necessities. Lack of public transportation can be a barrier to getting to work as well as simply going to the store to purchase groceries for the family.
The driver’s license reinstatement process is lengthy and can require numerous visits to various agencies before resolution. For low-income individuals without a license, this can result in lost time from work and loss of wages, which only exacerbates the problem.
This proposed project is modeled after the highly-successful Orlando clinic where individuals were able to stop at various stations, in one location, to potentially resolve their driver’s license issues.
In August 2018, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF) partnered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Orange County Clerk of Court Office, the Florida Department to Revenue, and the Public Defender’s office to hold a Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic in Orlando. The two-day Orlando clinic served over 700 people, which resulted in the reinstatement of 120 licenses.
To our knowledge, there are no other projects in Marion County that provide low-income people with a one-stop option to reinstate their driver’s licenses. This project can easily be replicated in other communities.
This request includes the funding necessary to implement this project in Marion County. As this is a specific project in collaboration with several agencies, we are not seeking funding from another source at this time.
All promotional materials will recognize the support of The Florida Bar Foundation Young Lawyers Division and the Marion County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. Additionally, the YLD will be recognized in event photos posted on social media and a presentation recapping the event, which will be shared at the following MCBA monthly meeting.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline
The MCYLS anticipates holding the clinic in late July or early August of 2019. Starting in January through April the YLD will coordinate with the various agencies to secure representatives and a date. April through July the YLD will distribute materials and meet with various groups (Veteran’s Resource Center, Veteran’s Treatment Court, Drug Court, Churches, government offices, etc.) to promote the event.
CLSMF will have a sign-in sheet or other manner in which to count the number of attendees. CLSMF will create and administer surveys to those in attendance. The survey will have questions related to the process, ability of participants to obtain a reinstatement for their
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driver’s license during the clinic, and other information that will be helpful in evaluating the process.
VII. Project Organization
This project includes the following organizations that will work towards project implementation:
• The Marion County Bar Association YLD will lead all organizational efforts and will recruit its own members to volunteer on the day of the clinic. • Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida will assist in coordinating the clinic as well as recruiting volunteer attorneys to provide civil legal services. Additionally, CLSMF will create and administer the surveys and will measure and report project outcomes. • The Public Defender’s office will provide criminal legal services in relation to suspended driver’s licenses. • The Marion County Clerk of Courts will provide individual information on driver license suspension. • The Department of Motor Vehicles will issue driver’s licenses on site for eligible individuals and other services as appropriate. • The Department of Revenue will assist individuals with outstanding child support payments.
VIII. Budget
Purpose Amount Marketing (printing and distribution of $1,000 brochures, flyers, and advertising) Legal Forms and Materials (printed for use at 750 clinic) Surveys (printed for distribution at event) 500 Food and Refreshments for Volunteer 500 Attorneys Total $2,750
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Miami-Dade County Florida Association for Women Lawyers AOC Grant Application
I. Short Project Title: Provide a title for your project for use in the AOC materials.
• MD-FAWL’s Corporate Counsel Summit.
II. Contact Information: Provide the name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address of a contact person or persons at your Affiliate. The mailing address should be the address where The Florida Bar should send any award funding. Additionally, in this section, please identify the individual(s) who will present your project at AOC on January 12, 2019.
• Contacts at MDFAWL: Lara Bach (MDFAWL president); Kristin Drecktrah Paz (MDFAWL treasurer); Sheila Oretsky (co-chair of MDFAWL Corporate Counsel Liaison Committee); Julissa Rodriguez (MDFAWL director and co-chair of MDFAWL Corporate Counsel Liaison Committee).
• Mailing address, attention to Kristin Drecktrah Paz: Shutts & Bowen LLP, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 4100 | Miami, FL 33131; Direct: (305) 379-9138; Email: [email protected].
• Presenters at AOC on January 12, 2019: Yvette Ayala and Marianne Curtis (co-chairs of MDFAWL’s Young Lawyers Committee)
III. Describe Your Affiliate: Please provide a brief description of your Affiliate, including:
• The total number of members of your Affiliate, if known. Approximately 500. • The past attendance of your Affiliate at AOC. Claire Armagnac attended in 2017. • The names of the last three AOC Projects for which your Affiliate has received funding and the amount of the funding (if applicable). Unknown.
Overall description: MDFAWL is a voluntary bar association dedicated to the professional advancement of women lawyers and the promotion of women’s rights. MDFAWL is open to men and women who are members of the Bar in any State, law students, and non-lawyers ‘Affiliates’ approved by the Board of Directors. MDFAWL offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. MDFAWL members advance the science of jurisprudence, promote reform in law, facilitate the administration of justice, uphold the highest standards of integrity, learning, honor and courtesy in the legal profession, and promote women’s rights and the common interests of women lawyers.
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request: Provide an organized and well-conceived project summary.
• The Corporate Counsel Summit is tailored for the benefit of both in-house corporate counsel and lawyers in our community (MDFAWL hosted a similar event in February, 2017, which was very well attended). The agenda is for a CLE seminar with multiple general counsel/in-house counsel/attorney panels, addressing current topics that are of interest to both in-house
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corporate counsel and our members. Part of what we are doing now is vetting the topics by in- house counsel and our members.
• The program will take place on Friday, May 3, 2019, from 8:30 am – 2 pm.
• We estimate 80-100 people to attend. The estimated budget is $9,225 (see Section VIII, Budget, below). That cost will be lowered by in-kind donations, additional sponsorships and registration fees that have to be charged for the event (for the programming).
V. Project Objectives/Description: Describe the project in detail and address the following questions:
• What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate? To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)? This is business development, which is critical to our members, many of whom are in private practice. It connects our entire legal community. Much of the feedback we have received over the years through the corporate counsel committee is the need for in-house counsel to connect with each other and with outside counsel. For practitioners, some of whom are considering going in- house, it provides a unique opportunity to get insight into in-house perspective, expectations and challenges. • How many people will the project serve? 80-100 • What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project? The DCBA and other organizations do similar events, which are always well attended. We vet those to make sure we offer a variety in programming and speakers, with a focus on the topics of interest to our members. • How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project? The greatest benefit, aside from the learning/CLE aspect, is the opportunity to expand their network. • What impact will the project have in the local or legal community? We put this and other events together because, for MDFAWL, it is important that our members know they have a forum to connect, learn and express themselves. Our community is best served when we make those opportunities available to everyone. • Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants? We may have handouts, depending on the topics we ultimately settled on. More than likely, we will distribute any materials electronically through an app we plan to use for the event. • Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate? Not easy, but with enough time for planning, it is a project they could do. • From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project? See Section VIII, Budget, below: MDFAWL funds, Greenberg Traurig, other sponsors, and registration fees. • If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project? [what have we done in the past? And/or what is the protocol now?] MDFAWL will add the YLD logo to all marketing materials as a co-sponsor of the program and invite the 11th Judicial Circuit YLD representative to attend.
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VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline: Please provide a timeline for implementation of your project and the results you expect to achieve. Explain how you will measure the effectiveness of your project. Describe the criteria for success of the project.
• The event will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019. We already have the venue and are in the process of securing the panelists, vendors and sponsors (by January/February 2019). We will publish a save the date for the event in early March 2019 and by end of March, we will publish the ad to register for the summit.
• Based on our experience in hosting events like this, the effectiveness and success of the program will be based largely on solid substantive programming with practical takeaways, engaging and approachable speakers, audience participation, and networking opportunities throughout the day and after the event.
VII. Project Organization: Provide a narrative or an organizational chart showing the proposed project structure. Outline the lines of authority and role of your Affiliate, senior bar, bar staff, other law-related organizations, community groups and appropriate governmental agencies, and how they will relate.
• MDFAWL will be taking lead in organizing this event through its Corporate Counsel Liaison Committee, which is co-chaired by Sheila Oretsky and Julissa Rodriguez. This will be the second corporate counsel summit MDFAWL has hosted. The first, which Sheila helped organize, was a great success.
VIII. Budget: Develop a preliminary line item budget of monies needed to complete your project. State whether additional funds can be obtained, if necessary, to achieve the project objectives and continue the project in the future. Please provide information on the projected sources for all funds. If you are providing sponsorship opportunities, please provide a summary of those opportunities. Show the total cost, the amount requested from the YLD and contributions from all other sources (cash or in-kind). If you budget for expenditures to cover staff or attorney time, meeting space, alcoholic beverages, or travel reimbursement, you must show income outside of the YLD funds to cover these expenses as YLD funds cannot be used for these expenditures.
• Venue, staff, AV (covered by in-kind donation provided by Greenberg Traurig; $1,225) • Food and beverage (MDFAWL funds and/or sponsors; $3,500-$4,000) • Printed materials for the event: brochures, CLE forms, name tags (MDFAWL funds and/or sponsors; $1,000-$1,500) • Swag bags (MDFAWL funds and/or sponsors; $2,000-$2,500) • Sponsorship opportunities: MDFAWL member firms and companies, as well as companies that will be promoting their products/services. • Total estimated budget: $7,725-$9,225
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• Amount requested from the YLD: $1,500.
To submit your project application, email one electronic copy (via Word, Wordperfect, or PDF) to Local Awards Chair Alex Palermo ([email protected]) and Program Administrator Tom Miller ([email protected]). Please title the attachment as follows: (Affiliate Name) AOC Grant Application. You will receive a confirmation email. Submitting an application will serve as authorization to post, duplicate, and/or disseminate all or portions of your application at the sole discretion of the YLD Board of Governors. For any questions, please contact Alex Palermo at [email protected] or Lindsay Tygart at [email protected].
4 ORANGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION Young Lawyers Section 880 North Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 Phone 407.422.4551 Fax 407.843.3470 www.orangecountybar.org
To: Alex Palermo, Awards Chair, [email protected] Tom Miller, Program Administrator, [email protected]
Re: Young Lawyers Section of the Orange County Bar Association (“OCBA YLS”) 2019 Affiliate Outreach Conference (“AOC”) Grant Application
I. SHORT PROJECT TITLE
“OCBA YLS Washington Shores Book Fair”
II. CONTACT INFORMATION
Jill Davis Simon President, OCBA YLS Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. 215 North Eola Drive Orlando, Florida 32801 407-418-6268 [email protected]
Our project will be presented by Jill Davis Simon, OCBA YLS President and another OCBA YLS Board Member (TBD).
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE OCBA YLS
The OCBA YLS has approximately 750 young lawyer members. The OCBA YLS provides year-long educational programming and social and networking opportunities, and plans and participates in numerous community service projects and events. For many years, the OCBA YLS has served the Central Florida area with an emphasis on projects that benefit at-risk youth. OCBA YLS membership is free for all Orange County Bar Association members who are 35-years-old or younger, or who have been practicing law for less than five years. Every OCBA YLS event is open to OCBA members, judges, and law students, regardless of membership in the OCBA YLS, with the exception of one social event.
