The American Bar Association (ABA) has long been at the forefront of advancing social justice, human rights, and civil rights within the legal profession. The Civil Rights and Social Justice (CRSJ) Section, with its commitment to the protection and promotion of human dignity and equality, has been a pivotal force in shaping this agenda. Rooted in the belief that the law should serve as a powerful tool for social change, CRSJ's historical dedication to civil rights has inspired its ongoing efforts to advocate for marginalized communities, drive diversity and inclusion, and build a more just society for all.
We encourage you to explore CRSJ’s Diversity Resources, which offer valuable tools, strategies, and insights into fostering a more inclusive legal community. These resources are designed to empower our members in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of their professional lives. By utilizing these resources, you become part of a collective effort to ensure that the legal profession continues to serve as a vehicle for justice for all.
A History of Advocacy and the Importance of CRSJ Membership
The CRSJ Section’s unwavering commitment to social justice, human rights, and civil rights issues is not just a cornerstone of its work but a reflection of the ABA’s broader mission. From advocating for the end of racial segregation to shaping contemporary discussions on criminal justice reform, police accountability, and voting rights, the Section has been integral to the development of the legal profession’s approach to these critical issues.
Over the years, CRSJ’s efforts have been aimed not only at influencing policy but also at educating and mobilizing the legal community to be agents of change. Whether through groundbreaking publications, influential programs, or powerful collaborations with external organizations, CRSJ has stood at the intersection of legal expertise and social activism. In particular, the Section’s Membership Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (MDEI) has been instrumental in ensuring that the legal community remains a place where all voices are heard, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities.
However, achieving lasting social change requires more than just good intentions. It demands that we strengthen our resolve to not only address the pressing issues of the moment but also build a sustainable, inclusive, and engaged membership that will continue the work for years to come.
Why CRSJ Membership is Critical
The membership of CRSJ is the lifeblood of its work. As the ABA Board of Governors (BOG) has recognized, CRSJ drives ABA membership and plays a significant role in shaping the ABA’s future. The commitment to expand membership, recruit diverse legal professionals, and retain those who share the Section’s goals has become a key focus for CRSJ’s leadership. Membership is not just a statistical goal but a vital pathway to ensuring that the Section remains vibrant, influential, and effective in the pursuit of social justice.
Historically, CRSJ’s diversity initiatives have been crucial in fostering an inclusive environment for lawyers of all backgrounds—particularly women, LGBTQ+ lawyers, lawyers of color, and lawyers with disabilities. These efforts reflect the ABA’s commitment to making the legal profession accessible and welcoming to all who seek to make a difference. But sustaining this diversity requires an ongoing, concerted effort to recruit new members, engage them meaningfully, and cultivate future leaders from all walks of life.
In this context, Section membership becomes a powerful tool for change, as it provides a platform for lawyers to not only advocate for justice but also to collaborate, educate, and organize in pursuit of the collective good. The involvement of CRSJ members in substantive committees further ensures that the Section’s work remains deeply rooted in the issues that matter most to the communities it serves.
A Call for the Future: Strengthening CRSJ’s Committees for Greater Impact
As the ABA faces financial challenges, CRSJ has taken bold steps to ensure its continued impact. Recently, CRSJ won its budget appeal, securing critical funding that will enable it to further its mission. This victory was a testament to the Section’s value, not only to the ABA but to the broader social justice movement. However, with the understanding that external funding sources must supplement ABA support, CRSJ is now tasked with a dual responsibility: to expand its membership base and to secure funding from external sources to support its work.
To achieve these goals, CRSJ has proposed the reconstitution and restructuring of two essential Council Committees: the Membership, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and the Development and Fundraising Committee. These committees are integral to the Section’s long-term sustainability and success, as they will be responsible for recruiting and retaining a diverse membership and securing the resources necessary to fund CRSJ’s vital programs and activities.