Partnership Spotlights: Formally and the National Lawyers Guild of Los Angeles
***scroll to the bottom for an upcoming event announcement**
Did you know? Forcibly displaced persons, or those who are forced to leave their homes or communities due to violence, threats of violence, natural disaster, or war, are five times more likely to be granted asylum if they have legal representation?
Did you also know that One Digital World is so much more than just a digital literacy education platform? We support asylum seekers in other essential areas like connecting them with legal representation. We've mentioned in previous blogs some of the immense challenges asylum seekers face in getting their basic needs met. Obtaining legal support is one of those challenges. The additional restrictions that many shelters and in-person organizations have had to put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 have made it even more difficult for asylum seekers to meet with lawyers and get the support they need. That's why we are so proud to be partnering with Formally, a digital startup that streamlines and simplifies the legal process for asylum seekers and their representatives.
Together with the National Lawyers Guild of Los Angeles, One Digital World will begin facilitating remote legal clinics using Formally’s unique software. The clinics will be facilitated and supported through ODW computer labs and by ODW staff and aim to support asylum seekers through the legal process.
Additionally, on January 29, Formally and the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society are hosting The Future of Remote Legal Assistance, a conference that will feature experts currently working in legal advocacy. Panelists will discuss best practices for setting up reliable, virtual legal aid to vulnerable constituents, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, who rely on legal assistance to help have their cases heard. One Digital World's Founder and Executive Director Casey Myers will be speaking at the conference, along with representatives from National Lawyers Guild of Los Angeles, about the urgency of connecting asylum seekers with remote legal support. Register now to hear Casey speak!
Though it might be cliche, there's a great saying that represents us well: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Pivoting our programming and adapting the way we support asylum seekers on their journey to self sufficiency is what One Digital World has always been about. Our partnerships represent the best of us. We hope you'll join us on January 29th and continue to support us in our work.
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