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

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

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.

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

Black History Month is a time to honor the past and drive change for the future. As Black History Month comes to a close, we reflect on how to move forward. It is crucial to confront the systemic and historic injustices driving the cradle-to-prison pipeline. At Back to the Start, we empower incarcerated individuals to explore childhood narratives that highlight our nation’s systemic and racial inequities starting at birth. Doing so offers a path toward healing of past traumas, exploring common themes, and galvanizing support for systemic change. Join us in breaking the cycle and follow us to learn more. Link to Prison Policy Initiative for more information https://lnkd.in/gq2-GnbF #BlackHistoryMonth #MassIncarceration #RacialJustice #CriminalJusticeReform #SocialJustice #Equity #ProgressiveLeadership #Advocacy

🚨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

Check out my latest story for Nonprofit Quarterly!

🌟 Breaking News 🌟 The fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion faces another legal challenge! 🚫 The American Alliance for Equal Rights is taking aim at minority-owned businesses and workplace diversity programs, using Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 as their weapon. Here are three key points from the recent developments: 1️⃣ Legal Battles Escalate: Conservative activist Edward Blum and his group are leveraging Section 1981 to target equity policies and funding for minority-owned businesses. This includes a lawsuit against the Fearless Fund, temporarily blocking its grant program. The argument hinges on whether these grants qualify as contracts under Section 1981. 2️⃣ Impact on Fellowship Programs: Similar lawsuits have already influenced fellowship programs, leading to changes in eligibility criteria. Law firms and corporations have altered their programs after facing legal challenges, highlighting the broader implications of these legal battles. 3️⃣ Understanding Section 1981: Originally intended to protect formerly enslaved people, Section 1981 prohibits racial discrimination in contracts. However, recent court decisions have raised the bar for plaintiffs, making it harder to prove racial discrimination. As we navigate these legal challenges, let's remain vigilant in defending diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society! 💪 #DEILegalChallenge #CivilRightsAct1866 📜 https://lnkd.in/eAmSVEQq

I am unclear on what to make of this. This woman was a fugitive, for her bombing in DC. “On January 29, 1975, an explosion rocked the headquarters of the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C.” FBI https://lnkd.in/gi3xD3y2 Wikipedia https://lnkd.in/gibAkKxK How is Dohrn, different from #WhiteSupremacist #TimothyMcVeigh? https://lnkd.in/ghw_CmZQ Michael and Lori Fortier where involved in Kansas. As was Terry Nichols. They disliked the government, and were unhappy with the #Waco Seize. Vernon Howell, was a Howell. I interviewed a man who called himself Kim Howell, in Felton. He had all the same passions and interests as Vernon. When I interviewed him, he was with #KatriceLee & #MonicaCarrasco, who are both missing persons. His wife, is a social worker, which school girl photographs in the UK. I have reason to believe, she is associated with Fred & Rosemary West. She “places” #orphaned kids, with foster & adoptive homes. Whether the children’s parents, are dead or alive, US Citizens, or from another country. Katrice, was placed when she was so young, that she doesn’t remember what happened. Monica, never talks about. At one point, after knowing her for many years, she alluded to having fled from violence, and found “safety” with the Howells. In 2018 I interviewed a woman who described a “grey railroad” to me. There is a difference, between helping fleeing women, verses a woman who has abducted her child and is lying about being abused. Or even telling the truth about being abused, but having abducted her child regardless. There is also Jim Britt Monroe, who abducted Amber Nichole Crum, and was paid $10K per head. There are religious as well as idealistic, as well as criminal persons on this rail road. Pulling at the heart strings of families or innocent people trying to do good. As well as recruiting for either the right or left side. Extremism is flawed, and dangerous, on both sides. Do you know why McVeigh is branded as a criminal, where Dohrn did something similar, and is not viewed the same way?

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