Social justice, children's rights, environmental protection, civil liberties-these are just
some of the community issues that Syracuse University law students can help
address with funds raised at the annual Public Interest Auction hosted by the
Syracuse Public Interest Network (SPIN). The SPIN auction begins at 6 p.m. on
Friday, Nov. 14, at the Oncenter and includes both silent and live auctions, with such
items as professional sports memorabilia, vacations, leisure activities and jewelry up
for bid.
"Without the financial assistance that the SPIN grant provided, I would not have
been able to work at the Legal Aid Society of Rochester last summer," says Stephen
Heath, a third-year law student. "I was able to save people from credit card debt,
prevent evictions, improve housing conditions, and stand up for the poorest members
of our society. My time at Legal Aid gave me valuable experience that is helping me
find a job now."
Now in its 16th year, the program continues to raise money to encourage law students
to pursue careers in public interest law. Last year, the organization raised more than
$48,000 to fund students who volunteered in the public interest sector during the
summer. This translated into about 2,700 hours of work dedicated to helping those
who cannot afford legal assistance. SPIN members worked in legal service
organizations, private nonprofit legal organizations and government agencies
throughout the country. In addition, SU College of Law students completed more
than 3,000 hours of community service throughout the greater Syracuse area last
year.
Advance sale tickets-$10 for SU students, faculty and staff, and $15 for the general
public-are available Nov. 3. For more information, to donate items or to attend the
event, call (315) 443-1146, e-mail SPIN@law.syr.edu or visit the SPIN website at
http://www.law.syr.edu/spin.
