At Children’s Law Center of Minnesota, volunteers are vital to our mission. Our dedicated volunteer attorneys provide critical pro bono legal representation to children and youth navigating the foster care system, helping them understand their rights and make their voices heard. But not all volunteer work requires a law degree—CLC also welcomes community members who want to support our efforts in other meaningful ways. From helping at events and fundraisers to assisting with office projects and special initiatives, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Join us in creating brighter futures for Minnesota’s youth.
Featured Volunteer
Each quarter, Children’s Law Center of Minnesota proudly features one of our incredible volunteers to recognize the vital role they play in advancing our mission. In this space, we highlight their experiences, insights, and the impact of their advocacy on behalf of Minnesota’s youth in foster care. We’re grateful to this quarter’s featured volunteer, Carrie Nearing, and to all of our dedicated volunteers for their unwavering commitment, compassion, and service. Thank you for being the heart of our work.
“I’ve been reminded time and again that even if a child’s situation requires more than I can do as the child’s lawyer, being part of that child’s life and situation—by listening, encouraging, and frankly, caring—has a ripple effect for that child, even if just for a moment in time.”
Carrie Nearing
Q & A With Carrie
What inspired you to volunteer with Children’s Law Center of Minnesota?
I was looking for meaningful ways to use my law degree outside of my day-to-day civil litigation practice (which involves representing healthcare providers). When I learned about CLC and its mission and that I would be able to develop relationships with kids and help them during challenging times in their young lives, I knew it was a fit.
What has been the most meaningful part of your work with CLC?
Seeing the dedication of a team of people caring about and striving to help one kid at a time. Over and over.
What is one thing you’ve learned through volunteering with CLC?
I’ve been reminded time and again that even if a child’s situation requires more than I can do as the child’s lawyer, being part of that child’s life and situation—by listening, encouraging, and frankly, caring—has a ripple effect for that child, even if just for a moment in time.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with CLC?
To paraphrase a quote attributed to Frederick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken [men] adults.” Helping kids during a vulnerable and fraught time in their lives, with the significant influence you can have as their lawyer, could be one step toward this aim.