{UVic Poverty Law Club} Typo! Meeting is at 12:30 on Tuesday!

Hi PLC,

Just addressing a typo in the last email, the meeting is at 12:30 on Tuesday in the student lounge, not 2:30 as stated in the email!

Sorry for filling up your inboxes!

Eric

{UVic Poverty Law Club} Meeting this Tuesday and Salmon Kings fundraiser!

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Meetings and Elections: Tuesday at 12:30! Join the Poverty Law Club for the last meeting of the semester!  We will be reviewing our projects from this semester and planning for the next.  We will also be holding elections for two executive positions (President and VP Communications).  If you are thinking of running for either of these positions, please come to the meeting!  If you would like to run but are unable to make it to the meeting, please email us at executive@povertylaw.ca . When:  Tuesday December 12 at 2:30 Where:  We will meet in the student lounge and then hopefully move off to a quieter place! Fundraiser for TAPS:  Salmon Kings Tickets The Together and Poverty Society is selling tickets to the Victoria Salmon Kings Hockey Game on Dec 28, 2009. The tickets cost $16.00 (a bargain, as they are $22 at the box office.  TAPS gets $5.00 for every ticket sold. The proceeds will be used by TAPS to fund education initiatives on child poverty in BC:  The key message:  We can end child poverty now by increasing income assistance rates and increasing acccess for children to nutrition and health and recreation opportunities.  Hockey Not Poverty! If you would like tickets to this event, or would like to help sell tickets to local organizations and law firms, email: vp-communications@povertylaw.ca .
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{UVic Poverty Law Club} Upcoming meeting! Elections!

Hello Poverty Law Club!

The semester is winding down and we are readying for our last meeting of the year.  We will be holding elections for two executive positions which will be opening up next semester (President and VP Communications).  

If you are interested in running for one of these positions, or are interested in coming to the last meeting of the year, please schedule your availability using the following link:

http://doodle.com/a43wb4vu47v7sub9       

Thanks!

Eric Pedersen

Uvic Poverty Law Club

{UVic Poverty Law Club} Articling with CLAS, information on Public Interest Law

Hello Poverty Law Club!

David Mossop, who will be presenting at tomorrow nights Olympics panel has asked that we distribute the following document about articling with the Community Legal Assistance Society in Vancouver.  (It is attached in .doc form).

In addition to providing information about working with CLAS, this document is also a fantastic resource for anyone interested in pursuing social justice / public interest law.  It includes a thoughtful history of public interest law, a history of the work that CLAS has done (including important SCC cases like Law v. Canada), and a valuable section on how to prepare yourself for a career in public interest law while at law school, including a list of important courses to take.

The panel discussion on "Olympics, Poverty and the Law" is Wednesday at 5:00 in Fraser 158

Also, we will continue to sell "Hope in Shadows" calendars outside the lounge this week.  Calendars are $20 and benefit the Pivot Legal Society and the Poverty Law Club.  Thank you so much to those who have already supported us this week by buying a calendar!  

Thanks, we'll see you all tomorrow!

{UVic Poverty Law Club} Olympics Panel Event, Hope in Shadows calendar sales, and more!

