The Section recently hosted its second virtual Midyear Council Meeting, during which the Section’s governing body actively discussed resolutions before the ABA House of Delegates, heard from the Section’s Committee leaders and ABA entity liaisons about ongoing and forthcoming initiatives, heard reports from the Executive Committee and ABA President and President-Elect, and more!
The Section's Council is a working board. Half of the Council serves on the Membership, Diversity and Inclusion Council Committee. During this meeting, members discussed membership recruitment and retention efforts, in addition to updates to the Section's diversity plan.
The other half of the Section's Council serves on the Development and Fundraising Council Committee. Members discussed the status of fundraising efforts for the 2023 Thurgood Marshall Award Celebration, support from past Section chairs, the Section's Program Support Fund, and ways to develop sustaining support for the Section's work.
During the first day of the Council meeting, Section Chair Juan R. Thomas reported on the progress of his initiatives for the 2022-23 Bar Year, including: the forthcoming Economic Justice Summit; weekly Chair Chats; Policy Implementation Initiative; Past Chairs Advisory Group; and the Publications Board. Section leaders and staff provided updates on the Section's bylaws, Section's finances, and fundraising. The Council also voted on resolutions to be presented during the 2023 ABA Midyear Meeting.
The Section honored longtime leader and 2011-12 Past Chair Kay H. Hodge with its Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service, during a virtual reception on January 26. Friends and colleagues submitted video tributes and letters included in the virtual presentation and program book. These contributions culminated in an emotional, poignant ceremony honoring Kay’s legacy.
On the final day of the Council meeting, Section leaders and staff reported on the Section's membership recruitment and retention efforts. Committee leaders provided reports on their progress for the 2022-23 Bar Year and liaisons reported on the work of their respective entities. The ABA President shared updates on plans for the 2022-23 Bar Year and ABA President-Elect shared brief remarks on the upcoming 2023-24 Bar Year.
