Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Post

Freedom. Patriotism. Equity. The same three words are heard very differently across the United States today. Using the right words is key to the "Right Message," the second in our Nine Rights framework. In 2024, many words have become loaded and can derail a message that might otherwise help improve our shared future. That's why we're delighted by the data-informed work of our friends at Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE). PACE’s Civic Language Perceptions Project digs into the words people in the United States like and don’t like, as well as which terms bring us together, drive us apart, and motivate us to act. Take a look at their 2024 findings (and take a look at the webinar schedule to dive into some of the trickiest terms): https://lnkd.in/eRJwt2jh #WordsMatter #CivicLanguage #RightMessage #Advocacy #EffectiveCommunication

Thanks everybody! Here’s the profile they printed with some of my thoughts: If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be? I would share this quote from Grace Lee Boggs, “You don’t choose the times you live in, but you do choose who you are to be.” Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month? Learn about unsung heroes and Asian American movement figures like Kiyoshi Kuromiya. The publication “Them” created a short video on his life, using his actual voice to narrate, that’s worth checking out. He was born in a Japanese concentration camp during WWII and was active in the civil rights and anti-war movement, and made significant contributions to HIV/AIDS activism. https://lnkd.in/gWW9CWe8 How has your heritage shaped the person you are today? My heritage has enabled me to better understand the world, and to connect my lived experiences to those of past generations. Heritage is not just about language or food, as wonderful as they are, but also about my political identity. Our collective histories of struggle and resistance give us strength to fight for collective liberation, and it means that we build on those who came before us and we never do this work alone. What can New York policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term? Our policymakers have to engage in principled struggle to combat inequality and stop the political cowardice of selling out the most vulnerable, because ultimately none of us are free until all of us are. Until we address the root causes of violence in our society, we are doomed to repeat these cycles of violence. We must redistribute resources away from systems, like prisons and war, that kill and destroy and towards those that affirm life.

Love is love ❤️🏳️🌈   In acknowledgement of Mardi Gras 2024, Queensland Public Trustee want to highlight our research that suggests those who identify as LGBTQIA+ are 38% less likely to discuss, or put in place, advance life planning documents. Some common themes for this trend include: · undisclosed personal choices and preferences, and · low interest in discussing or explaining personal choices and preferences with unfamiliar parties. It is important for the wishes of all relationships, families, and connections to be protected in the instance of loss of life, or loss of capacity. Having a valid and legal Will, alongside having at least one enduring power of attorney can protect what you want for yourself, for your dependants (if you have any), and your assets. If you are over 18, you should make steps to put advanced life plans in place. If you need advice about making your Will or putting in place an Enduring Power of Attorney – we encourage you to consult a legal professional to tailor plans that meet your unique needs. You can find a Queensland Solicitor via the Queensland Law Society website https://lnkd.in/dnsikZiB. You can also find out more information about Wills and Will-making on the Queensland Public Trustee website https://lnkd.in/dBmiQGe, or by calling our team on 1300 360 044. #pride #LoveisLove #QPT #QueenslandPublicTrustee #LGBTQIA #AdvanceLifePlanning

Happy MLK Day! Today, as we honor Dr. King’s legacy, we draw inspiration for a future where black businesses prosper. AACCCFL will continue to advocate, empower, and build a community that reflects the dream - where equality thrives, and black entrepreneurs are empowered. #AACCCF #AAACCFL #MLKDay #MartinLutherKing #Justice #Freedom #Advocacy #Equality #BlackBusinesses #BlackOwned #SupportBlackBusinesses #ShopBlackBusinesses

Join us for our pivotal regional conference, ‘Race and Justice in the South West Conference: Access to Justice,' where legal champions, community leaders, and justice advocates converge. We will be focusing on the topic: Access to Justice. 🌟 Discover fresh insights from luminaries like Liberty, the Public Law Project, and the Law Centres Network. 🗣️ Be inspired by Jeremy Crook, Chief Executive of Action for Race Equality, a trailblazing national entity combatting racial inequality. 💡 Explore pivotal topics, including equitable legal access and dismantling barriers within the criminal justice framework. Amidst today's challenging cost-of-living landscape, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, the time is ripe to unite, amplify voices, and shape a just tomorrow. Will you be part of the change? SIGN UP HERE: https://ow.ly/9kET50PwtJT #southwest #racialjustice #accesstojustice #law

