NLADA Messenger
June 2020
NLADA Stands Up For Racial Equity and Shows Solidarity with Protesters

NLADA joins with our community of public defenders, civil legal aid providers and client advocates in mourning the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. His death is a painful reminder of how much work is still needed in our country to achieve racial justice.

We cannot be silent. We cannot be actionless. We urge you to renew your passion and commitment for justice and to stand in solidarity with the Black community and other communities of color against the racial inequality that still plagues our nation.

If you are looking for ways that you can affect change, take a look at our statement. In it, we outline several ways that individuals, groups and organizations can make a difference right now. We are much stronger when we work together as a community to tackle societal challenges. 
Tools and Resources to Pursue Racial Justice

We understand that this tragedy both reignites traumas that you've experienced but also emboldens you to continue the fight for equal justice with even more fervor. To truly take action, we have provided direction and tools on our our racial justice webpage.

Take a stand for racial justice and help individuals and your organization prioritize racial equity in your work. Consider developing a Racial Justice Action Plan, signing our Fight Against Implicit Bias and Racial Inequality (FAIR) Pledge or joining the the NLADA Race Equity Advocacy Listserv.
NLADA's COVID-19 Resource Center Keeps You Updated

The coronavirus pandemic has not only exacerbated existing legal challenges faced by low-income and vulnerable people in the United States, it has also highlighted new issues.

We understand that you may be inundated with a plethora of resources from organizations. That is why we have been working to streamline the content on our page. Each resource is separated by issue, so that when you have a need, you can get right to it without combing through a wall of text.

We have also added a new "Special Populations" section. In it, you will be able to find several resources that will help you support your clients who have more specific needs based on their demographic. See our updated COVID-19 Resource Page.
Registration is Open for NLADA's First All-Virtual Conference Experience

This year, NLADA will hold our Holistic Defense and Leadership Conferences online from July 14 - July 16.

In addition to several timely sessions that will address how to conduct services during a time of remote working, social-distancing and racial violence, you will also hear from several incredible speakers, such as Chanta Parker, Managing Attorney, Neighborhood Defender Services - Detroit; Jeffrey Robinson, Director, ACLU Trone Center; Jonathan Rapping, Founder, Gideon's Promise and Ronald Simpson-Bey, NLADA Board member and Director of Outreach at Just Leadership USA.

Similar to previous years, this three-day virtual learning opportunity will consist of three events:
  • The American Council of Chief Defenders Summer Conference
  • The Community-Oriented Defender Network Conference
  • The Black Public Defender Association Conference
Civil Right to Counsel Resolution Introduced in House of Representatives

On May 8, Representative Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing the right to counsel in civil proceedings. If passed, the resolution would affirm that the House finds "there must be a right to counsel in the civil justice system for cases involving basic human needs, including health, safety, family, shelter, or sustenance" and that "the Federal Government shares the burden with, and should support, State and local efforts to guarantee the right to counsel in the civil justice system."

To get more news about dynamic policies and the civil legal aid landscape, subscribe to NLADA's Civil Updates by becoming a member.
In Case You Missed it - NLADA Webinars
This month, NLADA held two online trainings on topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. See the recordings below:
Learn how your organization can provide assistance to unemployment insurance applicants by hearing from two successful programs Watch the webinar recording here.
Hear from various programs about their work serving victims of consumer fraud, domestic violence and elder abuse amidst COVID-19. Watch the webinar recording here.
Upcoming Webinars

Increase your expertise with these upcoming webinars:


Save the NEW Date:
September 16

As you may know, our Annual Exemplar dinner is now September 16. You have met Marcus V. Brown of Entergy Corporation, our very deserving 2020 Exemplar Honoree. ( watch his video ). We are excited to celebrate the 2020 Beacon of Justice Awardees, law firms with incredible pro bono programs serving vulnerable people fleeing to the U.S. border, as well as our 2020 Kutak-Dodds Prize winners. Also, do not miss our second social justice art auction with even more extraordinary pieces this year. Here’s a small sample. Stay tuned!
Member Corner

NLADA members are incredibly selfless. Between the time you put in on the ground representing your clients, to the hours you spend researching and attending conferences to deepen your knowledge so that you can better serve your communities, it is obvious to see that NLADA members are unselfish. However, it is important now more than ever to take some time to dedicate to yourself. It is not selfish to do so .

Combating racial violence and the stresses brought on by the pandemic put even more of a strain on your mental health than your usual duties. Inform yourself on the importance of self-care and find tips on how to practice it from this ABA Journal article.