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Editor's Column

A Month To Celebrate
By: Shivali Sharma

It is my favorite time of year. I am the kind of person that is always thrilled to see the leaves change, the air cool, and the holidays peek around the corner. It is National Popcorn Poppin' Month, National Sarcastic Awareness Month, and Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month. I put down my oversized cup of java to think about some of October’s more serious observances and how we can all celebrate them through TYLA public service. After all, October 23rd is Make A Difference Day!

October is:

• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Nearly one out of every two Americans born will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime, with breast cancer as the diagnoses for 12.5% of women. Cancer patients may face difficult legal issues while struggling to battle the disease. To address concerns with informed consent, insurance, privacy, disability, guardianship, estate planning, and end of life decisions, TYLA created the Legal Guide for Cancer Patients. To do your part, obtain a booth at a local race or walk for cancer awareness and pass along this guide. You can also email the link above to local cancer centers or oncologists so they can distribute the guide to their patients.

• National Cyber Security Awareness Month –To raise awareness of cyber security, TYLA created R U Safe?, a video designed to educate parents and elementary, middle, and high school aged children about ways to avoid potential internet dangers. The video covers such wide-ranging topics as cyber bullying, social networking sites, chat rooms, “sexting,” and online predators. Direct your local schools, libraries, and other civic groups to our website and ask to publish this video to school-aged children.

• National Crime Prevention Month – Join the National Crime Prevention Counsel in celebrating the practice of crime prevention while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities. One idea is to inspire your local middle school to implement It Could be You, a program designed to encourage students to report and speak out against crime in school. Combine this program with a visit from crime prevention officers and lawyers to help answer student questions about crime and punishment, or implement our TYLA curriculum Crossing the Line.

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month – According to the Texas Counsel on Family Violence, “47% of all Texans report having personally experienced at least one form of domestic violence, either severe, verbal and/or forced isolation from friends and family at some point in their lifetime.” “84% percent of all Texans report that they believe they can personally do something about domestic violence.” You can too. Raise awareness and help out at your local Domestic Violence Prevention Center or police department by showing Healing the Wounds, Ending the Violence, a video designed to educate domestic violence victims about their legal rights and the legal process. Distribute TYLA's informative pamphlet How to Obtain a Texas Protective Order, and help a victim take the first step.

• National Pro Bono Week – Last month was Pro Bono Month, but you can still celebrate October 24-30 as Pro Bono Week. Less than 25 percent of civil legal needs of low income Texans are being met because there is only one Texas legal-aid attorney for every 11,512 Texans living in poverty. There are many ways you can help. Join our efforts in Partnering for Pro Bono, a web-based program that partners in-house counsel with firm lawyers in an effort to increase the provision of pro bono legal services in Texas. Visit Texas Lawyers Help, the Texas Access to Justice Commission and/or the Pro Bono Information section of our website and get started today!

• National Woman's Small Business Month- The woman's business alliance is a section essential in pushing our economic recovery today. Celebrate by obtaining a booth or attending conferences and expos near you to pass our Small Business Toolkit. This 48 page booklet provides information on choosing the right business entity, financing, management, contracts, taxes, lease agreements, and more. If you don't have time to attend a conference, you can always make a phone call or visit your local chamber of commerce to encourage them to disseminate this helpful TYLA booklet.

There are so many ways to celebrate October. Pick a project, mobilize your friends, and make a difference!