Volunteers can change the world, one step at a time in the communities where they live. Join us as we celebrate National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, by showcasing members who volunteer.
April 6, 2016 – In honor of National Volunteer Week – which runs April 10-16 – we’re showcasing volunteerism by State Bar members in its many forms.
Volunteering is about inspiring, recognizing, and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It is about making a difference where you are.
“On behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin, thank you. Thank you for going above and beyond and for looking past your own needs and recognizing those of your community,” said State Bar President Ralph Cagle.
Congratulations and Thank You to Our Volunteers
Get Out There and Make a Difference – a Message from President Ralph Cagle
“Next week we’ll celebrate National Volunteer Week. A week dedicated to “inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.” It’s also an opportunity to show the world what people can do when they work together to achieve a collective goal.
I know many of you already dedicate time to volunteering. On behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin, thank you. Thank you for going above and beyond and for looking past your own needs and recognizing those of your community.
As lawyers, it’s our duty to cultivate and harness the power of our profession and inspire each other to do more and do better.
I encourage you to try something new this month. Even if it’s only for an hour or two. Even if you already volunteer, do something different. You never know what a few minutes of your time means to others.
I know it can be daunting to try something new, especially when our time is limited, but volunteering – even outside of the legal profession – creates opportunities. Whether it’s boosting a resume or networking your way to a new job, volunteering is an important component of professional life.
Go on, get out there and make a difference.”
– Ralph Cagle, President, State Bar of Wisconsin
Look through this edition of InsideTrack and you’ll see numerous examples of volunteerism in action. As highlighted in our Volunteer Spotlights, you'll read about member volunteers who are:
And that’s not all. Visit the State Bar’s Facebook page during National Volunteer Week to read more stories about the impact Wisconsin lawyers make through volunteer work.
Looking for Opportunities to Volunteer?
Volunteering starts where you are, according to Dr. Artika Tyner, who spoke April 1 at the Young Lawyers Division Leadership Conference. Tyner gives advice on taking steps to become a leader through volunteering – starting with just one hour per week.
If you need ideas to find ways to volunteer, consider one of these:
Volunteer to serve on a State Bar committee – Sign up by April 15 to serve on a State Bar committee next year. It’s not hard to find an area of importance to you, with more than 15 committees available. For more information, read the invitation by State Bar President-elect Fran Deisinger.
Spend an hour or so with Wisconsin Legal Advice Online – This new way to work pro bono merges key features of a traditional telephone hotline and a brief legal advice clinic into a website that is available anytime, anywhere, to both volunteer lawyers and clients.
Sign up for a Wills for Heroes clinic – At these events sponsored by the State Bar, volunteer lawyers prepare simple wills and other basic estate planning documents at no charge for eligible first responders and their spouses or domestic partners.
Search for more pro bono opportunities – On this webpage you can search for a place to volunteer by practice area, area of interest, and geographic location.
