The 3Rs – Rights ● Responsibilities ● Realities is an unprecedented program of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association undertaken by members of the Cleveland legal community, in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and East Cleveland City Schools to personally connect with high school students to address fundamental issues facing the students and, ultimately, our city and region. Using a real-world curriculum focused on the U.S. Constitution, The 3Rs Program calls upon teams of volunteers to go to 10th grade social studies classes to work with small groups of students to accomplish the following goals:
- Improve understanding of and respect for the rule of law and our Constitution;
- Improve passage of the Ohio Graduation Test;
- Provide practical career counseling to focus students on their potential beyond high school; and
- Improve the “pipeline” of minorities flowing into legal careers in the region.
(Click here to watch an introductory video to The 3Rs)
More than ever, Cleveland and East Cleveland public school students need the personal involvement of the community to help the students maximize their potential both now and post-high school. The success of these students and the success of our region are mutually dependent. The Cleveland legal community is well-positioned to make a profound impact by volunteering to serve in the schools.
Attorneys and law students are needed to volunteer for the 2011-2012 school year. To find out more or to volunteer, click here to email Jessica Paine or call (216) 696-3525. More information also is available on the 3Rs Committee page.
The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation provides primary funding for The 3Rs, with the majority of funds raised through the annual Rock the Foundation Gala in March. The Foundation has also launched a giving program for CMBA members, volunteers and friends of the program to help us sustain The 3Rs through annual charitable gifts – Friends of The 3Rs. There are a variety of giving levels and all support is very much appreciated. The CMBF is a 501(c)(3) organization; gifts to it are tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. To donate to the Friends of The 3Rs please click here.
The 3Rs+
The CMBA is pleased to announce that 2011 will mark the debut of our new 3Rs+ program, in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Shaw High School in East Cleveland, and the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. The 3Rs+ is designed to further the work of The 3Rs by connecting to students in the 11th and 12th grade who desire to work with mentors, for assistance with college application preparation and financial aid planning as well as to broaden their horizons.
3Rs+ volunteers will be recruited for this pilot year to provide the following:
- One-on-one mentoring
- Career shadowing experiences
- Assistance developing field trips to courts, firms, other areas of business
- Serving as a speaker for educational programs for students and/or parents
The 3Rs+ is open to all members of the legal community, including both those who have volunteered with The 3Rs and those who have not yet had the opportunity. Time commitment is based on volunteer availability and interest. For more information about The 3Rs+, please email Jessica Paine at jpaine@clemetrobar.org.