The OCBA YLS has consistently sent representatives to the AOC. The last three AOC projects for which the OCBA YLS has applied for and received funding are as follows:
• 2018: Washington Shores Book Fair – $1,500 grant • 2017: Wills for Heroes – $2,500 grant • 2016: Women’s Residential and Counseling Center Halloween Party – $2,170 grant
IV. Project Summary
The 2019 OCBA YLS Washington Shores Book Fair will be a “book fair” designed, set up, and run by OCBA YLS volunteers at Washington Shores Elementary School (“Washington Shores”). The project will require the OCBA YLS to procure approximately 1,500 new books appropriate for a variety of grade and reading levels. The event will be set up as a traditional book fair with books arranged by grade and reading level for selection by the students, who will have the opportunity to choose a certain number of books to take home at no cost. The event will be held in May 2019 and will be themed as a kickoff to summer reading for the students at Washington Shores, and will also feature a reading component where OCBA YLS volunteers will read to the students on the day of the book fair.
V. Project Objectives/Description
The objective of the OCBA YLS Washington Shores Book Fair is to emphasize the importance of reading and encourage and enable Washington Shores students to read by providing books to take home. Washington Shores is located in the heart of an economically challenged area near Downtown Orlando. It is a Title I school with enrollment of 400-500 students, where 100% of its students receive free or reduced meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In May 2018, the OCBA YLS hosted its inaugural book fair at Washington Shores after receiving a grant from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division following the 2018 AOC. The OCBA YLS was motivated to plan the inaugural project when it learned that traditional book fairs provided by corporations such as Scholastic do not go to Title I schools like Washington Shores, because the students and their parents or guardians generally cannot afford to purchase books. New books retail from $5.00-$20.00, making the purchase of new books out of reach for most low-income families. In addition to having little access to new books, most students at Title I schools like Washington Shores have never experienced the fun, excitement, and value of a school book fair.
The goal of the project in 2018 was to provide at least one new book to each student at Washington Shores at the event. The OCBA YLS used the grant received from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division along with additional funds and donations generated to exceed its goal for 2018, and the inaugural book fair provided two new books per student with a surplus of books, which the OCBA YLS donated to the Washington Shores library.
The OCBA YLS is excited to return to Washington Shores for an even more exciting and improved book fair in 2019. The goals of the 2019 OCBA YLS Washington Shores Book Fair are to provide three new books per student, introduce a reading component on the day of the event, and improve certain logistical aspects of the event as identified following the 2018 event.
In addition to seeking the grant from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, the OCBA YLS will hold a book drive in the months prior to the date of the event to collect additional books; host a charity happy hour to collect monetary and book donations; donate funds from its own charitable account; and seek donations of new books directly from publishers.
All written and digital advertising, pamphlets, or emails regarding the 2019 OCBA YLS Washington Shores Book Fair will include recognition of the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division and its generous support of the event if the grant is received.
This project would not be difficult for another young lawyer affiliate group to replicate. It would require identifying a school in need and working with the school administration to select a date and time for the book fair, generating funds and books, and coordinating volunteers to assist at the event.
VI. Project Evaluation and Timeline
The OCBA YLS plans to host the Book Fair event in May 2019 themed as a kickoff to summer reading for the Washington Shores students. The OCBA YLS Washington Shores Book Fair Committee (the “Committee”) has already begun coordinating with school officials to schedule a date and time for the event. The Committee will also work with the school to determine popular titles to create a “wish list” of books.
January 2019: The Committee will begin meeting one or two times per months leading up to the event. Committee members will begin reaching out to publishers and sellers to seek donations of books or the opportunity to purchase books at wholesale costs.
February 2019: The Committee will organize a book drive encouraging law firms, members of the judiciary, and others to collect books, possibly in a competition format.
March/April 2019: Committee members will organize a happy hour to raise funds to cover the outstanding costs of the event. The Committee will finalize plans for the day of the event and confirm that volunteers are signed up.
May 2019: OCBA YLS Washington Shores Book Fair.
The criteria for success of the project is the number of books provided to the Washington Shores students (with a goal of three books per student), and also that the books provided to each student are the appropriate for each student based upon grade and reading level. We will strive to provide the students will popular book titles that they are excited to read. Additionally, the OCBA YLS hopes to successfully implement a reading component on the day of the event.
VII. Project Organization
The Committee will have several Co-Chairs, and will be responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the OCBA YLS Book Fair. The Committee maintain communication with a liaison from the OCBA YLS Board. OCBA YLS Board Members, members of the Committee, and other OCBA YLS members will volunteer at the event. The Committee will be responsible for:
• Coordinating the event with the assistance of school administrators • Fundraising • Obtaining donations of popular titles from publishers or sellers • Scheduling and training volunteers • Supervising the event • Setting up, cleaning up, and running the event
VIII. Budget
Books: $7,500 ($5 per book x approximately 500 students; 3 books per student)1 Book Displays, Tablecloths, etc.: $250 Goodie Bags (School Supplies, Book Marks, etc.): $500
Total: $8,250
Grant Requested: $2,500
The OCBA YLS is requesting a $2,500 grant from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division to assist with the overall cost of the project. The OCBA YLS plans to match the amount of the grant received from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division from the OCBA YLS charitable account. In addition to the funds requested, we plan to solicit book and monetary donations from our members, we also plan to solicit book donations from publishers.
1 The OCBA YLS’ goal will be to collect in-kind donations of books to offset this expense to the extent possible. PALM BEACH COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION’S YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION AFFILIATE OUTREACH CONFERENCE GRANT APPLICATION
I. SHORT PROJECT TITLE “Barrister’s Book Drive”
II. CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Lauren Johnson Mailing Address: Palm Beach County Bar Association, 1507 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Telephone Number: (561) 659-7878 Email Address: [email protected] Individuals who will present at AOC: Lauren Johnson
III. THE PALM BEACH COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION’S YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION The Young Lawyers Section (“YLS”) is the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s (“PBCBA”) largest section or committee. The PBCBA consists of more than 2,500 members. On the PBCBA Board of Directors, there is a seat for the President of the YLS, which includes full voting rights on the Board, to represent the interests of young lawyers in Palm Beach County. Approximately 600 members of the PBCBA are active members of the YLS. The YLS has its own Board of Directors and Executive Board, which consists of a President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. As an innovative and diverse group, YLS is committed to fostering collegiality among its members, developing leaders in the legal profession, promoting the ideal of service to community and profession, and supporting the vision and programs of the PBCBA. The PBCBA YLS has been very active in past attendance at the Florida Bar YLD’s Affiliate Outreach Conference (“AOC”) for the past several years. In the past three years, the YLS has been awarded the following AOC grants from the Florida Bar Young Lawyer’s Division (“YLD”):
1. YLS Wellness Day: Because of the nationwide push in 2017 and 2018 for attorneys to focus on taking care of their mental health and wellness, the YLS decided to host a wellness event for our members. The YLD awarded YLS over $1,500 for our Wellness Day event. After running into some scheduling issues, YLS was able to reconfigure the wellness event to take place in 2 phases. In April, the YLS hosted the first phase of the wellness initiative, which was a 5k race and yoga/meditation class after the race. We had over 110 participants of all ages! Then, in September, we hosted a Yoga and Brunch event for the second phase of the wellness initiative.
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After the yoga class, participants were able to take home their yoga mats to continue their practice and remember the importance of maintaining wellness. The YLS received incredibly positive feedback from its wellness initiative and is planning to continue their wellness events in the future!
2. Lawyers Go GREEN: The YLD awarded our YLS $1,500 to implement this project in 2017, which was started to encourage law firms in Palm Beach County to take manageable and affordable actions to “go green.” Specifically, law firms were encouraged to 1) implement a recycling program at their firm if one was not already in place, including recycling ink cartridges, 2) reduce paper usage, 3) eliminate disposables in kitchen areas and conference rooms, 4) reuse equipment and supplies such as binders, file folders, and ink cartridges, 5) purchase sustainable products, 6) provide commuter incentives, and 7) reduce energy usage. The YLS hosted a happy hour kick-off party for the initiative at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a local animal refuge and wildlife hospital, in April 2017. Throughout the year, many law firms began recycling programs which were not already in place, and the YLS even began naming a “GREEN Law Firm of the Month!”
3. Mentor/Mentee Project: The YLS was awarded $1,500 from the YLD for this project in 2015. The purpose of the project was to start a mentoring program between YLS members and at-risk high school students who may be interested in the legal profession. The YLS selected students from the Palm Beach Lakes High School Law Magnet Program to attend a series of mentoring events. The participants were asked to submit an application, and then students were selected as mentees. This project included 1) a mentoring session and presentation at the high school, which discussed various career options both within and outside the practice of law; 2) a field trip to the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County where the students were able to participate in a mock trial; and 3) a field trip to the Palm Beach County courthouse. In addition to these events, YLS members met with the individual mentees before and after the events to advise and discuss important topics such as: applying for college, the financial aid process, and how to balance family stress with career and educational goals.
IV. Purpose of Request The Barrister’s Book Drive is intended to collect books and/or gift cards for children in the Guardian Ad Litem Program in Palm Beach County, and simultaneously raise awareness of the need for volunteers in the Guardian Ad Litem Program (“GAL”), both as guardian ad litems and attorney ad litems. The drive will take place during the month of February 2019, and culminate in the Guardian Ad Litem’s Storybook Village event in March 2019. The YLS is requesting $4,000.00 to help us implement this project.
V. Project Objectives/Description The Barrister’s Book Drive will be held throughout the month of February 2019 so YLS can collect books and/or gift card donations for the entire month. While GAL of the Fifteen Judicial Circuit collects books for the younger children in their program (0-13), it also collects gift cards for some of the older children in their program (14-18) who are often forgotten. Then, on March 10, 2019, the Storybook Village event will take place at Mounts Botanical Gardens. During this event, volunteers from GAL, Speak Up for Kids, the YLS, and other volunteer
2 organizations will read to children of all ages in various story time sessions. At the end of the event, volunteers will also hand out books and/or gift cards collected from the drive to the children. Any leftover books will be used to fill the bookshelves of the GAL program so they can continue to give books to children in their program and any leftover gift cards will be given to the GAL volunteers to give to the older children (ages 14-18) on special occasions.
1. What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate? To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)? The YLS recognizes the need to improve the literacy and reading skills of young and underprivileged children. Specifically, YLS would like to focus on the literacy of children in the dependency system in Palm Beach County who are part of the GAL program. This is how YLS came into contact with the Speak Up for Kids organization. Palm Beach County’s GAL program is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff who provide a powerful voice on behalf of abused, abandoned, or neglected children. Speak Up for Kids is a not-for-profit organization whose sole purpose is to support Palm Beach County’s GAL program by funding projects and needs of the GAL program. Storybook Village is one of the various events that Speak Up for Kids hosts in order to collect funds and resources for GAL. Last year, over 1,200 books were distributed to children at the Storybook Village event. In the past couple years, however, there has been a shortage of donations for the event. After a GAL representative came to speak to our YLS Board at a recent meeting, we noticed the need and opportunity for the YLS to help. By hosting this book drive, we will hopefully recruit YLS members and others to become a GAL volunteer.
2. How many people will the project serve? There is expected to be over 1,000 children in attendance at the Storybook Village event. Moreover, all YLS members will be invited to volunteer at the event, as YLS will have a “reading station” to read to children at the event. It is the hope of YLS that this book drive will encourage a number of YLS members to also volunteer with the GAL program, which would continue to serve an exponential number of those YLS members that volunteer and the children and families that they help along the way.
