In the 2016–2017 biennial registration period, 1,100 attorneys registered as emeritus, more than doubling the number of attorneys enrolled in the Attorney Emeritus Program. The program needed to greatly expand its outreach efforts, but with only one grant-funded staff member coordinating volunteer outreach and placement, avenues for expansion were limited.
The Volunteer Ambassador program was born out of this dilemma. The goal of the Ambassador program was to use experienced emeritus volunteers and other program stakeholders to grow the program and mobilize the growing number of New York State senior attorneys interested in pro bono civil legal service.
The AEP Volunteer Ambassador Program began in November 2017 as an initiative to address AEP growth. Volunteer Ambassadors conduct outreach to new emeritus attorneys, gathering information to assist in the placement process, sharing information on upcoming events, and answering any questions the new volunteer may have. Ambassador volunteers have been instrumental partners as the capacity of the New York State Attorney Emeritus Program is expanded; Ambassadors conduct volunteer outreach and advise on strategic ways to grow the program. By connecting with a volunteer Ambassador, interested emeritus attorneys can candidly discuss any questions or reservations they have and learn from a peer’s experience as a volunteer.
In the six months since the program began, volunteer Ambassadors have conducted outreach to 225 emeritus attorneys and assisted in developing call scripts and surveys.
The Feerick Center expresses its deep gratitude to the volunteer Ambassadors for their willingness to help, their patience with this new undertaking, and their enthusiasm.
If you are interested in learning more about the Volunteer Ambassador Program, please contact Cora Vasserman at [email protected] or 212-930-8871.