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and analyze policy issues and coordinate with other organizations , as appropriate , to enhance the quality and scope of the bankruptcy practice . Our efforts include providing feedback to Congress on pending legislation or acting as an amicus curiae , or “ friend of the court ,” on issues of systemic importance . We also chronicle the history of the profession with the contribution of important papers , oral histories and other support for the National Bankruptcy Archives at the University of Pennsylvania . It is through the lens of history that we can better prepare for the future .
The third element of our mission brings us back to service .
Our commitment to service is embodied in the elements of professionalism and scholarship that I previously noted . However , it goes beyond that . We provide education and outreach to law and business schools , many of whom joined us at the induction ceremony . We provide mentoring to young professionals . Together with our affiliated Foundation , the College is one of the largest financial supporters of bankruptcy and insolvency-related pro bono legal services programs in the United States through grants to legal aid services helping consumers who could not otherwise afford bankruptcy and insolvency advice or services . We now give away approximately $ 500,000 – half a million dollars – each year .
We now can proudly point to a fourth element of our mission , one added by our Board recently , and that is : promoting diversity , equity and inclusion within the organization and across the insolvency profession .
In March of 2021 , we appointed a
Select Commission on Diversity , Equity and Inclusion , or “ DEI ”, headed by two distinguished judges . The Commission undertook a year , not just of study but of action , to develop and set into motion a plan that instills mindfulness regarding all aspects of DEI and promotes those values through the resources and endeavors of the College and Foundation . As a result of their work , the College and Foundation boards one year ago approved resolutions that ingrain DEI in our organizational priorities , membership and governance . We appointed a DEI Committee to carry out the Commission ’ s plan , and that committee has quickly become one of the most active in the College . I am happy to report that not only have we made these changes institutionally , but that they are making a difference . They have created a mindset that is running throughout every facet of the College .
Professionalism , scholarship , service and diversity – these are our guiding principles .
The College is not a self-laudatory institution . Instead , the honor of inducting Fellows has a higher purpose . We have identified and invited each of our new Fellows as individuals who share our commitment to these ideals to join us in using our collective power as leaders to make a difference in our industry and our society more broadly .
A distinguished judge recently said that his induction as a Fellow of the College was one of the proudest moments of his career . I hope that each of our new Fellows , together with their loved ones , felt that same way on their special evening . As Chair , I was thrilled to recognize their accomplishments and welcome our inductees into our community of Fellows .
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