October 2021 Update From the Indiana Bar Foundation

Issue 10 | October 29, 2021

Coalition for Court Access Hosts Successful Annual Conference

On October 22, more than 200 attendees participated in the Coalition for Court Access (CAA) Fifth Annual Conference. The successful day started with opening remarks from Justice Geoffrey Slaughter. Panel discussions covered topics including Indiana's eviction crisis, post-COVID debt collection, protection order cases, partnerships between lawyers and professionals, and providing legal information for low income litigants. The Honorable Ruth Reichard served as keynote speaker, discussing her book, "Blood and Steel: Ryan White, the AIDS Crisis and Deindustrialization in Kokomo, IN. A reminder, conference evaluations and the CLE form are due November 5.

Foundation Major Contributor to Indiana Bar Association Summit

The Foundation had a significant presence during the Indiana State Bar Association's (ISBA) Annual Summit. Board Chairman Scott Barnhart provided the annual Foundation update to the House of Delegates. Barnhart reviewed the past year and previewed major initiatives coming in the year ahead. The Foundation again co-sponsored the Summit and sponsored the Section and Committee Leader Orientation. Board members Justice Steven David and Judge Elizabeth Tavitas presented an update on the Innovation Initiative and the Family Law Task Force Judge Tavitas Chaired. Foundation President and CEO Charles Dunlap, Vice President and Director of Civil Justice Marilyn Smith, and Director of Civic Education Programs Tim Kalgreen were among staff attending the two-day event.

Plainfield High School WTP Team Impresses Summit Attendees

Students from Plainfield High School's We the People class graciously accepted the Foundation's invitation to demonstrate the program during the ISBA's Annual Summit. The 30-minute presentation was part of the Summit's Section and Committee orientation. "We appreciate Plainfield High School's leadership, teacher Adam Ferguson, and the five outstanding scholars. Plainfield is a great ambassador for Indiana's WTP program," praised Foundation President and CEO Charles Dunlap. Regional competition for WTP begins November 2, Volunteers are still needed. Please consider joining us by learning more here.

Keystone Society Offers Ways to Invest in Foundation's Mission

The Foundation's Keystone Society offers a compelling, comprehensive, and convenient way to invest in expanding quality civic education and providing financial support for Hoosiers relying on legal aid to gain fair representation. The Foundation offers numerous opportunities for support. While financial gifts are important to our mission and vision, your time, in-kind support, and other acts of generosity are truly appreciated. Please take a moment to learn more about the Keystone Society and the incredible return the Foundation delivers with your investment. Please email Kim Berry or call her at (317) 269-7864 with any questions.

Dunlap Attends 9/11 Commission Reunion

Foundation President and CEO Charles Dunlap attended the 9/11 Commission Reunion held on the IU-Bloomington campus on October 11. The evening included the thoughts of Commission Co-Chairs, former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton and former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean (pictured with Dunlap). Congressman Hamilton has been a faithful Foundation supporter and has been heavily invested in the bi-annual Civic Health Index. "Talking with these two public servants underscored for me how grateful our nation should be for their commitment to make our country safer," said Dunlap.

Family Law Task Force Includes Foundation Vice President

The Innovation Initiative's Family Law Task Force Final Report has been published. Marilyn Smith, Foundation Vice President and Director of Civil Justice Programs, served on the task force and is part of the team implementing the recommendations. The final report is available here. In addition, there is an article about the report and recommendations in the latest issue of the Indiana Court Times. In addition, there is an article about the report and recommendations in the current issue of the Indiana Court Times here.

Guerrero Presents to American Inns of Court in Fort Wayne

Kate Guerrero, Director of Indiana Legal Help spoke to the Ft. Wayne Benjamin Harrison American Inn of Courts earlier this month. During her presentation, Guerrero shared an overview of Indiana Legal Help, information available on the website, highlighted the new Pro Bono Opportunity Guide, and shared updates on current projects.

Kalgreen Participating in Social Studies Annual Conference

Tim Kalgreen is among those presenting during the Indiana Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference today (Oct. 29). Kalgreen will be presenting on "Using Inquiry-based Teaching: Using We the People in Your Classroom."

New Staff Member Joins the Foundation

The Foundation is proud to announce the hiring of Megan Clarke as the new Development and Communications Specialist. Clarke has experience in community outreach, donor/volunteer database management, email communication processes, and social media content and delivery.

It's Totally Cool to Be Social! (Totally)

We do not want you missing any exciting updates shared through Twitter and Facebook. Please make sure to subscribe, follow, and like the information you see from the Foundation.