- Casemaker
- Directories
- Check CLE
- Public Information
- Handbook
- Member Essentials
- Programs
- Ethics
- Cornerstones of Freedom
- Communications
- Sections
- Young Lawyers Division
- Related Organizations
- Bar Meetings
- Parking Deck
- Law-Related Education
- Sponsorship/Marketing
- Vendor Directory
- Conference Center
- Storefront
BUILDING COMMUNITY CAPACITY IN RURAL GEORGIA
A Partnership between Georgia Legal Services Program and the State Bar of Georgia "A Business Commitment" Committee
WHAT IS IT? Throughout Georgia, community-based non-profit organizations are working to improve their own communities by developing affordable housing, job training programs and new job opportunities, child care services, after-school mentoring programs, vehicles to preserve land and cultural resources. These organizations need skilled business law advice and representation to bring their visions to reality. Lawyers provide start-up assistance (incorporation, tax-exempt status), handle real estate, contract, employment, and many other transactions for clients. The client organizations are governed by low-income persons and/or guided by a mission to assist communities of low-income persons. Many resources are available for non-profits groups in metro Atlanta; this project works to support those in rural Georgia.
WHO'S INVOLVED? The Georgia Legal Services Program is a non-profit law firm that represents low income Georgians in civil matters through 13 offices throughout the state, outside the metro Atlanta area. They provide the full range of legal services, from counsel and advice to representation in litigation, and including the business law practice encompassed in this project.
The State Bar of Georgia's "A Business Commitment" (ABC) Committee was formed 4 years ago to provide a way for Georgia's business lawyers to offer pro bono legal assistance to low-income Georgians. It is unique in the nation for its focus on rural communities. Most business law pro bono projects are located in large urban areas. GLSP and ABC together have helped 53 client organizations and leveraged over 700 hours of pro bono help over that time.
WHAT'S GAINED? Community-based organizations in rural Georgia are bringing jobs, housing, after-school programs, and other new resources to depressed areas of the state where little existed before. Further, empowerment of the organizations is in itself a benefit to the community as members feel more invested in their own futures and that of their communities. It's a win-win scenario.
WHAT'S NEEDED? The Building Community Capacity project needs to raise $250,000 for operations in 2002, and needs to plan for modest growth in the following two years. We are asking law firms, corporate counsel departments, corporate foundations, private foundations, bar organizations, and similar entities to make a commitment of $25,000 per year for the next three years. The project has also leveraged additional resources through the University of Georgia School of Law and School of Social Work.