08 Aug
Discovering Justice is able to provide its services to tens of thousands of students across the Commonwealth because of its hundreds of partners and volunteers.
From long-term to one-off opportunities, you can become engaged with Discovering Justice as a volunteer and partner. Contact Senior Outreach & Recruitment Associate Malia Brooks at mbrooks@discoveringjustice.org to learn more about the opportunities below and more short-term opportunities such as being a volunteer juror at the 2-hour Mock Trial Culminating Event or translating our Children Discovering Justice curriculum into Spanish.
Educate Youth About the Judicial System
Meet with middle school student attorneys weekly to examine the workings of the judicial system, explore the ideals of justice, and prepare them to argue a case before a real judge, a jury, or appellate panel in a courthouse at the end of the semester. We have a high need for volunteers in Brockton, Framingham, Lowell, Medford, and Springfield.
- Position: Legal Mentor
- Time Commitment: 11 weeks, 90 min/week, 1x/week
- Experience: Legal background and/or JD preferred, but not required
- Training : Discovering Justice provides a 2-hour orientation and curriculum including lesson plans, corresponding slide decks, case materials, and teaching tools
Explore History, Architecture, and Justice
Guide community organizations, college students, and interested members of the public on a one-hour tour of the John Joseph Moakley U.S Courthouse. Highlight the workings of the courthouse and how the architecture and art reflect the aspirations and challenges of justice and our democracy.
- Position: Tour Docent
- Time Commitment: 1-2 weekdays/month between 9:00 am-4 pm, 60-minute tours, as needed
- Experience: No experience necessary
- Training: Orientation from Courthouse Programs Manger, tour shadowing
Guide Grades K-12 students through a field trip in the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse. Volunteers will interact with students and facilitate engaging activities and discussions around justice. Every field trip includes a courthouse tour and one additional activity of your choice. The additional activities for students are either meeting with a judge, courtroom activity about justice, or observing court proceedings. Therefore, this person must be able to stay the whole 90 minutes and support these activities. Lastly, volunteers may be asked to help during lunchtime in addition to supporting getting students through security.
- Position: Field Trip Volunteer
- Time Commitment: 1-2 weekdays/week between 9:30 am-4 pm, 90 minutes
- Experience: Interest and background working with students preferred
- Training: Orientation from Courthouse Programs Manager, field trip shadowing
Inspire Students to Advocate for Change
Tell your story of advocacy that will inspire young students participating in our Children Discovering Justice elementary civics curriculum to take action on issues that matter to them.
- Time Commitment: 30-minute Zoom interview
- Experience: Experience participating in local activism and advocacy, such as movements, campaigns, protests, etc. (Ages 6-26 preferred)
- Process: We will share all videos for approval before use and credit you in our curriculum