Hello NLG members! Welcome to our second Member Recap of the Year. This one is a big one, so do not forget to click "View Entire Message" to see of the amazing work everyone has been up to.

The NLG National Office is hiring a Convention Coordinator!

The NLG National Office (NO) is accepting applications for an event coordinator to partner with NO staff to create a robust, hybrid convention for NLG membership. The contract will begin upon hire and last through Oct. 20, 2024, with event dates of Oct. 2-6, 2024.

Experienced candidates with a commitment to NLG values are encouraged to apply. The full scope and job description can be found at: nlg.org/jobs/. This is an independent contractor position and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are submitted; apply early to make sure your application is considered.

Please share with your networks and help our 2024 Convention be a success!

Did You Know The NLG Has A Members-only Job Board?

You can view current job openings at https://www.nlg.org/job-board/. If you are interested in posting a job, please email jobboard@nlg.org.

NLG at RebLaw 2024

Join the Anti-Racism Committee!

Commit to fighting oppression with the NLG's Anti-Racism Committee (ARC)! ARC needs dedicated NLG members to serve in multiple capacities as it enters an exciting, new beginning! Commitments can be as large or small as you have capacity for, and if you do not have time ARC would still love to get your input.

In October 2023, over 75 representatives from across Guild entities met in Atlanta, GA to discuss the movement, NLG structure and planning, and internal concerns. It was clear throughout the entirety of the Summit that racism and oppression both in and outside of the Guild are of concern to our members, our mission, and our effectiveness as a unified agent of change.

ARC is a space for white Guild members to proactively engage in fighting against oppression both internally and externally. We need the support of NLG members in doing this work, as it is a heavy and crucial endeavor. All of us have experience and resources to share. Additionally, all of us have work to do to address our biases and the roles we play in upholding systems of oppression. Join ARC today!

The first NEC meeting was held from January 27th to 28th, 2024 via Zoom. Make-up sessions were held on February 16, 2024 and two work-shopping sessions on strategic planning were held on February 16th and 20th, 2024. The NEC voted to approve the 2024 budget and appointed Colin Leonard from New Orleans, LA as Secretary and Khanstoshea Zingapan from Sacramento, CA as Legal Worker Vice President. Following the NEC meeting, the EC appointed Corey Hamilton-Buis from Chicago, IL as Treasurer.

On the first day Shara Darden, The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) co-Chair, led NEC members in an opening activity to introduce themselves. We also reviewed meeting guidelines to ensure respectful engagement throughout the weekend. Ría Thompson-Washington, President-Elect, led an NLG Constitution and By-Laws trivia game to ground the NEC in its governing documents. Traci Yoder, Director of Research and Education, and Lisa Drapkin, led a presentation on organizational structure and membership and I led a presentation on NEC expectations to cover the responsibilities and duties of NEC members. The first day was closed with a discussion on the return of in-person conventions in 2024. The discussion featured David Gespass, Birmingham, AL host committee member and NLG past president.

On the second day, Suad Abdel Aziz, Vice President, led NEC members through another opening activity that included small break out rooms. Sara Libby, Director of Operations and Finance, led a finance report while Daniel McGee, Managing Director of the NLG Foundation, and Marco Galaviz, Director of Communications, led a fundraising presentation. Although the NLG is in a precarious financial state, especially with the downturn of resources and donations following the peak of the pandemic and the 2020 uprisings, NEC members are committed to revitalizing our resources so that we are a strong force for many decades to come. Suzanne Adely, President, gave a presentation on 2023 Resolutions and Xavier de Janon, Director of Mass Defense, gave a presentation on mass defense initiatives and resources. I led an introduction to strategic planning upon which two work-shopping sessions followed the January meeting.

Overall, it was a productive and efficient first NEC meeting. NEC committees were formed including: finance committee, fundraising committee, governance committee, resolutions committee, membership committee, political education committee, plenary/podium committee, and conflict resolution committee. Consider joining a committee today by emailing me at director@nlg.org!

Kindly remember that NEC members are open for all NLG members to attend. Please join us either in-person or via Zoom for our next NEC meeting scheduled for April 20-21, 2024 in New Orleans, LA. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

- JML Santiago