Originally published in Student Lawyer magazine, September 2003 (Vol. 32, No. 1)

Work-A-Day Program: 'Law Students for Literacy' Springs Into Action

Work-A-Day, a program sponsored by the ABA Law Student Division, gives you an opportunity to get involved in your community. Through various acts of public service, you can advance the goals of the legal profession and make a difference in your neighborhood.

The traditional date for Work-A-Day is the last weekend in October, but students at many schools organize activities throughout the month or at other times during the year.

This year's theme is "Law Students for Literacy." Examples of Work-A-Day projects incorporating this theme include helping elementary and high school students with their homework in after-school or literacy programs, and volunteering to help out at local literacy organizations. By participating in such activities, you'll advance the ABA's Goal X, "To preserve and enhance the ideals of the legal profession as a common calling and its dedication to public service."

Work-A-Day is definitely a great start, but volunteering in the community can be an ongoing affair. "Law Students for Literacy" may be used as a platform for other community-service activities throughout your law school career and beyond. By organizing or participating in a Work-A-Day program at your school, the Law School Division can make a difference in the lives of countless children across the country.

As future legal professionals, we have a responsibility to make a difference in our communities. Together we can make a difference.

For more information about the Law Student Division's Work-A-Day program, visit www.abanet.org/lsd/work-a-day.html or contact me at alexandraj@abanet.org.

Alexandra Jachimczyk

Touro College law student Alexandra Jachimczyk is a member of the ABA Law Student Division's Board of Governors representing schools in the Division's Second Circuit. She is chair of the Division's Public Interest Committee.