3. What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project? YLS is only aware of one other project that provides similar services to the GAL program. The Lawyers for Literacy Committee of the Palm Beach County Bar Association hosts an annual Books and Bears Drive to collect books and bears to give to children who will be adopted on National Adoption Day in November of every year. The Barrister’s Book Drive would be different from that project because our book drive will be collecting books and/or gift cards for those children that remain in the dependency system and for the GAL program to keep at their headquarters. Additionally, the Books and Bears drive does not recruit new GAL and attorney ad litem volunteers. The YLS will work with the GAL program and Speak Up for Kids to host the Storybook Village event in March 2019.
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4. How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project? The children of the GAL program will benefit from the project by being encouraged to improve their literacy, increase their reading, and focus on their education. Young lawyers will benefit from the project by getting the rewarding experience of volunteering with the appreciative and joyful children of the GAL program and/or becoming a GAL volunteer themselves. Any young lawyers that choose to become a GAL volunteer will not only feel great pride and selflessness in their volunteer work, but also gain valuable experience that will surely continue to help them in their careers in the future.
5. What impact will the project have in the local or legal community? In the Palm Beach County legal community, this event would help lawyers to become aware of the need for more volunteers in the GAL program and improve their communication and litigation skills if they volunteer with the GAL program. In the local community, the event will help introduce and encourage reading among children ages 0 to 18 in the dependency system in Palm Beach County.
6. Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants? No, there will not be any handouts provided to participants, however, as noted above, books and/or gift cards will be provided to all children who attend the Storybook Village event.
7. Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate? This would be a very simple project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate because the organization of the book drive should not take much manpower. Moreover, the Guardian Ad Litem program and Speak Up for Kids organize the Storybook Village event, so another young lawyer affiliate would have to either team up with an organization that is putting on a similar event or organize an event such as Storybook Village themselves.
8. From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project? The YLS will seek law firm and organization sponsors to fund this project, and will contribute some of its own money to the event, if needed.
9. If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project? If the YLS is awarded YLD funds, it will recognize YLD’s critical support of this project on all promotional materials, signage at the event, and on social media—through the use of tagging the YLD in our online promotions on Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, the YLS will maintain a summary of its activities and coordination thereof, to increase the replication potential for this project for other local and State Bars.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline 1. Timeline: January—advertise Barrister’s Book Drive and Storybook Village event on social media and in the Palm Beach County Bar Association Bulletin; solicit sponsors and volunteers for Storybook Village event.
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February—Collect books and/or gift cards at various donation locations, including the PBCBA office, Palm Beach County courthouses, and various law firms; continue soliciting sponsors and volunteers for the Storybook Village event. March—assemble take-home packages for attendees at Storybook Village; Storybook Village event!
2. Results Expected to Achieve: The YLS hopes to collect 1,000 books and/or gift cards or more. The funds from YLD will be used to purchase the difference that is not collected from the book drive. By holding this event, the YLS expects to allow every child at the Storybook Village event to go home with a new book or gift card, but also to fill the bookshelves of the GAL program so that they are able to provide any child with books to further their interest in literacy and education.
3. How the YLS Will Measure Effectiveness of Project: The YLS will work with the GAL program and Speak up for Kids organization to keep track of how many children attend the event and how many children are able to take home a book or gift card. We will also get feedback from attendees and volunteers on ways to improve the event and continue our support for the GAL program.
VII. Project Organization The YLS will have two board members serve as co-chairs of the project to oversee its implementation and planning. These co-chairs will be in charge of overseeing the marketing of the event, placing donation drop-off boxes at various locations, collecting and transporting the donations to GAL, and soliciting volunteers for the Storybook Village event. Staff members of the PBCBA will participate by helping to market the event to the entire PBCBA by sending email blasts and putting announcements in the monthly Bulletin.
VIII. Budget
ITEM ESTIMATED COST Books for children $3,000 (500 at $6 each) Children’s Entertainment for Storybook Village $500 Gift bags for Storybook Village $500
TOTAL $4,000
The YLS is requesting $4,000 from the YLD. This estimate is based on YLS obtaining 500 books from the book drive, and then purchasing an additional 500 books with the YLD grant money because approximately 1,000 children will be in attendance at the Storybook Village event. YLS would also like to underwrite entertainment for the children at the event, such as a face painter or balloon artist, which would cost $500, and provide gift bags for the children at the event. The YLS will additionally request in-kind donations and sponsorship from law firms and organizations.
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3rd Annual StoryBook Village - created by 15th Judicial Circuit GUARDIAN AD LITEM & SPEAK UP FOR KIDS
SUNDAY, MARCH 10th, 2019 1:00 pm – 4:00pm
Among the beautiful landscapes of the oldest and largest public Botanical Gardens of MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDENS:
WE WILL PRESENT Story Book Village – 2019 Where Stories Came to Life Before Your Very Eyes!
In the center of the garden, Guardian Ad Litem along with Speak Up for Kids will bring the story book characters of ERIC CARLE and his stories to life. Enter through the Rainbow Garden and on to THE CATERPILLAR WALK - and enter StoryBook Village.
Many organizations; foster agencies; literacy agencies; and other associations involved with children and their welfare will be joining us in helping to celebrate Florida’s Children’s Week
GALs Come and join us on this fun filled and exciting afternoon from 1-4 pm
GALS - help is needed- call Ellen Kranzler – 355-4511; [email protected].
Paul C. Perkins Bar Association P.O. Box 1589 Orlando, Florida 32802 www.paulcperkinsbar.com
To: Alex Palermo, Awards Chair, [email protected]
Tom Miller, Program Administrator, [email protected]
Re: Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (“PCPBA”)
2019 Affiliate Outreach Conference (“AOC”) Grant Application
I. SHORT PROJECT TITLE
“Paul C. Perkins Bar Association Covenant House Success Program”
II. CONTACT INFORMATION
Brandon Sapp President, Paul C. Perkins Bar Association De Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris, Neal LLP 332 North Magnolia Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 352-219-5099 [email protected]
Our project will be presented by Brandon Sapp, Paul C. Perkins President and another Paul C. Perkins Board Member (TBD).
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PAUL C. PERKINS BAR ASSOCIATION
The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) is a professional organization devoted to actively promoting the advancement of African Americans in the legal profession and diversity within the leadership roles in the Central Florida community. The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association was named honoring Paul C. Perkins, Sr. Attorney Paul C. Perkins, Sr. served in the Army during World War II, attaining the rank of captain. He attended undergraduate school at Shaw University, Raleigh, N.C., and graduated from Howard University Law School in Washington, D.C. Perkins was admitted to practice law in Florida in 1950 and he moved to Orlando in 1951.
Early in his career, Perkins served as co-counsel with Thurgood Marshall and Jack Greenberg of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and defended four African American young men who were accused of raping Norma Padgett in Lake County, Florida.
Paul C. Perkins, Sr. was appointed to serve as the first African American City Prosecutor by Orlando Mayor Robert S. Carr in 1965. Perkins was also a lifetime member of the NAACP and served on interracial committees created in the 1950s and 1960s to help steer the Orlando community away from the separate public facilities for blacks and whites.
In honor and memory of Paul C. Perkins, Sr., who served the community of Central Florida as an advocate for civil rights and justice, as well as a business man and philanthropist, the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association was founded.
The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association has about 130 dues paying members and provides African American attorneys the opportunity to meet, encourages camaraderie, educate the Central Florida community about the legal system, and promote reform and improvements in the law to aid in the administration of justice.
IV. Project Summary
The 2019 Covenant House Success Program will be a 5 months program starting January 2018, which is targeted to the youth at the Covenant House located at 5931 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32807. Covenant House is home to 24 youth, some who have aged out of the foster car system, and assists approximately 50-80 youth per month. The youth range from ages 18-24. This program will consist of at least 5 sessions, once a month, that will legal lunch and learns, resume building and job search, and social and professional development.
V. Project Objectives/Description
The objective of the Covenant House Success Program is to assist the youth in the program with life skills. A lot of the youth in the Covenant House do not have skills or knowledge when it comes to financial planning, job search, resume, etiquette, etc. This program will not only teach the youth life skills that will help them with succeeding, but it will also provide them with resources to ensure this success. When discussing their current efforts, the website for the Covenant House of Orlando states, “For over 20 years Covenant House Florida has been providing shelter and supportive services to Central Florida’s most vulnerable homeless...young people who typically come from rough circumstances, with little support, and often headed toward disaster. Last year, CHF provided assistance to over 850 youth and children here in Central Florida.”1 We want partner with the Covenant House of Orlando and provide these resources to the youth to strengthen their 20-year efforts in protecting the youth. Many people worry about kids as they go through the foster care system, but no one thinks about what happens after they age out of foster care. Our program gives the legal community the opportunity to do some work that will change the lives of many young individuals for the better. It will assist and group of individuals who are often forgotten and instill them with the tools and resources to succeed in not only careers, but life.
VI. Project Evaluation and Timeline
The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association plans collaborate with our local Young Lawyers Bar Association to start providing these sessions to the youth at the Covenant House of Orlando as early as late January of 2019. The Covenant House of Orlando has already been contacted, and they are looking forward to the great things that our program would achieve.
1 The Covenant House of Orlando website is https://www.covenanthousefl.org/orlando. We plan to have a session each month. We want to have at least 5 sessions with the last session ending in May. At the completion of this program, we want to provide the youth with a number of things. For instance, a suit for job interviews, a padfolio for job interviews, business cards for networking purposes, etc. We also want to give the “top youth” a small stipend to help kickstart some of their plans for the future.
The criteria for success of the project is the amount of youth that complete the program. We will ask for feedback at the end of the program to see what the youth liked best and what they really learned. Honestly, the act of providing the knowledge of financial planning, networking, career building to a group of individuals who aren’t normally taught this information is success in itself.
VII. Project Organization
There will be a Committee with individuals from the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association as well as our other local Bar Associations. The Committee will consist of a liaison who will report to each Bar Association respectively. Paul C. Perkins members as well as members of our local Young Bar and other bar associations will volunteer. The Committee will be responsible for coordinating the event with the facility, scheduling the session for the program, implementing the planned goals and topics for discussion each month, identifying great speakers that will provide the youth with needed education, supervising the sessions and setting up, cleaning up, and running the sessions.
VIII. Budget
Food: $1000 ($200 for food each session x 5) Business cards, Padfolios, Ties (upon completion): $1,250 Printing: $250
Total: $2,500
Grant Requested: $2,500
We hope to ask a local business to donate and provide the youth with business attire and suits as a reward for the completion of the program. Our volunteers will contribute their time, and we may need to arrange for compensation for outside speakers that may be used which would be paid by the board. We want to use some of the money from the grant to purchase a nice tie as our gift for their completion of the program as well as other tools needed to professional and job search ventures. Short Project Title: Dress for Success: Uniforms for Homeless Youth Contact Information: Lauren Kerr PO Box 114 Safety Harbor, Florida 34695 (352) 816-1576 [email protected] Ms. Kerr will present at the AOC
Describe Your Affiliate:
The Pinellas County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (PFAWL) seeks to actively promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession and furthering the common interests of its members by encouraging camaraderie and learning. Our mission also includes issues concerning our legal community, especially challenges women encounter within it. PFAWL has approximately 130 members, the majority of whom are young lawyers and law students. PFAWL’s Young Lawyer Division was established in the fall of 2012. This is the seventh year PFAWL’S Young Lawyer Division will be attending an AOC. In 2016, PFAWL was awarded funding for its work/life balance initiative, where PFAWL collaborated with women in other professions to create a series of videos with tips on how to achieve a work/life balance. In 2017 and 2018, PFAWL was awarded funding ($2,000.00) for our STEM project to further the education of our future generations.
