Coalition for Court Access Conference, Civic Education Professional Development, Pro Bono Indiana Website Launched, Recruiting for Indiana Civic Education
Issue 8 | August 31, 2021
Coalition for Court Access Conference
Save the date for this year’s Coalition Conference, which will be held online on Friday, October 22 via Zoom. The conference annually brings together pro bono and civil legal aid partners from around the state.
Pro Bono Indiana Website Launch
Pro Bono Indiana launched its website at probonoindiana.org. Pro Bono Indiana is a network of legal assistance organizations across the state. The website helps connect Indiana attorneys with civil legal assistance organizations in their area so that they can explore volunteer opportunities. The website also offers court forms and information on continuing legal education courses.
Civic Education School Recruitment
The Foundation is actively recruiting new schools to participate in both of our civic education programs, We the People and Mock Trial, for the upcoming school year. If you know of any schools in your local community that would be interested in learning more about our civics programs and the resources that we can provide, please contact Tim Kalgreen at [email protected] or 317-608-6503.
We also launched the Mock Trial Diversity Initiative this year with the goal of bringing minority and low-income schools into the Mock Trial program by reducing financial and systemic barriers to participation. If you know of a school matching the criteria, encourage them to submit an application to join the initiative here.
Civics Professional Development Opportunities
The Foundation hosted an “Introduction to Mock Trial” professional development session last Tuesday in Indianapolis. Teachers learned the basics of mock trial, including trial elements, court procedures, evidence, and how to organize a team. Another session will be held in Evansville on Monday, September 13. Learn more and register here.
On Tuesday, September 28, the Foundation will host an online We the People professional development on founding documents and integrating literacy skills. Interested teachers can learn more and register here.
U.S. Senate Youth Applications
The U.S. Senate Youth Program, funded by the Hearst Foundation and administered locally by the Indiana Bar Foundation, is accepting applications until October 1. Two Hoosier delegates will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and will spend a week in Washington, D.C. studying the federal government and its leaders.
Award Recognition
Board member Janet Chandler is one of 45 public school educators nationally receiving the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence by the National Educators Association (NEA) Foundation. This represents educators from across the country who embody excellence in their practice, advocacy for the profession, commitment to equity and opportunity, community engagement, and leadership in professional development. Congratulations!
