On Friday June 25, SCSJ staff attorney Christopher Brook, SCSJ organizer Rebecca Fontaine, and Moore County, North Carolina community activist Maurice Holland headed up a panel discussion at the US Social Forum in Detroit, Michigan.
The panel, entitled Law and Organizing Partnerships that Build Worker and Community Power, focused on the community lawyering model that allows communities to respond to their needs with the legal and organizing support of organizations like SCSJ. Brook, Fontaine, and Holland discussed the background of community lawyering as well as the benefits and pitfalls associated with the model. They also led a spirited discussion of successful community efforts by African-American communities in Moore County to obtain the sewer, water, and police protection resources they deserved.
The panel, attended by representatives from the US Department of Labor, like-minded community organizations, community activists, and law students, offered an opportunity for panelists and attendees to learn more about what has worked in community lawyering, and problems confronted by similarly situated communities.
Brook, Fontaine, and Holland, as well an SCSJ delegation, were able to attend the Social Forum due to financial support from individuals like you. To allow us to continue making a difference in communities that are changing the world please click here to give.
