Today, the fight to preserve democracy is real. What can you, a law student, do to protect freedoms and the rule of law by putting your voice, education, and experience to work to create the democracy you envision? 

In this two-hour program with Indivisible, a nationwide grassroots movement, you will hear from experts on how to get involved in civil resistance in ways that instigate change, build advocacy skills, and create relationships that will benefit you throughout your career. The second part of the program will be a hands-on, practical workshop to help you build a personal action plan around an issue, organization, skill, or initiative. You’ll leave with actions you can implement after the session. Of course, lunch will be served to feed your ideas! 

Presenters include:

• Trisha Maharaj is the Deputy Advocacy Director at Indivisible, where she currently develops and manages noncooperation campaigns. Previously, she led Indivisible’s economic justice and Supreme Court reform policy portfolios. We are experiencing a period of authoritarian breakthrough, with the Trump administration quickly consolidating power and undermining our democracy. Trisha will share Indivisible’s analysis of the current political moment and discuss how we can build that broad movement and the role each person plays in the fight for our democracy. 
• Drew Schendt, a union lawyer and organizer with People's Parity Project, a national, non-profit movement founded by Harvard Law School students and young lawyers dedicated to “unrigging” the legal system through organizing, research, policy, and education. Drew will discuss how this organization is acting to “unf*ck the law” and how you, a law student, professor, or lawyer, can understand your power and play an effective role in social movements.
• Austin Naughton, a seasoned grassroots and election volunteer connected to DC-area and national organizations focused on engaging people in direct action efforts as individuals and/or within groups. Austin will offer insights on how attendees can engage with various communities, including online and in-person opportunities.
• Our program facilitator, Andi (Andrea) Benjamin of Benjamin Associates, is a noted legal strategy, marketing, and communications consultant who pivoted from helping big law make more money to becoming a change instigator for the profession and assisting lawyers and others in using their voices and working to find authentic satisfaction.

The second part of the program will be a hands-on, practical workshop to help you build a personal action plan around an issue, organization, skill, or initiative, to protect Democracy through the law and personal involvement.

Learn more about The Law And Democracy Project

Students will need to use their GW Law emails to register for this event.

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