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Get Involved with Discovering Justice

  • VOLUNTEERS
OUR PROGRAMS

Empowering Students, Engaging Communities, and Bringing People Together for Justice

Volunteers play a crucial role in our experiential learning programs. By mentoring students, leading courthouse tours, and supporting events, you help connect justice, democracy, and civic life to the lived experiences of young people and community members across Massachusetts.

Sign up to Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Help bring civics to life for the next generation. Each week, you will work side by side with middle school students as they learn the law, build their voice, and prepare to argue a case in court.

Time Commitment:
10 weeks, 90 minutes per week, once per week

Experience:
Legal background and/or JD preferred

Training:
Discovering Justice provides a 2-hour orientation and full curriculum support including lesson plans, slide decks, case materials, and teaching tools.

Serve as a juror at a culminating Mock Trial event and help students experience an authentic courtroom setting. Hear arguments, deliberate with fellow community members, and deliver a verdict.

Time Commitment:
Flexible, event-based (typically one evening)

Experience:
No prior experience necessary

Training:
Orientation provided

Support courthouse events with registration and day-of coordination. Network with judges, court staff, and legal professionals while making a meaningful impact.

Time Commitment:
Flexible, event-based

Experience:
No prior experience necessary

Training:
Orientation provided

For more information:  Volunteer@DiscoveringJustice.org | 860-753-1128

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.