Your volunteer position doesn't have to be legal to build strong community ties - especially in a new community. Look into the organizations featured below or talk to your favorite charity organization about becoming a volunteer!
The Volunteer Lawyers Project & The Self-Help Desk for Lancaster County
The Volunteer Lawyers Project is a Statewide volunteer legal services project and referral network founded on the belief that all citizens should have access to the legal system, regardless of ability to pay. Established in 1982 as a project of the Nebraska State Bar Association, VLP seeks to match people who have civil legal problems with attorneys who are willing to provide legal assistance on a pro bono , reduced fee, contingency fee, or full fee basis. Providing pro bono or reduced-fee legal services to those low-income people who need legal assistance is the primary goal of the Program.
In order to volunteer, for these cases as well as at the self-help desk, you must be a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association. Accepting cases through the Volunteer Lawyers Project and volunteering at the self-help desk are good ways for new lawyers to gain experience.
If anyone is interested, contact Jean McNeil at 402-475-7091 or jmcneil@nebar.com.
Center for Legal Immigration Assistance
The Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA) is a nonprofit organization located in Lincoln, Nebraska which exists to provide quality affordable legal services to immigrants and refugees in Nebraska. CLIA is managed by a board of directors and had previously operated under the name "Equity-in-Nebraska". Since opening their doors in 2001, CLIA has helped over 3,000 immigrants and refugees comply with federal immigration laws at little or no cost depending on their income level.
Victims of domestic violence are considered a high priority at CLIA because they are one of the most vulnerable groups in Nebraska. The professionals at CLIA work closely with local crisis centers and police departments. In 2010, CLIA has helped over 150 victims of domestic violence self-petition for legal protected status and embark on a life of self-sufficiency.
Volunteering with CLIA can have a meaningful, positive impact on your community. CLIA is especially interested in volunteers who can speak languages other than English. Some activities that volunteers typically do are answering the phone, helping people fill out forms, translating documents, interpreting, etc. Please call (402) 471-1777 or e-mail info@clianeb.org if you are interested in volunteering.
Become a CASA volunteer!
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers who are appointed by judges to speak in court for a child's safety and well-being. Children assigned to a CASA volunteer are victims of abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They are well trained and supported by competent and professional staff. Judges, attorneys, child welfare workers and parents overwhelmingly report that CASA volunteers make a difference with the children they serve. Children with a CASA volunteer are half as likely to spend time in long-term foster care, defined as more than three years in care. Cases involving these volunteers are more likely to be permanently closed. Fewer than 10% of children with a CASA volunteer re-enter the foster care system. CASA advocacy saves taxpayer dollars. If the median length of stay were shortened for children in foster care by just one month, it would realize a savings to Nebraska taxpayers of approximately $12.5 million per year. Please visit http://www.nebraskacasa.org to learn how to become a CASA volunteer.