🚨LinkedIn - can you help? Sultana Tafadar KC (King’s Counsel) who made history in 2022 as the first hijab-wearing criminal barrister to take silk, and also won the "Barrister of the Year" award at the Next 100 Years Inspirational Women in Law Awards 2022, has created a unique initiative to help girls understand human rights - the Girls Human Rights Hub Next week, they are hosting The Girls Human Rights Festival - a 5-day event which aims to bring girls' human rights to the forefront of global dialogue. You can see that our patron, Lady Hale, will be one of the speakers giving up their time to speak to girls during the Leadership day The festival champions the idea that every girl should shape her destiny free from discrimination and violence. By focusing specifically on girls human rights, it offers a nurturing platform to cultivate essential advocacy, leadership, and litigation skills. And now, the *ask*: to keep attendance for girls free, they are looking for some more support from individuals and organisations to reach a target of around £5,000 to cover the cost for the festival. We hope some of you can support them financially - every little will help! ❗️Donation link in comments below Ps: To say "Thank you" to anyone who can assist with £500 or more, those individuals are invited to choose to attend either an evening reception at the UK Supreme Court (19 February) or tea at the House of Lords (23 February). For organsiations, Sultana can explain what this partnership packages include. Both receptions will be attended by some of the very high profile speakers and supporters. Please do share this message if you know others who might be interested to lend their support. #girls #girlseducation #girlsrights #legalprofession #humanrights

While many of us hope to be allies to underrepresented groups, we may falter in how we should go about this allyship. Here I offer a breakdown of three key types of allies, inspired by Karen Catlin! https://lnkd.in/e2cscHxZ #Humanity #Empowerment #Advocacy

Advocacy for human rights and justice comes in many shapes, and all are accepted and legitimate. This post is a reminder of how advocacy works, as it meant to push for a change. These aren't just strategies; they're expressions of our shared humanity: 1️⃣ Legal Advocacy: It's about using the law to stand up for what's right, to protect people when they need it most. 2️⃣ Policy Advocacy: This is about speaking up to our leaders, telling them what we believe in and urging them to make laws that reflect those beliefs. 3️⃣ Awareness Campaigns: These are the stories we tell, the rallies we join, the art and music that move us. It's all about opening hearts and minds to the issues that matter. 4️⃣ Direct Action: This is when we take to the streets, when we link arms and refuse to be silent. It's about showing the world that we won't stand idly by while injustice reigns. 5️⃣ Community Organizing: This is where we come together, where we lift each other up and fight for our shared values. It's about building a community that cares. 6️⃣ International Advocacy: It's about recognizing that injustice knows no borders, and that we're all in this together. It's about standing with our brothers and sisters around the world. 7️⃣ Legal Aid and Support: This is about being there for those who need help navigating a system that often feels stacked against them. It's about lending a hand when it's needed most. 8️⃣ Media Advocacy: This is about using our voices to make sure that everyone hears the message loud and clear. It's about shining a light on the issues that too often go unseen. 9️⃣ Education and Training: It's about arming ourselves with the knowledge we need to make a difference, and about passing that knowledge on to others. 🔟 Corporate Advocacy: This is about holding those in power accountable, and demanding that they use that power for good. It's about making sure that every decision is made with people, not profits, in mind. These aren't just abstract concepts—they're the very essence of what it means to be human. They're about standing up for what's right, and fighting for a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Choosing between these strategies depends in your capabilities, preferences, tools, skills, and platforms you have; both virtual and in the ground. Each of us has power to push for a change and justice, it's our collective powers that would defeat systems of oppressions. Remember to use your power today and navigate between the aforementioned strategies while advocating for 🍉 Attached photo my painting sketch of the weekend. #artofresistance #advocacy #human_rights #justice