May 2023

Dunlap’s Download

A message from Charles Dunlap, Indiana Bar Foundation President & CEO

Civic engagement is crucial for a healthy democracy, and individuals working towards a common goal can create positive change in their community and make a difference in the world. On the heels of the Indiana Bar Foundation’s (Foundation) first-ever statewide Civics Summit a few weeks ago, where we launched the Indiana Civics Coalition (Coalition), I want to encourage each of you to consider becoming a part of this new Foundation initiative. Joining our Coalition is an excellent way to become more engaged in your community and around the state to work collectively to “move the needle” on advancing civic education and civic engagement and participate in the democratic process. 



 We look forward to the new Coalition providing a platform for collective action. By joining the civics coalition, you can become part of a more significant movement and have your voice heard on issues that matter to you. The collective action of this new Coalition can bring about change that would be impossible to achieve alone. We also want to learn from other members of the Coalition. By having people and organizations from diverse backgrounds and experiences working together, members can share their knowledge and skills that we can apply to advance our shared mission around civics. This collaboration can lead to new ideas and strategies that can be more effective than working alone. Joining the Coalition is also a great way to put into practice the fundamental notion of civic engagement and lead to a more vibrant and participatory democracy.

In short, WE WANT YOU to join us! Please sign up here. We will convene the new Coalition on June 8 12:30-1:30 p.m. via Zoom for its initial meeting. Please plan to join us so you can be on the ground floor, and we can continue the momentum from the statewide civics summit.

-Chuck

Libraries Are Key Partners in Foundation Kiosk Initiative

The Indiana Bar Foundation continues to place legal help kiosks in courts, libraries, and other community spaces across the state, including the Allen County Public Library-Pontiac Branch (pictured). Safe and easily accessible locations help bridge the digital divide by making the legal help resources on IndianaLegalHelp.org available to more Hoosiers.

Foundation Shares IndianaLegalHelp.org Updates at Conference

Foundation Indiana Legal Help Manager Mike Commons (pictured right) attended the 2023 Spring Judicial College. Mike co-presented on a panel session titled “Uncommon Civil Cases and Common Civil Problems” which covered topics ranging from eminent domain and judicial review of agency decisions, to self-represented litigants and remote hearings. Mike provided an overview of recent changes to the IndianaLegalHelp.org website, the current functionality of Indiana Legal Help for self-represented litigants, and an overview of the self-service legal kiosk program, including details on kiosk count and placements. A portable version of a kiosk was available for judges to try. Judges were impressed with the help users could find through the updated IndianaLegalHelp.org website and the ease with which they could navigate the kiosk’s touchscreen interface to access those same resources and information. One judge commented that their kiosk is located within their courthouse, and it is helpful for eviction and small claims issues. 

Indiana Schools Capture Awards at We the People National Competitions

Fishers Junior High School (pictured) with teachers Mike Fassold and Tony Sturgeon won second place in the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Invitational. Fourteen middle schools from across the nation participated in the Zoom-based competition.

Woodside Middle School and teacher Andrew Haff and Fall Creek Junior High School with teachers Patrick Bradshaw and Jeanne Medeiros won unit awards for being top scorers.

Fishers High School and teachers Liz Paternoster and Matt Follman, and Hamilton Southeastern High School with teachers Janet Chandler and Alana Kane, competed in the High School Nationals. Forty-eight classes from across the country participated.

Fishers High School earned an award for being top school in their division.



Indiana also had an excellent contingent of judges, including:

• Scott Barnhart, Indiana Attorney General’s Office
• Dr. Robert Dion, University of Evansville
• Charles Dunlap, Indiana Bar Foundation
• Susan Firestone, attorney
• 

Foundation Director of Civic Education Tim Kalgreen and Civic Education Specialist Joseph O’Connor worked as part of the scoring team for both competitions.

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program is administered by the Foundation in Indiana as part of its Civics Education programming.

Fifth-Grade Students Will Demonstrate Their Constitutional Knowledge During Showcase

Sixty elementary students will participate in the Foundation's annual We the People Elementary Showcase, Friday, May 12, at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis. The participating schools and their We the People teacher include:

• Hal E. Clark Middle School and Teacher Tammy Hart from St. John, IN
• Gimmer School and Teacher Donna Spivak from Shererville, IN
• Kahler Middle School and Teacher Meagan Bruni from Dyer, IN

Students will compete in rounds throughout the morning and then participate in a Statehouse awards ceremony where Justice Geoffrey Slaughter will offer remarks.

South Bend Trinity High School at Greenlawn Headed To Mock Trial National Finals

Good luck to the South Bend Trinity High School at Greenlawn Mock Trial team and coach Hunter Van Asten as they compete in the National High School Mock Trial Championship, May 18-20, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Trinity qualified by winning the 2023 Indiana Mock Trial State Championship earlier this year. Foundation President & CEO Charles Dunlap, Director of Civic Education Tim Kalgreen, and former Board Chair Scott Barnhart, a member of the National Mock Trial Board, will support the competition.

Annual Awards Luncheon Set for June 23

You and your guests are cordially invited to the Foundation's Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Friday, June 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sponsorships are available at the following levels: $1,000 sponsors a table of 10 with your company logo or name featured on the table. The $500 sponsorship includes four seats at the event, and the $250 sponsorship includes two seats at the event. To sponsor this year's Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, please contact Director of Development Kim Berry.

Remembering Bob Beasley

The Indiana Bar Foundation joins the large community celebrating the life of Robert Charles "Bob" Beasley, former Board President and Board Member, who passed away on April 14. Foundation President & CEO Charles Dunlap will never forget Bob as a "Great leader with a compassionate heart and the ability to bring people together for the common good." Bob served two terms on the Foundation Board of Directors, 2005-2012 and 2016-2022. During his 13 years, 676 weeks, and 113,568 hours benefiting the Foundation, Bob left a lasting legacy that will always be part of the Indiana Bar Foundation's history.

Visitation and services were held April 22. Please take a moment to celebrate the life of Robert Charles "Bob" Beasley by reading his story.

Thank You to Our Educators

The first week of May provides an opportunity for you to join the Foundation in celebrating our 64,000 K-12 teachers during their well-deserved appreciation week. The Foundation is proud to support Hoosier educators through free professional development opportunities, presenting at various educational events across the state, and partnerships with higher education and other groups locally and nationally. We also administer the We the people: The Citizen and the Constitution and Mock Trial programs in Indiana. Learn more about our Civic Education programs here.

New staff and expanding programs reflect the Foundation's continued growth. We are proud of our team and want to introduce them to you! Please take a moment to Get to Know Indiana Legal Help Content and Technology Specialist Jewel Patterson.