Summarize the Purpose of Your Request:
In Pinellas County, for the 2016-2017 school year, there were 4,019 homeless children 1 enrolled in public schools. The Department of Education defines homeless youth as those without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Pinellas County schools require uniforms for many of its students, homeless or not. Wearing uniforms can lead to better 2 outcomes for students, particularly female students. For girls, wearing uniforms significantly increases attendance, leads to a moderate improvement in language scores, reduces dropout 3 rates, and improves behavior.
According to the Pinellas County Homeless Liaison office, many students cannot afford to purchase the uniforms. We learned that there is a shortage of availability of the uniforms for those in need, especially uniforms in larger sizes. Although the students are not subject to discipline for failing to wear a uniform, they are often questioned about it or ridiculed by other students. Being in school has many benefits for children, including a sense of stability, 4 meaningful relationships, and self-confidence. However, when something as simple as a lack of
1 See Exhibit B, Excerpt from 2018 Counsel on Homelessness Annual Report 2 “Dressed for Success?” Gentile, Elisabetta and Scott Imberman, January 15, 2010. 3 “Dressed for Success?” Gentile, Elisabetta and Scott Imberman, January 15, 2010. 4 www.afsc.org/story/school-supplies-drive-spells-success-students#
a uniform causes a student to stand out from her peers, this can disrupt the positive effects of school in a large way.
PFAWL deems it to be an important undertaking to provide uniforms to homeless female youth. Our organization remains committed to our mission, which dictates that we will tackle issues concerning the challenges women in our community face. With any grant money awarded, we intend to purchase uniforms and assemble gift bags for female students. Each bag will contain two uniforms, a sports bra, underwear, deodorant, a dental hygiene kit, and a pack of socks.
Project Objectives/Description:
What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate?
This project addresses the needs of homeless female youth in Pinellas County, Florida. This particular population is important to PFAWL because we care about the education of youth in our community. Without the basic need of a uniform being met, it is exponentially more difficult to succeed in school. PFAWL wishes to relieve this fundamental burden for as many students as possible in our community.
To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)?
The project will provide services specifically to homeless female high school students in Pinellas County, Florida.
How many people will the project serve?
The project aims to provide at least 50 homeless high school students with a uniform.
What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar?
Pinellas County has similar, albeit different programs in our area that assist with providing clothing. The most comparable program in our area is Clothes to Kids. Clothes to Kids provides new and quality used clothing to low-income or in crisis school-age children free of charge. Clothes to Kids requires eligibility for free or reduced-priced lunch through Pinellas County Schools or that the students have a referral from an approved agency. Our program differs in that we are working directly with the Pinellas County Homeless Liaison office and we are able to get clothes to the students most in need, without any additional steps. Other local programs, such as Pinellas Hope’s Clothing Ministry and St. Vincent de Paul provide clothing to all ages, whereas PFAWL’s program will focus specifically on female high school students. Additionally, Metroplitan Ministries also provides assistance, but only for children ages newborn through middle school, not covering the age range that PFAWL’s program seeks to address.
Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project?
Yes, PFAWL is working with Pinellas County School Board’s HEAT program to distribute the uniforms to students in need. The HEAT Team supports and advocates for the educational success of students experiencing homelessness by coordinating communication and services among schools, communities and families.
How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project? What impact will the project have in the local or legal community? Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants?
The high school students will benefit from receiving necessities. The uniforms will provide the student with the clothing she needs for the school year. If the student does not have to worry about whether she will stand out at school, but rather, can focus on her work, it will be of great impact. We intend to include a brochure of local Pinellas County resources, such as the contact information for their guidance counselor, food bank locations, etc.
Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate?
Yes, this is an easy project to replicate. Each affiliate would be able to contact their local county school board and locate a staff member who handles homelessness in their area.
From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project?
We are seeking funds from the YLD for this project. Additionally, we are looking to work with local retailers to obtain discounts/bulk purchases at a reduced cost to be able to increase the number of students we can support. This project is a simple and straightforward way to positively impact the community in which we live. Whether or not a child succeeds in school will directly affect the rest of their adult life.
5 We will also invite our members to contribute individual funds and will promote the initiative at our monthly social events through May of 2019.
If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project?
We will include an informational message about the YLD on our resource brochure. We will include the YLD logo and generous funding information about the YLD in our letter to the Pinellas County School Board. We hope to encourage the Pinellas County School Board to issue a press release about the donation, which would also include the YLD logo and funding information.
Project Evaluation/Timeline:
We will purchase the uniforms and supplies during the “back to school” sales in August of 2019. This may allow us to purchase several more uniforms than anticipated. PFAWL will
5 Exhibit C, Donation Letter
assemble the uniform gift bags at our annual Board Member retreat in August. We intend to distribute the supplies in September of the 2019-2020 school year. By September, the school district will have an idea of which students require the resources.
The desired result of this project is that PFAWL will provide easy access to clothing that a homeless high school student would immediately need, as well as information about available resources for the student. This project will be considered a success if the Pinellas County School Board reports that the uniforms were distributed to students in need.
Project Organization:
YLD
Awards funds to PFAWL for Dress for Success
PFAWL
Purchases uniforms, assembles uniform gift bags, and disseminates to schools
SCHOOLS
Disseminate uniform gift bags to homeless high school youth
Budget:
The line item budget is as follows:
Item Cost Khaki Pants (2) $29.99 x2 White Polo Shirt (2) $26.56 for two Sports Bra $18.99 5-Pack of underwear $12.39 10-Pack of socks $9.99 2-pack deodorant $3.99 Dental Hygiene Kit $3.79 Total cost before tax $135.69
Total cost per person with tax $145.18 est. Gift bags $1.31 x 30 = $39.38
Greeting cards (40) $16.95
Cost for 30 uniform bags* $4,411.73 Total Requested from YLD* $4,411.73
*This budget is provided as informational. The amounts listed are at current retail prices and do not reflect any discounts/bulk purchases at a reduced cost or sale prices. PFAWL expects to obtain better pricing, which would seek to increase the number of students we are able to assist.
The primary source of funding is from the YLD grant. However, we will also invite our members to make a charitable contribution to this project for additional funding through a donation letter and promotion at our monthly socials.
Exhibits:
A. Prices of items B. Excerpt from 2018 Counsel on Homelessness Annual Report C. Donation Letter to Members
To submit your project application, email one electronic copy (via Word, Wordperfect, or PDF) to Local Awards Chair Alex Palermo ([email protected]) and Program Administrator Tom Miller ([email protected]). Please title the attachment as follows: (Affiliate Name) AOC Grant Application. You will receive a confirmation email. Submitting an application will serve as authorization to post, duplicate, and/or disseminate all or portions of your application at the sole discretion of the YLD Board of Governors. For any questions, please contact Alex Palermo at [email protected] or Lindsay Tygart at [email protected].
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT B
EXHIBIT C
Month Day, 2019
Member Address
RE: Dress for Success – Uniforms for Homeless Youth
Dear Member:
The PFAWL Mission includes being committed to issues concerning our legal community, especially to challenges women encounter within it. Did you know that in Pinellas County, for the 2016-2017 school year, there were 4,019 homeless children enrolled in public schools? PFAWL has become aware of this issue and we wish to help, specifically with female students, in furtherance of our mission. According to the Pinellas County School District homeless liaison, PFAWL can greatly impact these students by providing uniforms. PFAWL will assemble and provide “uniform gift bags” to include two pairs of khaki pants, two white polo shirts, underwear, a sports bra, socks, deodorant, and a dental hygiene kit.
Research has shown that being in school has many benefits for children, including a sense of stability, meaningful relationships, and self-confidence. These benefits become even more crucial for a child without a stable home life. Something as simple as a lack of a uniform causes a student to stand out from her peers and this can disrupt the positive effects of school in a large way. PFAWL is elated to be able to help female students focus on school!
If you wish to contribute, please mail checks to Lauren Kerr, PO Box 114, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695. We will also take collections for this initiative at our monthly social events. We look forward to seeing you there and thank you in advance for your help with Dress for Success!
Sincerely,
Kristina Feher, Esq. PFAWL President, 2018-2019
Sarasota County Bar Association AOC Grant Application December 7, 2018
I. Short Project Title: Twelfth Judicial Circuit High School Mock Trial Competition
II. Contact Information: The name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address of a contact person where The Florida Bar should send any award funding is as follows:
Holly Lipps, Executive Director Sarasota County Bar Association P.O. Box 507 Sarasota, Florida 34230
The individual who will present our project at AOC on January 12, 2019, is Erin Itts, current SCBA YLD President.
III. Our Affiliate: The Sarasota County Bar Association can be described as follows: We are located on the gulf coast south of Tampa and north of Naples. Our affiliate has 975 members with a nice composition of young attorneys, mid-level attorneys and seasoned attorneys. We host many events throughout the year that allow the YLD opportunities to engage with the judiciary, as well as the mid-level and seasoned attorneys in hopes that connections will be made and informal mentoring can occur.. Sarasota County YLD traditionally has sent at least two representatives to each AOC over the past 5+ years and we intend to do so again this year with YLD President, Erin Itts and YLD Board of Director member, Jodi Ruberg being registered to attend. Last year Sarasota received a $500.00 grant for a Business Development CLE which occurred at Sarasota Yacht. The event was well received and was a wonderful opportunity to make business and networking connections. We believe that the two years prior to that Sarasota County was awarded grants for our Civics 7 project. This was a project that we developed for 7th grade Civics students to help to prepare them for the 7th grade civics test that they are required to take. This project required the development of a website which contains content and games. We do not recall the amount of the grants received and unfortunately we were unable to access this information prior to submission of this grant application.
IV. The Purpose of Our Request and Project Summary: The 12th Circuit High School Mock Trial Competition is held at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center on a Saturday each spring. The competition grew this past year, with six Sarasota and Manatee county schools participating: Manatee High School, Saint Stephen's Episcopal School, Riverview High School, Booker High School, Southeast High School, and Manatee School for the Arts. The students fiercely competed for almost an entire day, with the first round beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the day concluding with announcement of the winning team at 5:00 p.m. The students had to prepare to represent both the plaintiff and the defendant in the case—a wrongful death civil case involving a student who died as a result of a fire on a camping trip. The students’ hard work shined through in their performances as they skillfully handled the case’s serious scenario. Taking home this year’s trophy was Saint Stephen's, followed by Manatee School for the Arts in a close second place, and Riverview High School taking third. Saint Stephen's Episcopal School moved on to compete in the state finals in Orlando. The purpose of the event is to allow local high school students the opportunity to participate in the statewide mock trial competition, to expose them to the practice of law and a courtroom setting and to allow local judges, attorneys and others involved in the practice of law to share their time and talent with these high school students. The main cost associated with the event is the security to hold the event in the courthouse and provide the students a real-life court experience, a very important factor of the competition.
