The Section recently hosted its third virtual Midyear Council Meeting, during which the Section’s governing body actively discussed resolutions before the ABA House of Delegates, heard from the Section’s Committee leaders and ABA entity liaisons about ongoing and forthcoming initiatives, heard reports from the Executive Committee and ABA President and President-Elect, and more!
The Section's Council is a working board. Half of the Council serves on the Membership, Diversity and Inclusion Council Committee. During this meeting, members discussed membership recruitment and retention efforts, in addition to updates on the implementation of the Section's diversity plan.
The other half of the Section's Council serves on the Development and Fundraising Council Committee. Members discussed the status of fundraising efforts for the 2024 Thurgood Marshall Award Celebration, support from past Section chairs, the Section's Program Support Fund, and ways to develop sustaining support for the Section's work.
During the first day of the Council meeting, Section Chair Robin Runge reported on the progress of her initiatives for the 2023-24 Bar Year, including: the upcoming Equal Justice Conference; bi-weekly Chair Chats; the Policy Implementation Initiative; the Past Chairs Advisory Group, and the partnership with the Georgian Bar Association to address rule of law issues like access to justice for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Section leaders and staff provided updates on Section finances, fundraising, publications, and other projects. The Council heard remarks from ABA President-Elect Bill Bay. Finally, the Council voted to support certain resolutions to be presented during the 2024 ABA Midyear Meeting.
The Section honored longtime leader and Special Counsel Drucilla Stender Ramey with its Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service, during a virtual reception on January 25. Friends and colleagues submitted video tributes and letters included in the virtual presentation and program book. These contributions culminated in an emotional, poignant ceremony honoring Dru’s extensive contributions and legacy.
On the final day of the Council meeting, Section leaders and staff reported on the Section's membership recruitment and retention efforts, as well as efforts to implement the Section’s DEI Plan. Section Chair-Elect Lacy Durham shared certain projects and initiatives, as well as details about Section meetings for the upcoming Bar Year. Committee leaders provided reports on their progress for the 2023-24 Bar Year and liaisons reported on the work of their respective entities. The Council heard brief remarks from ABA President Mary Smith about ongoing initiatives for the current Bar Year.