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IN THIS EMAIL: I:  Panel Discussion:  The Olympics, Poverty and the Law II:  Hope in Shadows:  Calendar Sales III:  Looking Forward:  Executive Positions opening PANEL DISCUSSION:  The Olympics, Poverty and the Law Come join the Poverty Law Club at 5 o'clock on Wednesday, November 18th,  for a panel discussion around the legal implications of the Olympics for homeless people and people living in poverty. The object of the project is to inform the university community about the impact of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games upon people living in poverty with respect to themes of civil liberties, gentrification, and changing urban demographics. This event is made possible in part by a grant from the Law Foundation of British Columbia. Our panelists are David Eby and David Mossop, Q.C. Please see below for bios of our speakers.  David Eby:  Named one of Vancouver's most public and effective advocates by Vancouver Magazine and the Vancouver Sun newspaper, David Eby is the Executive Director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. Called to the British Columbia bar in June of 2005, David is also the President of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, a research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and an adjunct professor of law at the University of British Columbia. David's advocacy work with Pivot Legal Society contributed to the biggest provincial social housing investment in Vancouver in over 10 years, increases in municipal fines for converting low-income rental housing to condominiums, the resurrection of a long unused City of Vancouver power to repair rental buildings that are neglected and bill those repairs to the building's owners, and protection for tenants of 4 low-income rental buildings in the Downtown Eastside who were facing mass illegal evictions. David is currently helping to establish the first ever team of independent legal observers at an Olympic Games for the 2010 Winter Olympics through the BCCLA.  David W. Mossop, QC: Since his call to the Bar in 1971, David Mossop, QC has practised in the areas of poverty, administrative law, human rights and constitutional law as senior counsel at the Community Legal Assistance Society, an umbrella legal organization assisting disadvantaged clients throughout the province. He has represented public interest litigants in numerous tribunals and courts up to the Supreme Court of Canada. He works with many low income groups, including the Federated Anti-Poverty Groups of BC and the Front Line Advocacy Workers.  First elected a Bencher for 2008, Mr. Mossop is currently vice-chair of the Access to Legal Services Advisory Committee and a member of the Ethics Committee and Delivery of Legal Services Task Force. He was formerly vice-chair of the Access to Justice Committee and a member of the Task Force on Unbundling Legal Services.  His numerous accomplishments include the Social Justice Award in 1990, the Special Award of the Federated Anti Poverty Groups of BC in 1996, and the Special Recognition Award of the Regional Immigrant and Visible Minority Women of BC in 1998. When: Wednesday, November 18th, 5:00-7:30 Where: Fraser Building, Room 158 Food: Yes, there will be food!  HOPE IN THE SHADOWS:  Calendar Sales We will be selling calendars outside the student lounge Monday to Friday next week.  The calendars are $20.  $12 goes to support the Pivot Legal Society in Vancouver (http://www.pivotlegal.org) and $8 goes towards the PLC.  If you were worried about having to leave the Fraser Building to do your holiday shopping, worry no more!   These calendars make great holiday gifts! About Hope in the Shadows: http://www.hopeinshadows.com The annual Hope in Shadows photography contest -- which began in 2003 -- gives Downtown Eastside residents the opportunity to portray their community through their own eyes.  The winning photographs are exhibited annually and have been showcased in galleries throughout the province. Deeply compelling, these black and white images are a view to the humanity and spirit of a community that is often known only for its struggles. A selection of the contest's best images is featured in the annual Hope in Shadows calendar which is sold on the streets of Vancouver by homeless and low-income vendors. Free training and support are provided to those interested in managing their own micro-business.  View some of the photos here:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/hopeinshadows/ LOOKING FORWARD:  Executive Positions Opening! Because a few of us are heading off for co-op terms next semester, we need people to join our club executive and help plan more great events and projects!  If you're interested in joining us, email us vp-communications@povertylaw.ca .  We plan to have a meeting and hold elections toward the end of the semester!
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{UVic Poverty Law Club} PLC Movie Rescheduled!! Social Justice Conference!!

Movie Rescheduled!  Debt Trap: Our planned screening of the film "Debt Trap" has been rescheduled to October 28 at lunch! Where:  Room 157, Fraser Building  When:  12:30 Wednesday, October 28th Description: Feeling maxed out? Smothered by a growing burden of credit card payments, loans, mortgages and other debts? You are not alone. The average Canadian is shouldering a personal debt load greater than their total yearly net income. Never before in history have so many people been in so much debt to large corporations, and our debt load is mounting daily. DEBT TRAP examines why the average Canadian is sinking deeper in hock, by looking at the stories of several individuals and families who are struggling with debt. As the recent debt crisis in the United States threatens to impact on Canada, the questions raised by DEBT TRAP couldn't be timelier. Sobering, ironic, and enlightening, the film probes the reasons why more and more of us are struggling to keep afloat, and what needs to be done to turn this trend around. DEBT TRAP is written and directed by David Adkin ("Jim loves Jack: The James Egan Story", "We're Funny That Way") and produced by Howard Fraiberg ("Class Queers") Social Justice Conference 2009:  Registration Deadline Extended! The Poverty Law Club will be sending a delegation to the Social Justice Conference at Harbour Centre in Vancouver.  If you are interested in attending the conference, you must register before October 26th.  Spaces are filling up fast!  We will try to organize a carpool; email wep@uvic.ca if you're interested in coming. Where:  Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre in Vancouver  When:  Saturday, October 31st (Hallowe'en!) Details and registration information can be found at: http://justiceconference.wordpress.com/ Feeling maxed out? Smothered by a growing burden of credit card payments, loans, mortgages and other debts? About: Scheduled for October 31, 2009 at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre, the 2009 Justice Conference is a chance for lawyers who practice law in social justice fields, or law students or lawyers who wish to practice law in social justice fields, to discuss issues related to this unique practice area. The conference is aimed at building a community of lawyers committed to social justice principles for ongoing networking, professional development and advocacy opportunities. Guest speakers will present on personal routes to social justice practice, social justice practice models, and ways progressive lawyers organize themselves in Canada and the U.S., and how progressive lawyers have organized themselves historically in British Columbia.
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{UVic Poverty Law Club} PLC Film this Tuesday at lunch: Debt Trap