V. Project Objectives/Description:
What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate? To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)?
Although all volunteers thoroughly enjoy the competition, the main group that is served are the high school children. This project allows high school students to gain valuable experience and perspective by interacting with real judges and attorneys in a courtroom setting. In addition, it hopefully inspires many young future lawyers and judges to pursue the profession. The project also allows an opportunity for the local Bar Association to engage with the public at large, including the students, their schools, the courthouse staff and the volunteers that participate in the program How many people will the project serve? The 2018 had six Sarasota and Manatee county schools participating: Manatee High School, Saint Stephen's Episcopal School, Riverview High School, Booker High School, Southeast High School, and Manatee School for the Arts. For 2019, we currently have 8 high schools registered, with each team containing up to 8 students. Therefore, the project will serve up to 64 students this year, as well as the volunteers that participate in the event.
What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project? There are no similar projects in our area. The organization responsible for the competition is the Florida Law Related Education Association Inc., a non-profit, non-partisan organization that develops and implements legal and civic education programs and materials for students K-12 and adults. FLREA Program Director Erin Watson oversees and coordinates the high school mock trial program statewide, acting as an invaluable resource for local organizers and participants. How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project? The young lawyers benefit from being able to inspire and provide leadership for high school children. In particular, the attorneys who coach the teams leading up to the competition have the chance to shape the lives and inspire their team, potentially taking them all the way to the statewide competition and the other young lawyers who participate can fulfill roles from planning to setting up to judging the event and everything in between. .
What impact will the project have in the local or legal community?
This project allows high school students to have an unparalleled experience that will shape their future career path, as well as provide them with valuable skills and public speaking experience. The volunteers thoroughly enjoy the event and the chance to help the children as well. Further, this event is a wonderful reflection on how our local Bar can give back to the community, namely, the students of Sarasota County.
Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants? Provided free of charge.
Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate? Yes. In fact, we have developed a manual for use in coordinating the competition and are pleased to share upon request.
From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project?
Each year sponsors are sought to fund the project from the local community. The sources vary from year to year, but as the project grows, so does the associated budget.
If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project?
The YLD will be recognized in the monthly Docket electronic magazine published to all Sarasota County Bar Members, online on the SCBA’s Facebook Page, in the regular membership emails, in any print materials that are circulated and on the day of the competition to all participants and attendees at opening and closing.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline: The Project is beginning now with training of the student teams and organization and culminates in the competition on February 16, 2019. Thereafter, the winning team will compete in the statewide competition in Orlando, Florida.
VII. Project Organization: The SCBA YLD oversees, organizes, and implements the local competition with guidance and resources from the Florida Law Related Education Association Inc. (“FLRE”). The SCBA YLD has a dedicated committee and committee chair assigned to organize the competition and attend the event to ensure smooth execution the day of the competition. The FLRE is the organization responsible for the competition is the Florida Law Related Education Association Inc., a non-profit, non-partisan organization that develops and implements legal and civic education programs and materials for students K-12 and adults. FLREA Program Director Erin Watson oversees and coordinates the high school mock trial program statewide. A large team of volunteers also come together each year to make this event possible, something for which we are very grateful. Attorneys, teachers, judges, paralegals, and many others take time from their busy schedules, many beginning their preparation many months ahead of the competition.
VIII. Budget: The budget likely will change this year due to increased participation and therefore longer time (more security hours and personnel) and additional food for participants due to the long day at the courthouse. We have provided last year’s budget to provide a representation of past costs and have forecasted what we expect this year’s costs to be since we have two additional team participating. Mock Trial Competition- March 3, 2018 Security $1,638.00 $1,900 Pizza $257.95 $345 Coffee $82.34 $110 Snacks $101.17 $135 Engraving/Plaques to Presiding Judges and Winning Team $270.91 $275
TOTAL EXPENSES 2018: 2019 est.: $2,350.37 $2,765.00
IX. Exhibits: There are no attached exhibits.
I. Short Project Title
Corn Hole For A Cause
St. Johns County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section Corn Hole Tournament @ St. Johns County Pier Pavilion
II. Contact Information
Heather S. Maltby c/o St. Johns County Bar Association PO Box 211 St. Augustine, FL 32084 [email protected]
Heather Maltby will present at AOC.
III. Describe Your Affiliate
The St. Johns County Bar Association ("SJCBA") has 150 active members. In 2015, we formed a Young Lawyer Section ("YLS") and became an affiliate of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division ("YLD"). There are approximately 30 members of the YLS. There are an additional 150+ young lawyers who live or work in St. Johns County. In 2016, the YLS held their first annual Corn Hole For A Cause and in 2017, the YLS held their second annual Corn Hole For A Cause. In 2018, in addition to the corn hole tournament the YLS planned a Health and Wellness Paddleboard and Yoga event which was a great success. The SJCBA YLS will continue to grow and expand in 2019 incorporating a School Supply Drive Contest in July and a host an event to introduce the YLS to the 2 new Judges that will be joining the St. Johns County Judiciary, as well as continuing the activities we began last year. The YLS became an affiliate of The YLD to grow affiliate membership while promoting the purposes of The Florida Bar This is the fourth and final time Heather S. Maltby will be presenting at AOC. In 2016 we received $1,550.00 for this event and raised over $2,000.00 and in 2017 we received $2,165.00 and raised over $4,000.00 and last year we received $2,165.00 and raised over $5,000.00. We hope to make Corn Hole For A Cause financially self sufficient after this year.
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request
We hope to raise $6,000 or more for the benefit a local St. Johns County non-profit. Our donation will help a local charity with funding to help low income citizens in our community. Our project will also bring young lawyers together, grow affiliate membership, and improve the work/life balance of those that attend. The purpose of our request is to obtain funding for promotional items which will help grow affiliate membership.
V. Project Objectives/Description
Our project directly addresses the underfunding of non-profits at the local level. Participants will also be encouraged to assist the local community by introducing them to new organizations for volunteering opportunities'.
Our project will also improve the work-life balance of young lawyers in our area. The event will provide a fun filled evening for our members and their families along with local attorneys and which will help foster new professional relationships and strengthen existing ones. Last year we opened the tournament to the public and had a great turn out which allowed a lot of informal networking between the local attorneys are local residents. Our project will also promote the YLD and help grow affiliate membership. Our event is designed to serve up to 100 participants (64 tournament participants). Invitees will include young lawyers, members of the judiciary, current students or recent graduates of Florida Coastal School of Law, and their families and the general public.
We have already secured St. Johns County Pier Pavilion as our venue. The pier facilities include a splash park, volleyball courts, beach access, restroom facilities, and the pier itself. It is a family and pet friendly venue which we hope will increase the overall number of participants and guests from last year. We will have access to the pavilion for a nominal rental fee on Saturday March 30, 2019. We will suggest that guests also bring beach chairs or blankets to sit on while spectating.
There are no other projects in the area that provide a similar service to the targeted groups. Two local law firms host fundraising events for local area legal aid (a St. Patrick's Day themed party and a golf tournament). This is the only event hosted by the local bar association and the only event intended for young lawyers and law students to become more involved in their legal community in a fun environment.
No materials will be sold. Participants will be encouraged to make a $50 donation to participate in the tournament. Those not wishing to compete in the tournament will be encouraged to make donations for spectating and to cover costs of food provided.
This is an easy project for other affiliates to replicate.
VI. Project Evaluation
Our goal is to raise $6,000 or more for the United Way of St. Johns County. The effectiveness of our project will be measured by the ultimate donation as well as by the number of event participants. The success of our project can further be measured by the number of young lawyers who become new members of the affiliate chapter. In 2016 we raised over $2,000 for the St. Johns County Legal Aid Office and in 2017 raised over $4,000 and in 2018 raised approximately $5,000 for Kids Bridge.
VII. Project Organization
Registration Team 2 people will register guests and distribute admission tickets plus promotional items
Set Up Team 4 people will set up the pavilion tables/chairs and corn-hole boards Tournament Team 2 people will organize the tournament bracket, keep time, and distribute trophies Catering Team 4 people will oversee food service/delivery and clean up
VIII. Budget a. Income
Tournament Participants 54 x $50 = $2,700 (sponsors get 2 free participants) Spectators 36 x $15= $ 540 (children < 5 – free; 6-12 = $5) Sponsorships 5 x $300 = $1,500 TOTAL $4,740 b. Expenses Cost Source St. Johns County Pier Park Pavilion $159.75 Sponsor Corn Hole Board Rentals (8 @ $30 per board) $240.00 Grant Table Rentals (5 tables @ $8 per table) $40.00 Grant *(1) Registration, (2) food & bev, (2) silent auction Table Rental Guests (5 tables @ $9 per table) $45.00 Grant Chairs (40 @ $1.50 per chair) $60.00 Grant Promotional Items / YLS shirts (@ $10 per person) $1,000 Grant Musician $300 Grant Drinks/Cups/Plates/Forks/Ice/Trash Bags $100 Grant Trophy for Winning Team (2@ $15 each) $30 Grant Prize for Winning Team $300 Grant *each winner gets custom cornhole set @ $150 each Attendee Wristbands/Food Tickets $25 Grant Printing $25 Grant BBQ Catering (@ $15 per person) $1,500 Guest
TOTAL $ 3,824.75
REQUESTED GRANT AMOUNT $ 2,165.00
IX. Timetable
We have already secured the venue for Saturday, March 30, 2019. The SJCBA will promote the event in the e-newsletter, at all board meetings or events leading up to the date, on our Facebook page and thought the local radio station. Invitations will be emailed directly to all YLD members in St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler Counties on February 1. Email reminders will be sent on February 28th and March 15th. Students at Florida
Coastal School of Law will be notified at the beginning of their spring semester and monthly reminders will be sent. The number of groups (Law Review, Moot Court, Mock Trial, etc.) invited will depend on the number of registrations received to date. The registration deadline will be March 15th. Sponsors will be sought during the months of January to March. A musician will be secured by March 1st. Promotional items will be ordered no later than March 1st. Catering will be confirmed no later than March 15th.
X. Exhibits
See below.
VENUE PHOTOS
TOURNAMENT RULES
Cornhole Court Layout . Cornhole Boards: Boards are positioned 27’ from front edge to edge. . Cornhole Pitchers Boxes: A designated pitchers box is a 4’ x 3’ area at each end of the court and on both sides of each board; (4) boxes in all. . Cornhole Foul Lines: The front edge of the cornhole board is the foul line.
