Access to Justice Board Communications Committee
Mission
The Communications Committee works to increase support for civil legal aid in Washington. The Committee facilitates internal communications within the Washington State Alliance for Equal Justice and external relations with the broader legal community and beyond. The goal is to build a common understanding about the lack of justice for low-income and vulnerable people and how the Alliance for Equal Justice works together to narrow the justice gap in our state.
Current Goals and Initiatives
The Committee is coordinating a pro bono-themed issue of the WSBA Bar News, to be published in May 2011.
The Committee develops the monthly online Alliance for Equal Justice Newsletter.
History and Accomplishments
This Committee was originally a subcommittee of the Joint Media Committee of the Access to Justice Board and the Council on Public Legal Education. The ATJ Board established the Communications Committee to move forward on a more intense media strategy including a branding initiative for the civil legal aid provider community.
The Committee developed a Communications Plan in 2004, which has served as a template for the Committee’s work since that time.
The Committee’s first project was to develop a brand for civil legal aid in Washington State:
The Committee has used its time and resources to build understanding of the work of the Alliance through consistent messages about civil legal aid. The Committee has presented numerous workshops at annual Access to Justice Conferences, ATJ leadership committee gatherings, and ATJ Board meetings. Presentations have included how to deliver a unified message about civil equal justice for all.
Chair
Marc Lampson, Unemployment Law Project
Committee Members
Staff Liaison
Eric Gonzalez-Alfaro, Equal Justice Coalition