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Film this Tuesday:  Debt Trap Come out on Tuesday at lunch to room 152.  We will be showing the Film "Debt Trap."  Where:  Room 152, Fraser Building  When:  12:30 Tuesday October 20th Description: Feeling maxed out? Smothered by a growing burden of credit card payments, loans, mortgages and other debts? You are not alone. The average Canadian is shouldering a personal debt load greater than their total yearly net income. Never before in history have so many people been in so much debt to large corporations, and our debt load is mounting daily. DEBT TRAP examines why the average Canadian is sinking deeper in hock, by looking at the stories of several individuals and families who are struggling with debt. As the recent debt crisis in the United States threatens to impact on Canada, the questions raised by DEBT TRAP couldn't be timelier. Sobering, ironic, and enlightening, the film probes the reasons why more and more of us are struggling to keep afloat, and what needs to be done to turn this trend around. DEBT TRAP is written and directed by David Adkin ("Jim loves Jack: The James Egan Story", "We're Funny That Way") and produced by Howard Fraiberg ("Class Queers")
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{UVic Poverty Law Club} FYI: Alternative Careers Database

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ALTERNATIVE CAREERS DATABASE The Alternative Careers Database Project is an initiative of students at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Law. The objective is to "make a database of firms and legal organizations that practice social justice law available to law students". Similar clubs from across Canada are spreading word about this project which launched this year. You can: View the existing list of Canadian organizations (PDF) Contribute to the list by adding entries to the project wiki page (which will then be incorporated into the next scheduled update of the PDF) IDEAS FOR BLOCK GRANT APPLICATIONS? Jeremy wants to remind people that the Law Society block grant applications are due this week. If anyone wants to engage in a significant project related to Poverty Law Issues that would require funding, this may be a good avenue and he will help you with the application process. Jeremy can be reached via email at jeremybg@uvic.ca BUSINESS MEETING The first PLC Executive meeting will occur this Thursday at lunch in the Fraser building. The meeting will be an opportunity for the executive to make plans for the coming semester. As a note, all business meetings are open to any member of the club. All club members have full voting privileges at business meetings, not just executive members. A club member is defined in the club constitution as anyone who is a UVic law student who is on this mailing list and has attended at least one club event.
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{UVic Poverty Law Club} New Executive, UVic Social Work Prof Asking for Help

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NEW EXECUTIVE ELECTED The Poverty Law Club Elected a new executive and ratified an updated constitution at its AGM today: (links go to photos so you know who everyone is) Co-Presidents: Joshua Prowse + Jeremy Burgess VP Admin: Mark Osmond + Emmett Scrimshaw VP Communications: Eric Pedersen VP Internal: Matt Boulton VP External: Pip Stanaway, Lyndsey Delamont Note: Pip was elected in abstentia.  There were two people elected to a number of positions as a number of club members will be leaving next semester to go on co-op terms and so there was a desire to try to have a larger executive for the next two months to build institutional knowledge. We brainstormed a list of events that the club might want to hold over the course of this year: you can view the list  VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: PETER VERIN This is an email the club received from David Turner (pictured, right). David is professor of Social Work at UVic, an anti-poverty activist and the former mayor of Victoria. He heard about the Poverty Law group and asked if any members of the group would be interested in helping him work on the legal case of Mr. Verin, a well-known figure at UVic (Times Colonist piece), whom he says is suffering a human rights violation: Peter Verin, the person who we are working with, calls himself an eco-philosopher and a salvager.  He chooses not to have a fixed abode and had until fairly recently maintained a continuing presence on the UVic campus for more than 20 years as an intellectual support to students. Peter is suing the University of Victoria, because in their gentrification  drive 5 to 10 years ago he was assaulted by campus security staff, who allege that he was a nuisance and a health risk with his salvaging.  The university counter-sued for trespass and sought an injunction to ban him from major sites on campus.  The BC Supreme Court granted this pending the outcome of the trial.  Peter obtained counsel for this action, but the lawyer was unable to continue, as she was moving to Vancouver.  He has been unable to find and obtain new counsel. Peter requires paralegal help in pursuing this suit, with completing documentation, affidavits, in preparation for trial.  He is also worried that the University (Counsel Michael Mark) will raise the issue of timely action, and Peter would like some help in researching the issue of limitations of these actions. He is also concerned that the SUB management violated a mediation agreement that allowed him to continue salvaging in the SUB building.  He is concerned about the connection between the University, facilities planning management, campus security and the Student Society. We believe that Peter's situation represents a violation of Human Rights and we believe that he has been harassed because of his visibility, political stance and support from students as he challenges the status quo on campus. David approached the Law Centre but was told it would be a conflict of interest for them to become involved as they are funded by UVic and Mr Verin is suing UVic. You can follow up by emailing Professor David Turner. This was sent out tot he club last year and David has gotten back in touch with us recently.
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{UVic Poverty Law Club} Annual General Meeting Wednesday, Volunteer Opportunity with TAPS