Cornhole Scoring . Traditional 21: The game shall be played to the pre-determined number of twenty-one (21) points. The first player/team to reach (or exceed) that amount at the conclusion of a frame is the winner. . Woody: Refers to any cornhole bag that has been pitched and remains on the cornhole board playing surface at the conclusion of the frame. Each woody is 1pt. . Cornhole: Refers to any cornhole bag that has been pitched and passes through the cornhole board hole at anytime within the frame. Each cornhole is 3pts. . Cancellation Scoring: The points of one player cancel out the points of their opponent. Using this method, only one player/team can score in each frame. . Example: Red achieves one (1) woody and two (2) cornholes. Blue achieves two (2) woodies and zero (0) cornholes. 7 points – 2 points = Red scores 5 points for that frame. . Foul Bags – Refers to any cornhole bag that has not been determined as a “woody” or “cornhole”, or was designated a foul bag as the result of rules violation. . Designated Foul Bags – Refers to any cornhole bag that has not been determined as a “woody” or “cornhole”, or was designated a foul bag as the result of rules violation. Bags contacting the ground before reaching the playing surface and bags pitched when a player has crossed the foul line are Foul Bags. If a foul bag lands on the playing surface or comes to rest touching the ground and the board, it must be removed immediately.
TOURNAMENT RULES
Doubles Play . Team A competes against Team B – each team is comprised of two (2) people. . Each team will stay in their designated lane for the whole game. . Players at the headboard will alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all (4) of his/her bags. . Players at the footboard will take score and resume pitching back to the other cornhole board.
Pitching . Players alternate pitching bags (one player at a time) until each player has pitched all (4) of his/her bags. . A player must pitch all (4) cornhole bags from their designated cornhole pitchers box.
. Players must deliver the bag with an under-hand release. . One foot must be completely within the pitcher’s box at the time of releasing the bag. . Players must not cross the foul line with their feet before the bag has landed.
Pitching the Next Frame . The player/team who scored in the preceding frame shall pitch first in the next frame. If neither player/team scores, the player/team who pitched first in the preceding frame shall retain first pitch in the next frame.
Raking Cornhole Bags . If bags become piled inside the cornhole board hole and may interfere or obstruct with the next pitch or if there is question whether a cornhole bag would have naturally fallen through the hole, a player may request to “rake” the cornhole bags that have fallen inside the hole. . Important note: During raking, all efforts should be made to leave bags on the playing surface undisrupted, in their natural state, and to leave bags that may hang on the rim of the hole from falling inside the hole unnaturally. If a bag is resting on a piled bag, and unavoidably falls into the hole as a result of raking, then it shall be counted as a “cornhole.”
SCHEDULE 64 participants / 32 teams 1st team to 21 (max is 12 minute game) Minimum of 2 games 8 corn-hole board set up
SIGN IN / REGISTRATION 11:30 to 12:00
FIRST BRACKET ROUND 1 (32 Teams) Teams 1 to Team 16 12:30 to 12:45 Team 17 to Team 32 12:45 to 1:00 pm ROUND 2 (16 Teams) 1:00 to 1:15 ROUND 3 (8 Teams) 1:15 to 1:30 ROUND 4 (4 Teams) 1:30 to 1:45 ROUND 5 (2 Teams) 1:45 to 2:00
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT 12:00 to 4:30 pm LUNCH - FOOD/DRINKS 12:00 to 2:00 pm
SECOND BRACKET ROUND 1 (32 Teams) Odd # Teams 2:30 to 2:45 Even # Teams 2:45 to 3:00 ROUND 2 (16 Teams) 3:00 to 3:15
ROUND 3 (8 Teams) 3:15 to 3:30 ROUND 4 (4 Teams) 3:30 to 3:45 ROUND 5 (2 Teams) 3:45 to 4:00
PRESENTATION OF TROPHY 4:30 pm
EVENT END 4:30 pm * Note: Sunset for March 31,2019 is 7:43 pm.
CATERING ESTIMATES
Sonny's BBQ Catering package includes: choice of meat, three sides, bread/butter, paper plates and utensils, lemonade/ice tea, and BBQ sauce. Choice of Three Meats (Pulled pork, sliced pork, pulled chicken, chicken, or turkey) o Pick up $ 8.99 o Delivery $ 10.59 o Set-up & Serve $ 12.39 . Add $0.89 for Brisket . Sides: BBQ beans, macaroni & cheese, potato salad, green beans, corn on the cob, baked potato, coleslaw, salad, brunswick stew.
Bono's BBQ Catering includes choice of three side items plus garlic toast, iced tea or lemonade, paper products, serving utensils, and BBQ sauce. Choice of Three Meats (Pork, Beef, Turkey, Chicken or Sausage) o $12.49 / per person (does not include 7% sales tax) o Sides: Baked beans, coleslaw, green beans, mac & cheese, fried corn on the cob, banana pudding. o Call for full service catering prices 904-332-RIBS
Bonez Smokehouse Catering contact [email protected] 904-829-8939
Mojos BBQ Full service on site catering call 904-524-8952
ST. PETERSBURG BAR ASSOCIATION GRANT APPLICATION
I. Short Project Title: Ready For Life- Remodel of Food and Supply Pantry
II. Contact Information: Joseph Murphy, YLS President ST. Petersburg Bar Association P.O. Box 172, St. Petersburg, FL 33771 Phone: (727) 397-5571 Email: [email protected]
Joseph Murphy, YLS President, and Benjamin Thomas, YLS President-Elect, will present the project of the St. Petersburg Bar Association Young Lawyers Section at the Affiliate Outreach Conference on January 12, 2019.
III. Describe Your Affiliate: The St. Petersburg Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (YLS) currently has approximately 120 members, with approximately 35-50 members who regularly and actively participate in YLS functions. Our affiliate has been in regular attendance at the AOC on a regular basis and our last three AOC Projects are set forth below:
Year Title Award
AOC 2018 Lawyers for Literacy $2,000.00
AOC 2017 Activities for Court Kids $1,580.00
AOC 2016 Ask a Lawyer Day $1,200.00
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request: Our Affiliate is requesting a grant to fund the remodeling of the food and supply pantry for Ready For Life.
V. Project Objectives/Description:
What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate? To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)?
Ready for Life, Inc. (RFL), is a 501(c)(3) organization dedication to helping youth who are exiting or about to exit foster care with making a successful transition to independence. RFL coordinates with youth and young adults to help them supplement any deficient life skills or learning gaps to remove barriers that are common to this vulnerable population. RFL started with a handful of youth who aged out of foster care in Pinellas County. Year after year the organization has exponentially grown in the number of young adults it serves. Now in its tenth year, RFL now serves 425 youth and young adults aged 15-25 on an annual basis. Additionally, there are 98 young children
1 born to the youth and young adults who are being served by RFL. As a result of RFL’s efforts, those youths and young adults are successfully parenting their children thereby avoiding, in some cases, generations of cyclical entry into the foster care system.
To enable its participants to focus of matters such as continuing education and improving life skills, it is first important for their basic needs to be met. As such, as part of its services, RFL offers food and basic supplies to supplement the needs of these youths and young adults. However, as RFL continues to grow, its facilities are no longer sufficient to efficiently serve its population. While RFL has a designated space of 36’ x 12’ for this food and supply pantry, it has not had the necessary funding to install a proper shelving and organizational system to allow it to efficiently distribute food and supplies to young adults in need. By creating proper shelving, storage units, and requisite work space in its food and supply pantry, RFL hopes to better serve its population.
The theme this year for the St. Petersburg Bar is “Live Well, Give Well- Sharing Wellness With Those In Need”. Same reflects on the notion that while St. Petersburg Bar members are fortunate to live and work in the great City of St. Petersburg, our community still faces a number of serious challenges. As such, our leadership has encouraged our members to give back to our community and those in need. Following suit, our YLS seeks to not just give back through monetary donations, but would instead like to volunteer or time and labor to add sweat equity in our efforts. By doing so we can not only do more with less but also see firsthand the results of our efforts. It is our sincere hope that, by remodeling the RFL food and supply pantry, the organization will be able to better serve its participants. Once completed, the YLS will also hold a food and supply drive to assist in stocking the pantry.
How many people will the project serve?
By remodeling the food and supply pantry at RFL, the currently 425 youths and their 98 respective children will be better served. Additionally, same will also allow for continued growth and service to the Pinellas County community as a whole.
What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different/similar? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project? We are unaware of any similar organization to RFL within Pinellas County. Unfortunately, the foster children who have timed out from care largely remain underprivileged and underserved. As such, we seek to partner with RFL to better provide for this population.
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How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project? By providing for proper food and supply facilities, RFL can better serve its existing youth and expand its efforts to serve more of the youth within our community. Our young lawyers will benefit by giving back to our community through their manual labor efforts in remodeling the pantry and completing a food and supply drive to stock same. In time, we hope our members will also volunteer their time to serve as mentors and/or tutors for these underserved youths.
What impact will the project have in the local or legal community?
A majority of the youth coming out of our foster care systems find themselves on their own without the education, skills, or the foundation they need to become independent and self-sufficient members of society. RFL seeks to fill in the life skills and learning gaps and help these individuals create self-sufficiency by the age of 25. Statistically speaking, for youths and young adults who do not transition from foster care into becoming a successful member of society by the age of 25, said population is more prone to chronic homelessness, drug addiction, incarceration and early death. RFL can serve an increased number of individuals through the use of a remodeled food and supply pantry to assist those individuals in meeting their basic needs. Same will in turn enable those youths and young adults to focus on obtaining the education and life skills needed to become independent and self-sufficient members of society.
Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants?
Other than the supplies and food which will be distributed through the RFL pantry, no.
Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate?
Yes, remodeling usable space for charitable organizations and food pantries can be easily replicated by other affiliates.
From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project?
Unless necessary, we will not be seeking other monetary funding for this project. However, after the completion of the remodel, we will be holding a food and supply drive to help stock the pantry.
If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project?
If our Affiliate is awarded funds for this project, the Florida Bar YLD will be recognized in our local bar publication. Ready For Life has also indicated that they
3 would like to recognize our organizations with signage within the food and supply pantry in the event funding is received.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline: Upon receipt of any awarded grant funding, we would like to complete the remodeling project in the Spring of 2019. Thereafter, we will hold a food and supply drive through our local membership. Completion of all or a portion of the remodel of the food and supply pantry will be a success in and of itself. The Floor Plan attached was created based on the expressed needs of the Ready For Life organization. Assisting the organization in fulfilling those needs to better serve our community is our primary criteria for success.
VII. Project Organization: The St. Petersburg Bar YLS will work with Ready For Life to coordinate the completion of the remodel. Joseph Murphy will take the lead in purchasing the materials necessary for remodeling and organizing YLS volunteers to complete same. Structural alterations, if any, will be completed in advance by Ready For Life.
VIII. Budget: As indicated on the attached Floor Plan, to complete the entire remodel of the food and supply pantry it will be necessary to purchase the following:
1) 13 food shelving units at a cost of $89.98/each $1,169.74 2) 6 supply shelving units with built-in bins at a cost of $69.88/each $419.28 3) 2 storage cabinets with locking capacity; at a cost of $209.98/each $419.96 4) 1 work station $149.98____ SUBTOTAL $2,158.96
___ TAX $ 151.13___
TOTAL $2,310.09
(All assembly and installation costs will be avoided given the free YLS volunteer labor to be provided)
IX. Exhibits: A proposed Floor Plan is attached as Exhibit “A”.
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EXHIBIT “A”
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TALLAHASSEE BAR ASSOCIATION YOUNG LAWYERS’ SECTION 2019 AOC GRANT APPLICATION
I. Short Project Title: Thunderdome Tallahassee: Facilitating Service to the Community through Attorney Training and Mentorship
II. Contact Information:
Submission: Thunderdome Tallahassee: Crystal D. Stephens, Esq. Carrie Litherland Director -Tallahassee Bar Association Executive Director Young Lawyers Section Legal Aid Foundation Department of Business & 301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 108 Professional Regulation Tallahassee, FL 32301 Office of the General Counsel (850) 702-5010 2601 Blair Stone Road [email protected] Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850) 717-1293 [email protected]
Crystal Stephens and Chevonne Christian will present at the 2019 Affiliate Outreach Conference (―AOC‖).
