My Nonprofit Reviews

Tara
Review for American Constitution Society, Washington DC, DC, USA
I became a memebr of a fledgling ACS Student Chapter when I was at the Oklahoma City University Law School in 2004. At the time the debate about constitutional/socia/political issues at the law school was dominated by the Federalist Society, an organization that represents a very conservative view in all those areas. However, our ACS Chapter, with great support from the National Organization was able to initiate a real debate on many ongoing critical issues, such as the war in Iraq, unauthorized government wire-tappings, corporate influence in government policy, and many other important issues and present opposing views on those through panels, speaker series, and debates. The organization helped us bring prominent speakers from around the country (including prominent Circuit Court judges and law professors) to the school to discuss ongoing issues. This was a very important exercise because many of the law students ultimately end up at leadership positions in the community and at least an exposure to opposing views could broaden their horizons and increase their tolerance towards them. This exercise and opportunity was even more crucial in a state such as Oklahoma, where conservative tendencies are vey strong. Interestingly, this was done in many instances in coordination with the Federalist Society, which again shows in a democratic society, ideas can and should all be heard and intelligently debated, without all reasonable voices drowning in the screams of ignorance and fanaticism. Overall, ACS has filled a very large void by providing an opportunity and structure for development and presentation of progressive ideas and interpretations of Constitution. A function that had been ignored for decades.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
initiating real debate about very important social/political issues among law students in Oklahoma.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I cannot think of anything.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes. I got to advocate for what I believed in and network with like-minded individuals.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
It was great to see the participation of the law students in events we sponsored and the debate that they sparked among the students. Knowledge is always beneficial.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007