Volunteer work isn’t just correlated with happiness; it actually causes it, at least according to some pretty good research. And according to some other good research, it influences health and longevity, too.
And if that sounds too crazy for you to believe, that’s okay. Pro bono work is also an opportunity to network, and develop and exercise your legal skills.
So now you’re really excited to find a pro bono project, yes?
Good news. MassProBono is a new interactive website that can match you with a project based on your interests, location, and schedule. MassProBono is developed by the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association, in partnership with Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit organization, the Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project housed at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, and the Massachusetts Bar Association, with funding from a Legal Services Corporation Technology Initiative Grant.
To help with your pro bono projects, the website also provides a library of resources, email groups, and a calendar of events.
In raising awareness of the need for pro bono work and highlighting great existing pro bono work in the state, MassProBono hopes to close the gap of an estimated 80% of low-income people with unmet civil legal needs.
You can find out more about joining MassProBono here.