III. Describe Your Affiliate: The Tallahassee Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (the "YLS")
The YLS is comprised of over 100 young attorneys or those attorneys recently admitted to the Bar. The YLS strives to contribute to the educational and professional advancement of attorneys, particularly younger members of the Florida Bar, and the betterment of the community through charity functions and projects. The YLS has had a strong presence at the AOC and has applied for and received grants over the past several years. Thunderdome Tallahassee ("Thunderdome") will be in its sixth year in 2019, and this is the sixth year that the YLS is presenting Thunderdome for funding at an AOC.
IV. Summarize the Purpose of Your Request:
The YLS, in partnership with the Legal Aid Foundation, proposes continued support to further develop Thunderdome Tallahassee, a cohort training program in family law. Thunderdome gathers and trains diverse community leaders to address the chronic need for pro bono legal service among low-income clients in and around Leon County. This innovative model has helped the Legal Aid Foundation to recruit and develop more volunteers, serve more clients, garner new donors and sponsors, and receive widespread publicity, such as in the Tallahassee Democrat and The Florida Bar News. Based on the successful development of the Thunderdome Tallahassee initiative, Class 6 participants will commit to taking cases during nine months of family law education, group discussions and leadership development. This supportive and experiential environment will foster new and continued volunteerism, benefitting local families and children who are unable to afford the legal help they need.
V. Project Objectives/Description:
What needs does the project address? Why are these needs important to your Affiliate?
Thunderdome provides family law legal services to low-income clients in and around Leon County. In consulting with the American Bar Association for best practices in volunteer recruitment and education, the Legal Aid Foundation found a promising program model to help address three important goals: (1) increase pro bono family law services to low-income Leon County citizens; (2) unite the legal community with larger community efforts for social change; and (3) deliver volunteer training supported by continuing legal education credit, intensive networking and public recognition.
Finding pro bono volunteer lawyers is always a challenge, particularly in family law matters. Young lawyers or other lawyers inexperienced in family law may be reluctant to handle these potentially high-emotion cases without the training and support they receive through Thunderdome. Remarkably, over the past five years through the efforts of many dedicated Thunderdome participants, this program has shortened a new client's waiting time at the Legal Aid Foundation from 3-4 months or more, to several weeks. Young lawyers also benefit through expanded recognition among colleagues and community peers, as well as leadership training and legal mentorship.
To what groups will the project provide services (young lawyers, the community at large)?
This project provides pro bono legal services to low-income Leon County citizens with civil family law legal needs. Additionally, this program provides diverse young lawyers with legal training, leadership development and networking opportunities with established members of the Leon County legal community and each other.
How many people will the project serve?
This project has the ability to serve an immeasurable number of people. The inaugural Thunderdome class consisted of 21 young lawyers, each of whom handled at least one pending case. Class 2 through 4 consisted of between 12-20 lawyers, each of whom handled at least one case. Upon entry, each participant is assigned to a family law case from the 2
Legal Aid Foundation pro bono case list and will be assigned a second case if the first is completed during the course of the program.
Furthermore, Thunderdome graduates will be more likely to volunteer for family law cases than will untrained Legal Aid volunteers. Capacity will multiply over time as successful volunteers take family law cases throughout their careers, paying dividends years into the future. Class 6 will train and develop approximately 15-20 attorneys.
What other projects in the area provide similar services to the same group(s)? When and with what success? How is your project different? Will your group work with any other organizations in implementing this project?
There is nothing similar to Thunderdome in Tallahassee. The Legal Aid Foundation currently provides pro bono legal services to low-income families, often the working poor. In the full representation pro bono program, lawyers represent clients on a volunteer basis in multiple civil matters—approximately 75% of which are family law matters. Thunderdome will build upon the existing supply of pro bono volunteers and provide them with family law training, making the volunteers more effective and efficient while reducing the clients’ wait for pro bono assistance. Thunderdome coordinates with many established Tallahassee organizations to obtain recognition for its volunteers and to solicit mentoring and additional contributors for the program.
How will the public and/or young lawyers benefit from the project?
The public will benefit by having trained attorneys working together to handle family law cases of low-income individuals in and around Leon County. Civil legal aid in family law bolsters family stability, safety, and living conditions, ultimately impacting the public welfare of Leon County and the surrounding area. Young lawyers benefit from obtaining training, confidence and early exposure to clients and case management.
What impact will the project have in the local or legal community?
The community at-large gains greater access to trained attorneys prepared to handle pro bono family law cases. This decreases the wait time for clients in need.
Will handouts or other materials be sold or provided to participants?
In 2014, the Legal Aid Foundation, YLS, FSU Law professors, and other Thunderdome leaders compiled a Florida-specific family law handbook and other supportive materials geared toward young lawyers or volunteers inexperienced in family law. Having been evaluated by the first classes, these materials have been and will continue to be updated, and Thunderdome will provide participants with the handbook to use in conjunction with the Thunderdome curriculum.
Is this an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate?
3
Thunderdome is an easy project to replicate throughout Florida. Thunderdome Tallahassee is based on Thunderdome family law legal clinics in Chicago and Connecticut. With the Florida-specific handbook and a documented process for implementation, Thunderdome clinics can be replicated throughout the state. Additionally, such an educational program supported by networking and community leadership development will be attractive to sponsors at local levels.
From what other sources are you seeking funding for this project?
The Legal Aid Foundation seeks funding for Thunderdome from the Florida Bar Diversity Leadership Grant, Tallahassee Bar Association, various small grants and sponsors (businesses, law firms and individuals), and in kind support (not included in the budget below) from the Florida Bar Family Law Section and FSU College of Law.
If you are awarded YLD funds, how will you recognize the YLD’s support of your project?
The Legal Aid Foundation will include YLD as a sponsor in promotional materials and articles/write ups of Thunderdome.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline:
Project timeline: In the spring of 2019, Thunderdome will continue the development process to improve the Thunderdome experience for participants, and establish best practices to address the ongoing need for pro bono family law assistance. • Beginning in the fall of 2019 and continuing for several months, Thunderdome will provide Class 6 (between 15-20 diverse attorneys) with family law education and experience, leadership development, networking, and public recognition. • Thereafter, Thunderdome will use participant experiences and program publicity to inform the community of how Thunderdome impacts the public welfare of low- income families—a critical step to build community participation and future support. Project evaluation: The effectiveness of the project can be evaluated most quantitatively by how many clients Class 6 is able to assist and the measurable decrease in wait times for those clients. Other measures of success may include the prestige of Class 6 participants, the effective handling of cases, and the retention of Thunderdome graduates as future volunteers.
VII. Project Organization:
The YLS is unofficially affiliated with the Legal Aid Foundation through its association with the Tallahassee Bar Association ("TBA"). The Legal Aid Foundation is an independent organization but was founded by the TBA and still looks to the TBA for support. This grant application is an effort by the YLS to assist the Legal Aid Foundation with its funding needs for this remarkable program, still in its infancy.
Thunderdome is administered by the Legal Aid Foundation while YLS helps to raise 4
funding, recruit participants and sponsorships, and promote the program. The Legal Aid Foundation ultimately selects and trains participants, and assigns cases based on ability and need. Legal Aid Foundation Tallahassee Bar Association
Carrie Litherland Young Lawyers' Section (Executive Director) [Financial Support/Recruitment/Promotion]
Thunderdome Tallahassee
VIII. Budget:
Budget Category Costs Space Rental $2,100.00 *Refreshments (Class meals, awards luncheon meals, etc.) $5,800.00 *Marketing $650.00 Supplies $1,000.00 Recording $450.00 Total Expenses $10,000.00 AOC Grant Request $3,000.00
* The YLS anticipates using awarded AOC grant monies for these purposes only. To the extent there are any funds remaining after these expenses, the money will be used for filing and litigation fees for the Class 6 clients. The Legal Aid Foundation has built relationships with individuals and corporations who have sponsored Thunderdome Tallahassee Classes 1-5, and with enthusiastic interest from the community, we expect to see continued sponsorship of Class 6. (As stated above, this budget does not include in-kind support.)
IX. Exhibits:
1. Photograph of the fifth Thunderdome Class 2. ―In praise of lawyers who keep their pro bono promise‖ – The Florida Bar News, November 15, 2014 (highlighting a case litigated by a participant of Class 1) 3. ―Thunderdome program training lawyers to help poor clients‖ – Tallahassee Democrat, March 20, 2015 (Chief Justice spoke and highlighted the benefits of the Thunderdome program in Tallahassee) 4. ―Legal Aid issues Thunderdome Awards to volunteer lawyers on 50th anniversary‖- Tallahassee Democrat, April 9, 2018 (announcing Thunderdome award recipients) 5. The Class 5 (2018) Press Release can be found here: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:87607bbb-eb6b-430a- 8941-ada6539d07db 6. Thunderdome video presentation
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Thunderdome Class 5:
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ysF vFuFhfsFsthusFxusthgFgFuhsFevhsFgFyvFqsutsFgFgwFwudsFhgFsvhsFhfsFeggFgdFgFgFfyvFsutsFvest uFvthugfFrwsvsFsyvuwFysFgF vFvhFvyshrfwge i " j !jII # #%(I I"I%IEFGHIFkIFlIP"P"P PP (P P P "P P PDF P"IklkmmkFFEI Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association – Young Lawyers Division The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division 2019 Affiliate Grant Application
I. SHORT PROJECT TITLE
The Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (the “FBA YLD”) presents: 2019 Federal Practice Seminar: Crash Course for Practicing in Federal Court and Pro Bono Opportunities to Gain Experience.
II. CONTACT INFORMATION
Joann Grages Burnett and Jade Craig are the present co-chairs of the FBA YLD for 2018.1
Joann Grages Burnett Stetson University College of Law 1401 61st St. S Gulfport, Florida 33707 (727) 562-7303 [email protected]
Jade Craig Bleakley Bavol & Denman 15170 N Florida Ave. Tampa, Florida 33613 (813) 221-3759 [email protected]
The following members of the FBA YLD will present the application:
Ashley Tinsley Johnson Jackson LLC 100 N Tampa Street, Suite 2310 Tampa, Florida 33602 (813) 580-8400 [email protected]
Giovanni Giarratana Gunster 401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 2500 Tampa, Florida 33602 (813) 228-9080 [email protected]
1 Another attorney will be appointed the Chair of the FBA YLD for 2019; however, that person has not been confirmed as of the date of this application. 1 III. DESCRIBE YOUR AFFILIATE
The FBA YLD is one of the Federal Bar Association’s largest YLD sections in the country, comprising of approximately 150 members who (i) are 36 years of age and under or (ii) have been admitted to practice for 5 years or less. The section also has been making a concerted effort to recruit law school students from law schools in the Tampa Bay area. The purpose of the FBA YLD is to (i) engage younger lawyers and conduct relevant programs of interest and value to younger lawyers; and (ii) to assist in the establishment, improvement, and coordination of active younger lawyers in the Tampa Bay area.
