Patricia I. Wright

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

SUBJECT:

Programs provided by the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference

The Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference provides the following free programs to Virginia schools:

1. Peer Mediation Project – Attorneys lead discussions with students involved in peer mediation programs on how to handle conflict resolution. Contact Kellye Curtis Clarke at (703)549-9800.

2. Diversity Tolerance Initiative – This program promotes respect among children who look or act differently or who share different beliefs. The following programs are available:

a. Welcome to School: Helping Kids Belong Program – A lawyer will speak to a third grade class about how to be respectful, considerate, and kind. Contact Savalle C. Sims at (202) 857-8948.

b. Taking Hate Out of the Classroom Program – Lawyers lead discussion in junior and senior classes about hate and bias acts and crime. Contact Jennifer McClellan at (804) 788-8571.

3. General Assembly Project – This project organizes guided tours of the State Capitol, Supreme Court of Virginia and/or the Library of Virginia and arranges for students to have lunch with legislators from their district. Contact Savalle C. Sims at (202) 857-8948.

4. So You are 18 – This program provides a handbook that highlights the legal rights and responsibilities of adults. It includes information on voting, military service, jury duty, and criminal charges. The handbook also provides information on landlord/tenant issues, marriage and divorce, employment, credit, consumer rights, and wills. Contact Kellye Curtis Clarke at (703) 549-9800.

5. Students Day in Court Project – This program arranges for local attorneys from various backgrounds to visit classrooms to discuss the legal system and careers in law. Mock trials and field trips to court may also be arranged. Contact Amy Van Fossen (757) 873-8000

For further information, contact Colleen C. Bryant (cbryant@mail.vak12ed.edu), secondary history and social science specialist, at (804) 786-4640.

PIW/CCB/ec