Dawn, Barbara, Denise and Drew all founded and manage charitable nonprofits in Atlanta. They each generously shared their experiences at a Pro Bono Partnership workshop.
This year marked the end of the initial three-year pilot phase of PilchConnect, PILCH's specialist legal service for Victorian not-for-profit organisations. With the future looking bright for PilchConnect, there is now an opportunity to take advantage of multi-year funding by exploring new and innovative ways to provide assistance and education to those organisations dedicated to supporting individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation.
In recognition of this opportunity, PilchConnect recently supported team member Nathan MacDonald to undertake a study trip in the United States in October and November. During his trip, Nathan visited a range of pro bono legal support services supporting not-for-profits, with the aim of observing and learning from organisations and clinics that have extensive experience advising and facilitating pro bono support for community organisations.
Although predominantly based out of the offices of the Lawyers Alliance of New York, Nathan was able to travel across the country, spending time with 20 different pro bono organisations across 11 states. While overseas, Nathan maintained a blog of his journey, containing his musings on everything from insights on strategic approaches to pro bono for community groups, through to the joys of eating soul food in the deep south.
A detailed report is currently being finalised containing observations and findings from the trip, the results of which will aim to benefit both PILCH and PilchConnect's service delivery, including recommendations on:
- Improvements to the eligibility and application process for potential pro bono clients;
- Outreach activities to better target priority areas for pro bono;
- Approaches to assisting social enterprises through existing pro bono referral pathways;
- Enhanced interaction with pro bono practitioners, including volunteer lawyer appreciation initiatives;
- The role of new technologies in delivering training and educational materials for clients and lawyers;
- The use of clinic models to facilitate advice to not-for-profits, social enterprises and small business; and
- Communication methods with supporters, particularly through use of case studies and client stories.
"It was an honour to fly the PILCH flag overseas, and it's exciting to bring back perspectives and ideas that will hopefully have long term benefit to both PILCH and PilchConnect", Nathan said upon his return last week.
"I visited with some amazing organisations and met many inspiring lawyers and community advocates while away, however I can't help but feel fortunate to be coming back to PILCH - with such committed and supportive staff, board and members we have amazing potential and it's exciting to play a role in developing our next chapter".
Once finalised, Nathan's full report will be available on the PILCH website.