Program Types & Tips Presenting a Program on Naturalization Participate in a Citizen Preparation Class People involved in Law Day may contribute to the community by helping immigrants learn about American history and government. By partnering with a local community college or organization that prepares immigrants for the naturalization interview and test, Law Day volunteers can become an integral part of an immigrant's introduction into the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. 1. Find a program to partner with. Contact local community colleges or other educational programs. Ask for the department that coordinates English as a Second Language or Adult Basic Education classes. These classes often prepare immigrants for naturalization exams. Contact local immigration service organizations that sponsor naturalization preparation classes. For assistance with this, contact the American Bar Association's Center for Immigration Law and Representation at 202/662-1007 or Browna@staff.abanet.org. 2. Determine how you can participate. Naturalization preparation classes usually are held for approximately six to twelve weeks. Teachers of naturalization preparation classes often welcome speakers who can discuss the U.S. government structure and how the legal system works or who can teach immigrants about their legal rights. Teaching students at a naturalization preparation class can be an ongoing part of the curriculum or a one-time activity. You can: Teach about the judicial system. Lead a group of students to a local courthouse to watch a judicial proceeding. Conduct a short mock trial to demonstrate how the judicial system works. For a helpful resource geared to help teachers and lawyers create  mock trials, refer to the ABA's booklet "Putting on Mock Trials". Teach about how our legislation process works. Lead a group of students to the statehouse to watch a legislation being debated. Before visiting the statehouse, set up a tour and schedule a meeting with a state official to talk about his or her position, the legislation process, or the importance of citizenship. Additional activities could include discussing the importance of civic participation and what it means to be a citizen or practicing the naturalization interview and test with students. This article was prepared by the ABA Center for Immigration Law and Representation. The Center, with the ABA Coordinating Committee on Immigration Law, conducts a variety of activities to improve the rights of immigrants and increase their access to the justice system. The Center also educates lawyers, state and federal judges, and members of the public about the scope and effect of the immigration laws. The Center is completing a guide for involving bar members and associations in naturalization outreach and assistance initiatives. >>Presenting a Program on Naturalization >>Sponsor a Naturalization Ceremony >>Participate in a Citizen Preparation Class >>Other Ideas Reaching the Community Home | Program Types & Tips Home