Activism Anywhere.

I read an article on an amazing endeavor Latino students at a local university created to help undocumented students.  The student group at Loyola University Chicago, through their student senate, passed an initiative where students pay $2.50 per semester that goes to help undocumented students pay for their tuition. Full disclosure–I attended LUC Law School, but not for undergrad. When I read how students, many who were not undocumented, did this for their fellow classmates (and for future students) it reminded me of how we can all make the effort to be activist in our own lives.

I think as attorneys, once we start practicing, we often get so bogged down in the day-to-day routine of working, paying bills, and fulfilling family obligations; that we forget that most of us earned our law degree to make a difference.

Reading about these students, as well as the fact that both major political parties have now announced possible candidates, reminds me how important it is to get involved to create the change we wish to see.

However, it can be difficult to get into this habit of advocacy because life is hectic. How easy would it be to just sit back and enjoy the fruit of our labor without having to worry about anyone else? I hope that instead we always remember the reason we opted to get this degree, and strive to put it to good use even when life is full and busy.

Some small suggestions to get into the “activist” flow:

One. Participate in the process. We all have a million and one different political views, but the important goal should be that we get involved–not just to support candidates, but by participating (i.e. volunteering) we gain capital to tell those in charge that we’re here, and have interests that should be addressed.  Or if you’re less interested in the parties, but believe in the system–help people to register to vote!

Two. Educate others. As attorneys we have extra opportunities to make a difference because we often have a different perspective of the legislative history and public policy attached to issues. For example, maybe you’re interested in advocating for prisoner’s rights. How can you further this cause? By getting involved more with local organizations or bars and presenting this topic to that community/demographic, you could start a whole movement. I know of groups that started as just small get-togethers with like-minded attorneys that flourished into meaningful agencies that are doing impactful work.

Three. Educate yourself.  While I think being a lawyer gives us a special insight, the reality is that we don’t know everything. duh.  What do you wish you knew more about? I have always been interested in women’s issues, but a few years ago the passion for this topic really just ignited in me and I started reading and researching as much as possible. For a while, I even started researching PhD programs on women’s rights.  My point here is that to push and advocate for policy and legislative change, we have to know our stuff.  Learn as much as you can about your passion so that no one doubts your argument when you’re fighting for progress.