...AND GAIN JOY
options for service
How to give back to get happy
Happiness is found in giving back to others. As mentioned, a career in public interest may not be desirable or available for many recent law school grads. But there are many ways that we can give back to our communities. Some opportunities allow us to utilize our law degrees and other opportunities just require us to utilize our good will towards others!
(1) BECOME A VOLUNTEER MEDIATOR
If you believe in the power of guided conversation as an alternative to traditional litigation, becoming a volunteer mediator may be a great option for you to give back to your community. Check with your local court system and inquire as to whether there is a volunteer mediation program or panel. If not, consider organizing one of your own! For an example of a community mediation program, and to learn more, check out SEEDS at www.seedscrc.org.
(2) MENTOR AN ASPIRING ATTORNEY
Imagine where you would be today without the advice and mentorship of others. Now imagine the difference you could make in the life of another! You’ve been through the trial and challenges of applying to law school, choosing a law school, and getting through law school. Share the wisdom you’ve acquired with a young woman at the start of her legal education or legal career.
(3) PARTICIPATE IN TRIAL ADVOCACY INSTRUCTION
High schools for decades have hosted debate programs. But a new effort has arisen to train youth in the law through high school law academies. The academies involve rigorous training in the law and trial advocacy, culminating in a competitive mock trail where youth play the role of attorney, witness, and bailiff. If trial work is something you enjoy, this may be the right service option for you.
(4) BECOME A LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
Long Term Care Ombudsman serve elders who reside in these facilities by inspecting the facilities for compliance with the law. These volunteers are vital to ensuring that elders receive the quality care that is necessary for their health and happiness. Volunteers must participate in training. These volunteers are desperately needed, and the volunteer hours are generally flexible. Check out your county Area Agency on Aging, or equivalent, for information on volunteer opportunities.
(5) SERVE CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN AD LITEM
Sadly, many children are victims of abuse and neglect. Where the abuse is discovered, these children become involved in our court systems. Often separated from the only caregivers they have known, these children are vulnerable and you can be a part of their healing and transition. To ensure that the child’s voice is heard in court proceedings to decide on the child’s caregiver, courts seek to appoint child advocates. However, there are too few volunteers and not every child is appointed an advocate. Check out Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) at www.casaforchildren.org to find out how you can help.
(6) BECOME AN ELDER COMPANION
Perhaps your opportunities for volunteering are limited by time constraints or you want your off-work hours to be spent on something other than the law. There are hundreds of programs throughout the United States that pair elders with companions in their communities. You may also serve independently by visiting your local nursing home and asking the Activities Coordinator for a list of residents who desire visitors. By visiting an elder, you help promote the elder’s quality of life, and may find that your qualify of life is equally improved.
(7) HOST A COMMUNITY LAW WORKSHOP
Once you’ve been out of law school for a period long enough to gain some expertise in an area of law, consider hosting a community law workshop. Share your knowledge about trusts and estates with elders by joining up with your local senior center. Offer up your knowledge about public benefits at a local homelessness convention or veteran's benefits with residents at a local veteran's hospital.
(8) HELP YOUR COWORKERS
Perhaps work tends to be all-consuming such that you cannot imagine volunteering. A 2013 study performed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that helping your coworkers can actually increase personal happiness. The Huffington Post commented on the study on July 30th, 2013: “[T]he best part? Helping others may have a ripple effect that makes not only those who are performing the good acts happier, but may also boost happiness among other members of the community. It's a win-win situation.
Let us conclude by considering another statement made by Mother Teresa: “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” Consider giving back to your community with your law degree. You may gain something unexpected yourself.
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