Every month, I am excited to share updates and news about the DC Bar Foundation and the work we do to create equal access to justice for all DC residents. This month, I am thrilled to announce the launch of the DC Bar Foundation’s inaugural DC Walk for Justice 5K. The Foundation believes in the power of collective action and our responsibility to ensure equity and equality in civil legal aid. This Walk is the manifestation of those values as we stride toward a fair and equal civil legal aid experience for all.
On Thursday, October 24, we will gather at Nationals Park for the first DC Walk for Justice 5K to support civil legal aid. The Foundation has three goals for the Walk:
Increase community awareness of the significant civil legal aid needs in the District of Columbia. This Walk will be a learning opportunity for those who are unfamiliar with legal aid and the community’s needs. The Foundation—in partnership with our grantee partners—helps 30,000 residents each year with housing, family stability, personal safety, financial sustainability, and so many other areas that contribute to their wellbeing. Civil legal aid can be vast and complex, and the Walk will help raise awareness about the critical importance of ensuring that every District resident has a fair and equal experience in our civil justice system, regardless of wealth, education, or power.
Expand the network committed to supporting legal aid. We need a strong network of people who care about the mission as much as those who work in civil legal aid. One of the Foundation’s priorities is to collaborate with stakeholders who are committed to an equitable justice system. This Walk, which is open to the public, will allow us to connect with a myriad of community members and professionals who can serve as partners with us in this critical work.
Raise significant funds for the Foundation’s transformative work. The legal aid community cannot do this work without funding, and this Walk will serve as another funding source so we can help more individuals and families who are facing a crisis. From funding a specific program to expanding staff capacity so legal aid organizations can assist more clients, the funds from this walk will benefit legal aid—and DC residents—in significant and impactful ways.
The Foundation was inspired to create this event after learning about the London Legal Walk, which raises more than $1 million annually for civil legal aid in London. It premiered in 2004, and funds raised support free legal advice agencies. As I thought about DCBF’s Strategic Framework and mission to “transform the civil legal aid network, working closely with all stakeholders, so District residents have a fair and equal legal experience,” I knew an event of this caliber was perfectly aligned with our mission and vision.
Over the last few years, we have turned transformative ideas (the DC Social Justice Transformations Network and Coordinated Intake and Referral) into actualized plans due to the support from within—and beyond—legal aid. Because of that, I know when registration for the Walk opens this summer, the community will again show up with tremendous support. It makes me proud to work with leaders and innovators who continually champion the cause and rise to the occasion.
I want to give a special shout-out to Paul Lee, Pro Bono Partner at Steptoe, and Suzanne Turner, Partner and Chair of Dechert’s firm-wide Pro Bono Practice, who proposed the idea of a Walk for Justice a year ago, and whose firms, along with Eversheds Sutherland, are early sponsors of the Walk. If your firm or company is interested in sponsoring the event, please read our sponsorship packet for more details. By becoming an event sponsor, you will foster closer ties within the community and create tangible and lasting social impact—ideals that help us create an equal and just legal system. Can we count on you to help us raise $250,000 through this inaugural DC Walk for Justice 5K?
I am eager to see how the Walk will help advance our work, and I look forward to seeing you at Nationals Park on October 24.
With Gratitude,
Kirra L. Jarratt
Chief Executive Officer
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