This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall Law School, University of Toronto, and Lincoln Alexander
Project Type: Public Legal Education (Presentations, workshops, podcasts, brochures, blogs, etc.)
Fields of Law: Human Rights Law; Clinics/Poverty Law; Criminal Law
Positions Available: 2 students
About All Saints
All Saints Church – Community Centre is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment while enhancing the well-being of homeless and street-involved individuals.
The All Saints Drop-in welcomes people from all walks of life, especially people in need. Many of our drop-in participants are experiencing or have experienced homelessness, physical and/or mental illness including addiction, and other challenges. Open four days a week, our drop-in space is a safe, non-judgemental place where people can have coffee, rest, use washroom facilities, see a nurse or social worker, eat a hot meal, and access telephone, wifi, and computer services. We provide clothing, toiletries, and harm reduction kits to all who ask. We also provide takeout meals, and serve approximately 800 meals each week.
Project Details
The All Saints’ Drop-in is a safe, non-judgemental place where people can have coffee, rest, use washroom facilities, see a nurse or social worker, eat a hot meal, and access telephone, wifi, and computer services.
2 student volunteers will provide legal information during the drop-in. The student will gather any legal questions and will spend the following 1-2 weeks researching the question (e.g. working on the streets, how the law differentiates sex work and trafficking, navigating criminal justice system, etc).The lawyer supervisor will approve the accuracy of the information, and then the student will set up a phone call or in-person meeting with the client to deliver legal information only (likely this will occur on a subsequent drop-in session).
In addition, the student can deliver one presentation during the placement, on a legal issue to be chosen with drop-in clients. The student may produce written materials to be distributed to interested individuals who are unable to attend the sessions. Some clients would also like help
applying for pardons.
Staff will be present at the drop-in each week and is available to attend all presentations to helpthe students effectively deliver their presentations to the audience. The lawyer supervisor will be available to hear a mock presentation and must be present during the actual presentation.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
Yes, a work plan is required for the Public Legal Education workshop.
What Type Of Training Will the Organization Provide?
Note: All first year PBSC volunteers and all volunteers working on research projects must also attend a PBSC/Thomson Reuters legal research strategies workshop.
The organization will provide the students with training and background on social issues faced by clientele, as well as teaching about All Saints approach to working with the community (anti-racist/anti-oppression, low barrier, trauma informed, harm reduction approaches).
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
3-5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
From All Saints’ website, the Drop-in Hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm; Wednesday: 10:30 am to 3 pm.
All Saints will decide whether it would be best for students to show up for regular shifts or on a flexible basis within the drop-in hours.
Research and preparing the PLE session can likely be done on a flexible schedule.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
All Saints will set up a desk in the drop-in for students to use.
Requirements and Expectations
Students should understand that the drop-in is a low barrier space; as such, clients may not be sober and may be experiencing mental health difficulties or other challenges during the session. Potential students should think carefully about whether they are able to volunteer in an unpredictable and client-facing environment.
Preference for experience or interest in social justice or human rights field, working with marginalized communities, particularly sex workers and/ or people who use drugs. Experience navigating criminal justice system and accessing resources like legal aid and court support, experience with family law and child welfare would also be an asset.