The mission of the FBA is to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and needs of the federal practitioner (both public and private), the federal judiciary, and the public they serve. The FBA is dedicated to the advancement of the science of jurisprudence and to promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of all attorneys involved in federal law.
The FBA YLD was created in 2012 under the by-laws of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. It has been an affiliate of the Florida Bar YLD since 2013 and this will be the fourth year it is attending and participating in the Florida Bar YLD Affiliate Outreach Conference. The FBA YLD previously presented grant applications in 2015, 2016, and 2017 for the same project, and each year received an $800 grant for this program.
Last year’s event was well-attended and provided attendees the opportunity to hear from a number of our local practitioners and judges including the Honorable Catherine Peek McEwen, of the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Middle District of Florida as a speaker and the following judges in a round-table discussion:
• Honorable Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida (Moderator); • Honorable Elizabeth Kovachevich, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida; • Honorable Charlene Honeywell, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida; and • Honorable Christopher Tuite, United States Magistrate Judge, Middle District of Florida.
Other presentation topics included the benefits of technology both inside and outside the courtroom and a presentation on legal writing in federal court. The legal writing presentation included legal writing exercises to give attendees the opportunity to apply what they learned. For a full summary of last year’s event, please find enclosed, a copy of last year’s program description as Exhibit 1. It was free to attend and provided attendees with 3.5 CLE credits, including technology. In addition to practitioners, law students were invited and attended.
IV. SUMMARIZE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR REQUEST
Consistent with the mission of the FBA YLD to conduct programs of interest and value to young lawyers and to assist in the establishment, improvement, and coordination of active young
2 lawyers in the Tampa Bay area, as well as the FBA’s mission of serving the interests and needs of the federal practitioner and the public they serve, the FBA YLD would like to present a half- day seminar in or around September 2019 geared towards young lawyers who are interested in practicing in federal court and gaining experience by taking on pro bono cases in the federal court. This seminar will aim to educate young lawyers about different aspects of practicing in federal court by having experienced federal court practitioners and members of the judiciary present on various topics of federal practice, highlighting areas that significantly differ from Florida state court practice. Additionally, the FBA YLD will have a presentation regarding how to get involved with pro bono in the federal court and the many benefits in doing so. This half day seminar will be an invaluable event for young lawyers, as it will not only provide education and resources on navigating the federal courts, but it will also encourage young lawyers to get involved with pro bono opportunities and interact with the local federal judiciary.
V. PROJECT OBJECTIVES/DESCRIPTION
The FBA YLD Committee for 2019, consisting of one Chair and six committee members, will organize, coordinate, and manage the seminar. The FBA YLD anticipates the seminar will be held in the Jury Assembly Room on the 3rd floor of the Samuel F. Gibbons United States District Court House in downtown Tampa in or around September 2019. The FBA YLD will apply for 3.5 to 4 hours of CLE credit with the Florida Bar. The objective of the seminar is to educate young lawyers, law students, and those new to federal practice on the unique aspects of practicing in federal court and provide resources for navigating through a case, whether it is part of pro bono, private practice or public service. Pursuant to this objective, the FBA YLD Committee will coordinate and organize the relevant presenters on topics related to: technology, legal writing, pre-trial procedures, case management, removal procedures, motion practice, and successfully preserving issues for appeal. The FBA YLD Committee will also organize the presentation regarding pro bono involvement and resources related thereto. The FBA YLD Committee will assist in any way necessary for the presentation materials to be printed and assembled in a binder for all seminar attendees. The FBA YLD plans to distribute portfolios with an FBA YLD logo containing the Local Rules, Discovery Handbook, Pro Se Handbook, and selected forms and other resources for practitioners.
In addition to FBA members, law clerks, law students, and federal court interns will be invited to attend and participate in the seminar. The primary focus of the seminar will be civil in nature, but may also include some information about getting involved in criminal pro bono cases and appeals. This seminar will address the need for young lawyers to gain more exposure to federal courts early in their careers and assist them by providing resources and education that will be helpful in the development of their careers. This seminar will also address the need in the community for more pro bono volunteers in federal court and encourage young lawyers to take pro bono cases in federal court after learning about the resources available to them.
There is currently not a similar project provided in the area, as the FBA is the only bar association focused on federal court practice in the Tampa Bay area and is primarily responsible for programming related to federal court practice. The seminar is an easy project for other young lawyer affiliates to replicate.
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If granted funds, the FBA YLD will list the Florida Bar YLD on all promotional materials related to the seminar and ensure that the Florida Bar YLD is specifically acknowledged during the seminar for its support.
VI. PROJECT EVALUATION/TIMELINE
The seminar will take place in or around September 2019. This is an ideal timeframe as many new lawyers are entering into practice and local law schools are back in session.
The results the FBA YLD would like to achieve from the seminar are increased attendance for young lawyers and more confidence and interest on the part of young lawyers in federal court practice. The FBA YLD will distribute a survey to the attendees to evaluate the effectiveness of the presentations, format, and substance of the program, as well as solicit recommendations for improvement. This is a seminar that the FBA YLD has conducted for three years now and has been well-received by our members and non-members who have attended.
VII. PROJECT ORGANIZATION
Members of the FBA YLD committee will be responsible for coordinating and organizing all aspects of the seminar with help from volunteers, as needed. These tasks include securing the venues and speakers, creating an agenda, compiling the materials, applying for CLE credit with the Florida Bar, promoting and advertising the seminar, creating an evaluation, and assisting with the presentations as requested by the speakers. The co-chairs will delegate different tasks to the committee members and assist the committee members in execution of the tasks. The entire committee will have meetings and work together to make sure there is a concerted effort in organizing the entire seminar.
VIII. BUDGET
Food for the event $300 Portfolios with FBA logo $500 TOTAL REQUESTED BUDGET $800
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The Young Lawyers Division of the Federal Bar Association’s Tampa Bay Chapter Invite You to Attend: 2018 Federal Practice Seminar Made possible in part by a grant from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division
DATE: Thursday, September 27, 2018
PLACE: Sam M. Gibbons Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room (3rd Floor)* TIME: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
COST: Free
The Florida Bar has approved this program for 3.5 CLE hours (3.5 General; 0.5 Technology; 2.0 State and Federal Government and Administration Practice)
The objective of the seminar is to educate young lawyers, law students, and those new to federal practice on the unique aspects of practicing in federal court and provide resources for navigating through a case, whether it is part of pro bono, private practice or public service. The seminar’s primary focus will be civil in nature but will also include a presentation on the benefits of technology both inside and outside the courtroom and a presentation on legal writing in federal court. The legal writing portion of the seminar will include a discussion of legal writing exercises to give attendees the opportunity to apply what they have learned. This seminar will also address the need for young lawyers to gain more exposure to federal courts early in their careers, encourage young lawyers to take pro bono cases in federal court, and provide them with the resources to do so. The Seminar will conclude with a Practice Pointers Panel featuring members of the judiciary.
Scheduled Speakers: • Bill Sansone, Sansone Law, P.A. • Judge Catherine Peek McEwen, United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida • Edward J. Comey, Law Clerk to Judge Michael G. Williamson, Chief United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida • Kevin D. Johnson, Johnson Jackson LLC Scheduled Judicial Panelists: • Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe, Thirteenth Circuit Court of Florida (Moderator) • Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida • Judge Charlene Honeywell, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida • Judge Christopher Tuite, United States Magistrate Judge, Middle District of Florida
Please RSVP to [email protected] Law Students are welcome.
*Attention Law Students: Cell Phones are not permitted in the Sam M. Gibbons Federal Courthouse
EXHIBIT 1 2018/2019 AOC GRANT APPLICATION – VOLUSIA COUNTY BAR ASSOC. YLD
I. Short Project Title: Membership Drive to Entice Greater Membership for the Volusia County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.
II. Contact Information
Kevin T. Vagovic, Esquire (President-Elect, Presenter) KEVIN T. VAGOVIC, P.A. 210 S. Beach Street, Suite 203 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 [email protected]
Other presenters from Volusia County Bar Association: Natali Reyes, Esq. Michael Lyons, Esq.
III. Describe your Affiliate: The YLD of the Volusia County Bar Association currently has an active membership class of approximately 75 lawyers. Past projects include Bowling for School Supplies (ongoing, past 5 years), Golf Tournament (2009), Essay Contest (2011), Brain Chase Zombie Run 5k (2012 and 2013), YLD Luncheon: Tips for a Successful Practice (April 2014), Joint Beach Clean- up with the Orange County Bar Association YLS (September 2014), a widely circulated video explaining to the general public the effect of judicial elections (2015), a 7th Circuit “Survival Guide” for young or new lawyers in Volusia County (2016; $1,500), and a Mentorship Program for High School Students Taking Standardized Tests (2017).
IV. Purpose of Request: The purpose of our request is to provide increase membership in the Volusia County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. Currently, there are approximately 250 young lawyers in Volusia County, yet the YLD only has 75 members. We have attempted in the past to entice these lawyers into joining our local bar association, but many potential members have yet to register. We would like to offer more incentives to these young lawyers, in the hopes they will join our ranks on the Volusia County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. We plan to host a social intended specifically for attracting these members and getting them to register, and would like to provide small gifts, trinkets, or other bric-a-brac to these new members. We are interested in doing a dinner cruise as the social, which will float along the Halifax River in Daytona Beach as we recruit new members for our YLD. We are seeking $2,000 for hosting the social and for the gifts for the new members.
V. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:
This project addresses the needs to increase membership in the Volusia County Bar Associations Young Lawyers Division, which is underrepresented in proportion to the number of young lawyers in our County. The increase in membership will serve to increase our local bar association, and will ultimately lead to more community involvement as well, as our Young Lawyers Division routinely participates in community service projects. The uptick in membership will also allow for further mentoring between seasoned and younger lawyers, more camaraderie, and a greater chance for networking and bolstering referral sources.
VI. Project Evaluation/Timeline: We will start the project by reaching out to the potential YLD members to inform them of the social and the membership drive. We will accomplish this by assigning each YLD Board member to a group of potential members, and the Board members can contact their groups to discuss the benefits of joining the VCBA YLD and advising them of the upcoming social event to increase membership. The Board members can also assist the potential members with any questions relating to membership, community service opportunities, networking, and more. The project will be considered a success if we can realize at least 50% of the potential members we are seeking to recruit.
VII. Project Organization: The VCBA YLD will be solely responsible for this program, but will solicit input from the Volusia County Bar Association’s Executive Director. Our YLD will appoint a chair of this program who will break the potential members into equal groups for allocation among the other Board members.
VIII. Budget: We are seeking $2,000.00 of AOC Grant funds. Our goal is to provide a social that will promote the benefits of joining the VCBA YLD and entice each of the potential members to join. The money would be utilized to rent the venue, purchase the small gifts, and for decorations or other items needed to fulfill the social’s requirements, excluding any purchases for alcohol. We do not anticipate any other program costs.
IX. Exhibits: None.