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ARTICLE

Strengthening the ABA's Commitment to Social Justice: The Role of CRSJ and Its Members in Advancing Civil Rights and Equity

Cynthia Swann and Mario A Sullivan

Summary

  • CRSJ champions ABA's mission by promoting diversity, equity, and social justice through advocacy, resources, and policy reforms.
  • Membership and committee efforts focus on engaging diverse voices, securing funding, and fostering an inclusive legal profession.
  • Leveraging resources empowers members to create systemic change and advance equity in the legal community and beyond.
Strengthening the ABA's Commitment to Social Justice: The Role of CRSJ and Its Members in Advancing Civil Rights and Equity
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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.

Membership, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

The Membership, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee focuses on expanding and retaining a diverse and engaged membership base. This committee will set clear recruitment goals, focusing on underrepresented communities, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, young lawyers, and law students. It will work to create a welcoming environment where all members feel valued and have opportunities to take on leadership roles within the Section. By fostering inclusion at all levels of the Section, this committee will ensure that CRSJ’s work is truly reflective of the diverse communities it serves.

Development and Fundraising Committee

The Development and Fundraising Committee is tasked with securing the financial resources needed to sustain CRSJ’s programs and initiatives, including DEI. Given the shrinking financial support from the ABA, the Section will rely on external sponsorships, grants, and other funding opportunities. This committee will work to identify new revenue streams and partnerships that align with CRSJ’s mission, ensuring that the Section has the resources to continue its critical work in social justice, civil rights, and human rights advocacy.

Empowering Members with Resources: Leveraging CRSJ’s Diversity Resources

In support of these efforts, CRSJ members are encouraged to take full advantage of the Section’s Diversity Resources. These resources will offer valuable tools and resources designed to foster a deeper understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. By accessing these resources, members can engage with essential content that helps them navigate the complexities of creating inclusive practices, advocate for systemic change, and elevate their work to better serve historically marginalized communities.

CRSJ’s diversity resources are more than just informational tools; they are catalysts for action. Whether you are looking for ways to integrate inclusive practices into your firm, find mentorship opportunities, or learn more about the challenges faced by diverse communities, these resources are key to advancing the Section’s goals. We urge all members to utilize these resources as a foundation for their work, whether in individual practice, public policy, or community organizing. By doing so, CRSJ members can actively contribute to an inclusive culture that uplifts all voices and ensures equal opportunities for all legal professionals.

Looking Ahead: Our Continued Quest for Justice

As we move forward, the ABA’s CRSJ Section must remain a beacon of hope, advocacy, and progress in the legal profession. The challenges are great, but the opportunities to create meaningful, lasting change are even greater. By strengthening our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and by securing the necessary resources to sustain our work, we will continue to push for systemic change and social justice for all.

In this quest, each CRSJ member plays a pivotal role. From providing expertise and leadership to actively participating in the work of our committees, we must all come together to ensure that the Section continues to be a force for justice. The road ahead will require collaboration, resilience, and vision, but together, we can continue to fight for a more just and equitable world.

Now, more than ever, membership in CRSJ is not just about supporting an organization—it’s about becoming part of a movement that is changing the world. Let us harness our collective strength and ensure that our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice remains unwavering.

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