Young Lawyers Division 2000-2001
Jeffrey J. Snell is the 1996-97 Affiliate Outreach Project Director and practices law in Sagamore Hills, Ohio.
My View
The One-Stop Superstore for Projects and Programs
Jeffrey J. Snell
As you already no doubt know, the Affiliate Outreach Project (AOP) is one of the most exciting projects in our Division and its affiliates. The mission of the AOP is simple: promote public service and professional programming.
Through four committees, the AOP provides assistance and guidance to our 350 affiliates. The National Conference Committee produces two National Conferences featuring new and creative programs to serve the public and our profession. This year's projects will be presented in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Charleston, South Carolina. The Affiliate Committee produces six newsletters each year to update our member network with programming ideas and information relevant to the profession, personal development, and the AOP. The Affiliate Assistance Committee provides our affiliates with experts who can provide support and assistance in running their state or local bars. Finally, the Subgrant Committee provides monetary grants to help our affiliates implement new programs.
The AOP provides you many ways for finding out more about successful public service projects and projects to serve our profession. Through the AOP, you can learn about new and creative projects, how to replicate those projects, how to receive grants to implement those projects, and how to receive assistance in implementing these projects. The AOP is truly a one-stop "superstore" for affiliate programming.
If you have not attended an AOP Conference, I suggest you attend one of the National Conferences being held this year in Vancouver, British Columbia, on October 17 19, 1996, and in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 22 24, 1997. These two meeting will highlight successful bar projects in operation throughout our country. Here you will learn what to do, how to do it , and how to ensure it will be successful. You will leave these meetings with a wealth of knowledge that you can take back to your affiliate. If your affiliate is in need of help, the AOP will provide you that assistance. Members of the Affiliate Assistance Team have a wealth of knowledge from their experience as leaders of state or local affiliates and from their active involvement in the ABA YLD. No matter the questions, if the Affiliate Assistance Team does not have the answer, which is highly unlikely, they will find one for you.
The AOP also awards grants to help fund new and creative projects in local affiliates. Annually, the Subgrants Committee awards thousands of dollars to help affiliates implement programs for their members and the public. All you need to do is apply.
The Affiliate newsletter provides you a regular opportunity to learn more about the AOP. Each issue includes projects your affiliate can replicate, as well as articles of interest and concern to young lawyers. In each issue this year, The Affiliate will also present information about using the Internet. In addition articles appearing in each issue can be accessed at the YLD Home Page, http://www.abanet.org/yld. I hope you take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about the AOP. This year's exciting and dynamic group of editors promises to deliver a wealth of information and knowledge.
My hope is that you will participate in the AOP, learn more about what the AOP Team does, and how we can help you and your affiliate. We are here to serve the YLD and look forward to an exciting year ahead.
