PBCBA BAR BULLETINS pbcba_bulletin_Nov. 2019 | Page 11

COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT CORNER Lawyers for Literacy Committee Presentation to Adult Education Students JOY B. SHEARER For several years now, following my retirement in 2012, I have enjoyed serving as a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Lawyers for Literacy Committee. As an avid reader who enjoys sharing my passion for reading with anyone who will listen, I have found a particularly receptive audience at the annual Lawyers for Literacy Day at the Adult Education Center in West Palm Beach. The Center teaches two categories of adult students: those who are learning English as a second language (ESOL), and students who have not completed high school and are studying for the general equivalency diploma (GED) examination. The students have reached a point in their lives where they realize that in order to progress in their career and to manage everyday life situations, it is essential to have a command of the English language. The purpose of the Lawyers for Literacy Day is to visit with the students, talk to them about the legal system and encourage them in their studies. The lawyer volunteers assemble in the auditorium, where they are greeted by the staff and given a brief overview of the Adult Education Center’s mission. Students from different classes come to the auditorium and escort the lawyers individually to the classrooms where the students are awaiting their arrival. There is a one- hour time frame for the lawyers to speak with the students. I start by introducing myself, speaking about my background, and explaining the circumstances that led me to decide to become a lawyer. I also inform the students about the various types of legal practice an attorney may choose as well as the opportunities in law-related fields such as paralegals, interpreters, investigators, etc. I invite the students to ask questions. The ESOL students tend to be interested in learning about the structure of the Court system and how jury trials are conducted. The individual rights set forth in the Constitutional Amendments and how they affect a criminal proceeding are also of interest to them, since this may be completely different from how the courts operate in their country of origin. I find the GED students to be more concerned about practical subjects such as traffic tickets and paternity and child support issues. I always conclude my visit with the students by telling them they have made an excellent decision in deciding to enroll in classes at the Adult Education Center and wishing them well in their studies. The time commitment involved is about two hours on a weekday morning, and it is truly a rewarding experience. I have received very positive feedback from my presentations and look forward to participating each year. Please join the Lawyers for Literacy Committee for the next PBCBA Lawyers for Literacy Day at the Adult Education Center on November 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Let us know you can make it by RSVPing to [email protected]. This article was written by Joy B. Shearer, General Magistrate (Retired). Joy is a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association's Lawyers for Literacy Committee. November Committee Meeting Dates Construction Law Committee Nov.ember 4 ( 12 : 00 P. M . - 1 : 00 P. M .) Becker & Poliakoff , 625 N. Flagler Professionalism Committee Nov.ember 6 ( 12 : 00 P. M . - 1 : 00 P. M .) Bar Office P I Committee Nov.ember 13 ( 12 : 00 P. M . - 1 : 00 P. M .) Joe Landy's Office, 101 Northpoint Pkwy Unified Family Practice Committee Nov.ember 14 ( 12 : 00 P. M . - 1 : 00 P. M .) Judicial Conference Room, Main Courthouse Judicial Relations Committee Nov.ember 21 ( 12 : 00 P. M . - 1 : 00 P. M .) North End of Cafeteria, Main Courthouse ADR Committee Mediation Week & Conflict Resolution Day In commemoration of Mediation Week (October 13-19, 2019) and Conflict Resolution Day (October 17, 2019), the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee has obtained proclamations from 14 local political bodies recognizing mediation as an effective alternative to litigation and court trials. Pictured is Lake Park Mayor Michael O'Rourke with PBCBA Member and ADR volunteer Lawrence Gordon. PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 11