CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW Authors to Moderate Discussion Group

Two authors will moderate an online discussion of affirmative advocacy strategies following publication of articles on the topic in the March–April 2008 issue of CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW: JOURNAL OF POVERTY LAW AND POLICY. The article and discussion group will be open to all, subscribers and non-subscribers alike.

Ross Doloff, National Training Director at the Center for Legal Aid Education, writes that advocates often feel overwhelmed and stifled by heavy caseloads and daily demands.  Doloff proposes that organizations reprioritize and allow for more structural, proactive approaches to advocacy. A companion piece coauthored by Rachel Shannon Brown, an advocate with Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts, expresses frustration over newer advocates’ experiences in legal services and what they view as inflexible, highly stratified organizations that are resistant to change. Brown asserts that more open leadership structure will foster more dynamic organizations.

Seeking to encourage dialogue and debate over these provocative articles, the Shriver Center will sponsor an online discussion group on affirmative advocacy that will be moderated by Ross Doloff and Rachel Brown.  Readers will be invited to post comments, suggestions, and questions for the authors. Registration and participation is free, and there is no requirement that participants be subscribers to the REVIEW.

Look for more information to come at www.povertylaw.org, future issues of Poverty Action Report, and in the March–April issue of CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW. For more information or to sign up early, please email martinstainthorp@povertylaw.org.