Social Justice and the Financial Burden of Law School
The event started with an open discussion of fears. Almost everyone had something to say on this topic 45 people skipped lunch to show up to this event. Here are some of the reoccurring issues:
- Wages; do I have to keep 2 jobs can we work at an NPO and pay off loans?
- Funding is unstable at NPO’s
- The economic depression
- Is federal loan forgiveness stable
- Westlaw dependence.. I am trained to use it but not can not afford it in the NPO world.
- Where do you get experience without turning to the dark side?
- Am I gambling away my families security for a social justice career?
- Abandoning my community, can I serve the poor community I came from if they can not pay?
It was amazing how many concerns students have. The next part of the disscussion forcused on why we have issues around money general:
In the 80’s the focus of pop culture moved away from portraying average people in favor of the rich.
Myth that money equal hard work.
Myths on meritocracy
Myths on Scarcity
An us v. them mentality - a war on poverty
Solution:
Fight for livable wages
Tithing give back support other orgs
Redefine needs (read more at EnoughEnough.org)
Find a balance between time and money donations
Redefining your entitlements and your standard of living
This event was run by Dean Spade.
