January 2001

Technology Basics Manual: Fundraising for Access to Justice

 By Joyce Raby
WSBA Justice Programs Technology Specialist

Part of the mission of the Access to Justice Board of the WSBA is to provide ongoing support to the 35 volunteer lawyer programs in Washington. This includes helping promote pro bono service; providing assistance in program management, training volunteers, and providing technical support, one of the primary responsibilities of my job.

I have spent the better part of the last 15 years working in various capacities with information systems departments, and it was with great excitement that I took on the challenge of supporting such diverse organizations as the volunteer lawyer programs. These programs offer legal services to low-income people in need of assistance, primarily through the efforts of pro bono attorneys. Examples of these programs include the Thurston-Mason County Volunteer Legal Clinic, the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project, Blue Mountain Action Council, and a number of other programs scattered across the state — almost one in every county.

My goal in writing Technology Basics was to provide the documentation needed to help program coordinators take full advantage of their computers without the expense of purchasing numerous manuals. Technology Basics provides easy-to-understand advice about how to keep a computer running in tip-top shape. The manual includes information on such common topics as networking, telecommunications, PC maintenance, backup rotations and disaster recovery.

While I don't think John Grisham has anything to worry about, through sales to date we have more than covered the cost of production and are running in the black. We are excited to have a revenue stream for access to justice that can be invested in supporting volunteer lawyer programs.

To order a copy of Technology Basics please use the coupon below and mail to:

LOMAP, Order Processing, WSBA, 2101 Fourth Ave., Fourth Fl., Seattle, WA 98121-2330 or call Kaitlin Mee at 206-733-5914. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to support access to justice initiatives in Washington.

Name ______________________________________

WSBA #: _____________________

Firm Name___________________________________

Address_____________________________________

City/State/Zip________________________________

Phone ____________________________

Fax ___________________________________ 

E-mail _________________________________

Technology Basics $ 20.00 each _____________

Shipping & Handling $3.00 per order _____________

Subtotal _____________

Sales Tax[ x 8.6%] _____________

Total Due _____________

Payment Information (payment must accompany all orders)

q Check enclosed payable to WSBA q Visa q MasterCard

Cardholder Name (print)_______________________________________________

Authorized Signature______________________________

Card No. __________________________________

Exp.Date ______________________