22 hours ago3 min read
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The DC Bar Foundation is on a journey essential for all justice-seeking organizations. The Foundation has a bold and visionary goal: "To transform the civil legal aid network, working closely with all stakeholders, so all District residents have a fair and equal legal experience." We hope you will join us in this pursuit.
The collective pursuit of racial justice and racial equity by the Foundation's leadership, staff, and extended family is critical to the transformation we seek in DC’s civil legal aid network.
By racial justice, we mean transforming society to eliminate racial hierarchies and advancing collective liberation so that all communities have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to thrive fully. And by racial equity, we mean the process of moving towards the vision of racial justice, including measurable milestones and outcomes.
To support this effort, we have developed a Racial Equity and Inclusive Language Style Guide, which you can read here.
[I] learned that when something happens do not be afraid to speak out [and] to talk to other people who are not afraid to report these people.
A non-English-speaking immigrant who was a victim of fraud
I have advice for people who are experiencing this injustice: seek help. It can be hard, and I know people are scared that they have no power in this situation or no time to do anything about it. But sometimes, you fill up with courage.
A low-wage worker who was denied pay
When I wrote you from [prison]…I never thought or imagined how the [civil aid attorneys] could help me. All I knew was I needed help. And I needed it now.
A prisoner who was refused protection after helping police in an investigation