OCBA members are encouraged to give back to the community. The OCBA Goals of Professional Conduct call for a commitment of 35 hours per year in pro bono work. The OCBA supports several worthwhile community projects through donations, volunteers and publicity. The following is a partial listing:
Help Provide Relief to Ukrainian Refugees Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine, especially the many families emigrating amidst a brutal, unjustified war. This horrid atrocity deeply saddens the hearts of Orange County’s legal community. The OCBA encourages its members to consider visiting the sites below to see how you can help provide resources and relief to Ukranians in need:
World Central Kitchen - Feeding refugees on the Poland border.
United Way - United for Ukraine Fund - Providing immediate needs to refugee families (accommodations, food, medicine, child and infant supplies, etc.)
Global Empowerment Mission - Assisting refugees with plane or train tickets to get to family members in Europe.
ORANGEWOOD OUTREACH OCBA volunteers spend the morning playing games and reading stories to the children at Orangewood Children’s Home. Orangewood cares for children who are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. They need to spend time with people who care, and interact with the outside world.
VOLUNTEER CONNECTION DAY This annual event, organized by the Volunteer Center of Orange County, coordinates volunteers for projects throughout our community. OCBA attorney volunteers work together on a different project each year.
LAW DAY The OCBA sponsors several community service activities in celebration of Law Day on May 1 each year. The activities, continuing for a two week period following Law Day, include: Speakers in Senior Centers, Speakers in High Schools and Junior High Schools, Mock Trials in Elementary Schools, Presentation of the Liberty Bell and Harmon G. Scoville Awards, Call-A-Lawyer and Access to Justice.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION OF ORANGE COUNTY Established in 1981, CRF-OC is dedicated to involving and empowering youth to lead responsible and productive lives. Through CRF-OC educational and diversion programs, Orange County high school students gain a greater appreciation of the opportunities available to them and learn valuable life skills that will help them prepare for adulthood. Call 949.679.0730 or visit the CRF-OC website for more information.
PUBLIC LAW CENTER The Public Law Center (PLC) is the only private bar, public interest law firm dedicated to meeting the needs of the low-income population of Orange County. Through PLC’s Pro Bono Assistance Project, AIDS Legal Assistance Project, Southeast Asian Legal Assistance Project or Family Law Project, OCBA members can use their skills for the public good.
VIP MENTORS ORANGE COUNTY VIP Mentors Orange County is a mentoring program that recruits attorneys to mentor parolees in an effort to establish friendships, build support systems and change lives. With the assistance of an attorney volunteer, a parolee may learn to become a responsible, self-reliant and productive member of the community. Attorneys are encouraged to participate in this exciting and rewarding program. For more information about VIP Mentors, contact Program Director Keith Chau at 714.558.4969 or email vip-orange@vipmentors.org.
OCBA FOOD DRIVE OCBA attorneys work to fight hunger in our community the annual OCBA Food Drive. During this month-long drive, donation drop-off barrels are made available at the OCBA offices and in law offices and law schools throughout Orange County. The donations are distributed through local food banks.