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Date: Wednesday, October 7 Time: Lunchtime, starting at 12:30 and running for 35 minutes Location: Room 152 Fraser You are invited to the Annual General Meeting of the UVic Poverty Law Club. We will discuss what activities you would be interested in doing this year and elect the club executive.  The Poverty Law Club is a nascent organization; if we want to sustain the club, it will be essential to develop a team to lead the club. I would ask you to consider volunteering to fill one of these five executive positions at this week's meeting. If you are considering the possibility, please email <uvic-plc@prowsej.fastmail.fm> just to let me know. Responsibilities should be limited and not time consuming. : ) 1.       President – Responsible for overall leadership of the Club, coordination of executive duties, chairing meetings, communications with the LSS and the University. Official voice of the Club. Tie breaking vote in cases of ties. May delegate responsibilities as need be. 2.       Vice-President Administration – Responsible for maintaining Club records and managing Club funds. Responsible for preparing a proposed annual budget. Responsible for preparing a detailed statement of club expenses bi-annually. Budget and expense reports should be presented to the membership through the club mailing list and in person at a regular club meeting. Acts in the absence of the President. 3.       Vice President Communication – Responsible for maintenance of the Club web site, mailing list, servers and fora. Responsible for keeping the club web site updated with all upcoming events in a timely fashion and for sending emails to the membership. Will also liaison with external organizations, including media organizations, with regards to Club events. 4.       Vice President Internal – Responsible for club activities within UVic. Responsible for recruitment and retention of members. Responsible for fostering club relationships with other campus student groups. 5.       Vice President External – Responsible for organizing Club participation in external events and fostering club relationships with external organizations. We will also vote on some minor housekeeping amendments to the UVic PLC constitution, as uploaded to the club web site.  Thank you.  VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY TAPS (The Together Against Poverty Society) in Victoria runs a volunteer disability advocacy program. Volunteers help clients prepare provincial benefits applications for persons with disabilities.  This involves working with the clients, communicating with medical professionals and the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, and representing clients in appeals.  TAPS is offering interested students an opportunity to volunteer for this program. They will train you in the legislation, the process, and give you the opportunity to pair off with a current advocate and observe a client interview session. What: Training program for new volunteers When: Wednesday, October 14 at 5:30 p.m.  Where: Trainings will be conducted at the TAPS office (302-895 Fort St.) People who have done this say that it has developed their legal advocacy skills, knowledge of this area of law, and that their work has provided tangible assistance for persons with disabilities. To follow up or RSVP: Contact: Katie Tanigawa at TAPS Contact Email: vdap@tapsbc.ca  Contact Phone: 250 361 3521
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{UVic Poverty Law Club} Film Wednesday at Lunch on Wiwa v. Shell Case

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FILM ON WEDNESDAY ON CASE WIWA V. SHELL Date: Wednesday, September 30 Time: 12:30pm Length: 52 minutes The film, Wiwa v. Shell, tells the story of Ken Saro-Wiwa of Nigeria and Shell oil's partnership with the Nigerian military government to violently suppress human rights protesters in the Niger Delta which ultimately resulted in Wiwa's death.  The ensuing US case against Shell under the Alien Tort Claims Act is then discussed; Shell settled the case this past summer for $15.5 million.  Those who attended the environmental law conference in Oregon last year will remember the keynote address by the founder of the organization behind this case, EarthRights International.
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{UVic Poverty Law Club} Thank You for Being a Member of the UVic Poverty Law Club

Can't see the images? Click here. THANK YOU Thank you for helping to get the UVic Poverty Law Club off the ground. For coming to a meeting. For contributing an idea. For making a call. Or for telling a friend. For freezing in the snow on our reality tour. Or for driving from place to place on our organizational tour. Most of all, thank you for your interest. It couldn't have happened without members like you. Now, enjoy the summer. And remember that it ain't over yet. There are ideas brewing that may come to fruition over the next few months. From conversations with Rose Henry to Witness-like ideas to use cameras to check power with truth. And in the meantime, may your summer be nothing short of glorious:
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