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Courthouse Education Guides

  • Courthouse Education Guides
OUR PROGRAMS
In-courthouse

Courthouse Education Guide Volunteer Job Description

Are you interested in helping others connect with democracy?

Mission:

Discovering Justice brings students and communities together to examine the workings of the justice system, explore the ideals of justice, and prepare them to engage in our democracy.

Vision: 

We envision a society in which everyone is well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Location: 

This is an in-person volunteer role at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, located at 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA.

Courthouse Programs:

Discovering Justice was founded in 1998, with the goal of activating the civic space of the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse to the public. Each year, Discovering Justice welcomes thousands of visitors to the courthouse for tours, hands-on educational activities, meetings with judges and the chance to observe live court proceedings. Volunteer Courthouse Education Guides (CEG) are an integral part of supporting these visits.

Job Description:

  • Lead thirty to sixty minute tours of the courthouse for groups of up to 30 participants
  • Accompany groups to visits with judges and other courthouse staff
  • Accompany groups to observe live court proceedings 
  • Facilitate debrief conversations after observing proceedings

Requirements:

  • Age 18+
  • Federal regulations require a Photo ID to enter the courthouse

This Might Be A Good Fit for You If…

  • You’re interested in law, civics, architecture, or education
  • You have experience or want to gain experience in speaking to groups from 1st grade through adult
  • You’re looking for a way to promote civic engagement
  • You’re excited about lifelong learning

Commitment:

Discovering Justice asks for a commitment of at least one school year from Volunteer CEGs. Guides are expected to lead six groups in a year (but are welcome to lead more!)

  • Group visits are offered Tuesdays through Fridays, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Please note that most group visits are held weekday mornings and availability for at least one weekday morning is required for this position.
  • Volunteer CEGS are expected to arrive 25 minutes prior and remain 15 minutes after a visit. 
  • For example, if a visit is scheduled for 10-12, you can expect to be in the courthouse from 9:35-12:15pm.

Next Steps:

  • You will be invited to have an intro call with our Courthouse Program Manager
  • If selected to move on with the process you will be required to:
    • Attend a two-hour training at the Moakley Courthouse (to be held in the fall)
    • Shadow at least one tour
    • Give a sample tour to a group of Discovering Justice staff 

Don’t worry, we provide tour scripts, informational sheets, and tips on facilitation!

To apply and get this process started, please complete the application form located here. 

Become a Courthouse Education Guide

Learn More

For all information about Discovering Justice tours, please visit the tours page on our website. For questions and inquiries about booking a tour or signing up to volunteer as a Courthouse Education Guide, please contact Courthouse Programs Manager Emily Dall’Orso. 

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Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.