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Research Report

Getting Started

  • Kirsten D. Levingston
Published: January 1, 2004

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law has counseled defenders seeking to become more community-oriented. This piece describes four activities that defenders commonly use in their efforts to build stronger ties with client communities: Conducting a workshop, surveying staff, letter writing, and hosting a meeting. These first few steps are cost-effective and straightforward. They do not require additional staff. Although they require time, energy, and planning, building a community-oriented program is not as daunting as some may fear.