A Year in Review - 2022

As we continue with our 10-year anniversary campaign, this month we are highlighting the year 2022 when our efforts grew into new national projects. We officially celebrated 10 years of Beyond Legal Aid last month, and we would be honored to have your support for this campaign to help us commemorate such a momentous milestone! 

Beyond Legal Aid founder, Lam Ho, explains the need to expand nationally:

“At Beyond we believe that a better, more just legal system is possible. In order for us to achieve systemic change towards that vision, our work has to extend beyond just working in Chicago and Illinois--and [beyond] just doing our work. Our impact must be on a national level, and we must inspire other attorneys, activists, and justice workers to join our fight.”

A key milestone for the expansion of our work nationally came when Beyond was featured in a 2022 TED Talk, a feature that now boasts over 1.3 million views! TED captured the spirit of this presentation, noting that “TED Fellow Lam Ho shares how lawyers can create space for people to tell their own stories in the courtroom, making them active participants in the legal process and producing surprisingly positive results.” (ted.com)

Another key milestone in 2022 came when we secured funding to co-host our first ever U.S. Legal Empowerment Leadership Course. A group of 50 legal empowerment specialists (community organizers, lawyers, activists, and researchers) from across the country gathered in Santa Cruz County, California. Over the course of five days, participants explored the role of legal empowerment in advancing justice through a mix of case studies, skill sessions, and small working groups. 

A course participant, Natasha Tchaikovsky, explains why she applied for the leadership course, noting: 

“I thought it was a great opportunity because I knew I’d be able to meet, network, and bond with other advocates and organizers around the country.” 

Natasha explained that the impact of our leadership course extended beyond that initial convening in California. Today, our inaugural cohort continues to share vital resources and contacts with one another in our collaborative pursuit of justice and legal empowerment across the nation. This support system has not only strengthened their alliance with each other, but it has reinforced their own passion for legal empowerment. 

When asked if she would recommend this course, Natasha replied: 

“Absolutely. I believe that this course is a great opportunity to build personal and professional connections with people that share similar values. It is a way to deepen your passions for social issues and drive systemic change.”

Keep an eye out for our FINAL highlight next month as we wrap up the year with a reflection on 2023, another monumental year in Beyond’s history! Be sure to also compare each month’s “Year in Review” graphic (below) to see how much we’ve grown over the years. As we celebrate a decade of Beyond, 10 years of success wouldn’t be possible without supporters like you. During this critical time, we would ask that you consider making a contribution to the campaign while sharing our story with those in your networks.