No resolution presented herein reflects the policy of the Minnesota State Bar Association until approved by the Assembly. Informational reports, comments and supporting data are not approved by their acceptance for filing and do not become part of the policy of the Minnesota State Bar Association unless specifically approved by the Council.

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION TO

THE MINNESOTA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION ASSEMBLY

MSBA Civic Education Committee

June 24, 2009

RECOMMENDATION

That the MSBA allow the Civic Education Committee to carry over any remaining funds from the current 2008–2009 fiscal year (estimated to be around $2,200) to the 2009–2010 fiscal year. 

REPORT

On April 30, 2009, the MSBA Assembly adopted the Operation Committee’s recommendation to cut all direct expenses for the Civic Education Committee from the 2009-10 budget but retain the Committee’s .8 FTE.  The Committee was charged with raising their direct expenses from outside sources. 

Since May 1, the Civic Education Committee has submitted grant requests to the Minnesota State Bar Foundation, two law firm foundations, four district bar associations, the Patrick Henry High School Foundation and sent a fundraising solicitation to Civic Education Committee members.  The Committee has received $800 to date; outstanding requests total $8,300.    

The Civic Education Committee will also submit grant requests to the Hennepin County Bar Foundation, Ramsey County Bar Foundation, several additional law firms, Education Minnesota and the National Council for the Social Studies. 

Despite these aggressive fundraising efforts, money raised to date is minimal.  Without a carry-over of unspent funds from the current fiscal year, successful continuation of the Committee’s programs may be jeopardized.  Proposed Committee expenditures in 2009-10 include: promotional materials for the Lawyers in the Schools program; materials and facilities rental for the peer-mediation program, lawyers in the schools and teacher trainings; production and distribution of curriculum on the Right to Vote and Election Law; and general and administrative costs (i.e. copying, conference call charges, and postage).

Granting a carry-over of funds will help the Committee make 500 in-class presentations next school year; conduct 60 mediations at Patrick Henry high school; and engage two new schools in its peer-mediation program.