This is a Special Project, monitored by PBSC National
Project Type: Client Intake and Assistance
Fields of Law: Administrative Law and Human Rights Law
Positions Available: 3-4 students
About The 519 Community Centre
The 519 is committed to the health, happiness, and full participation of the LGBTQ2S communities. A City of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership, we strive to make a real difference in people’s lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding and respect.
Project Details
The Trans ID Clinic provides free legal information, form-filling services and referrals in a learning space that strives to be trans-positive, non-judgmental, anti-oppressive and inclusive. PBSC law student volunteers and lawyer supervisors work collaboratively to assist trans and gender diverse individuals with obtaining new pieces of identification.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
Students will meet with clients virtually (Teams/Webex/Zoom). During the meeting, they will assist clients to fill in gender marker applications. Students are not permitted to give out their personal contact information to clinic clients.
Student volunteers will be expected to meet with the partner organization three times per semester to provide and update and seek guidance as needed. Student volunteers should take the initiative to schedule pre-determined meeting times with the partner organization contact at the outset of their placement.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
Yes, for the PLE project, a workplan will be determined between the supervising lawyer and the students at the beginning of the placement.
If yes, the student(s) must reach out to the lawyer supervisor, draft a work plan, and submit it by email to the Program Coordinator and the lawyer supervisor by November 1st at the latest. Please note that workplans are required for all legal research and writing projects.
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.
In addition to PBSC’s General Training, Legal Research Strategies Workshop, and Anti-Oppression Training, Student Volunteers will be expected to attend specialized training conducted by The 519 prior to commencing this placement. The 519 training will cover the following elements:
- The 519 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training
- Trans 101 Training
The 519 Training date will be during the first or second week of October. This training is mandatory.
Additional training and support will be provided on an as-needed basis, and at the discretion of the Partner Organization
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
Up to a maximum of 5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
Student Volunteers will be expected to volunteer remotely on a schedule as agreed upon with the partner organization. Specifically, Student Volunteers will be expected to arrange meeting times with the clients and ensure they arrive promptly at the arranged meeting times.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
No. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, all tasks will be completed remotely. Students are expected to adhere to the procedures as set out in the “Student Volunteer Guidelines” which will be provided to students placed on this project.
Requirements and Expectations
First year law students may apply, however the following would be considered an asset:
- Administrative law
- Human rights law
- Poverty law
- Clinical placement experience
- Commitment to volunteering for 2 years with the project
Given the background of clients being served, we welcome applications from trans and gender diverse, Black or POC students. Volunteers selected must demonstrate ongoing and meaningful allyship with the Two-Spirit, Trans, non-binary and non-gender conforming and gender diverse communities. Volunteers must have strong organizational and time management skills, strong attention to detail, record-keeping and communication with supervisor skills, and experience with client relations or communications.
Assets include:
- Personal or professional experience working with Two-Spirit, Trans, non-binary and non-gender conforming communities
- Front-line/clinical experience
- Social work background
- A strong sense of anti-oppression principles