GET INVOLVED

GALs (and guys) needed.

Are you interested in the judicial system? Are you concerned about social justice issues? Do you hate to think about kids who allegedly have been victimized . . . and are now involved in court proceedings? Then the Guardian Ad Litem Project (GALP) will help you take action in a way that can really make a difference to a child. As a guardian, you'll assemble information about the youngster for use by the court and other interested parties, meet with the child once a month, and attend occasional hearings. In your role as advocate, you'll serve as a constant-but not a caregiver, counselor, or therapist-in the child's life as he or she moves through the legal system and into a safe environment. You must be at least nineteen and can expect to follow the matter for a year. Thirty hours of training will prepare you to ask the right questions, avoid incorrect comments, keep a log, and interact appropriately with everyone involved. For details about the program, contact Malcolm Vivian at mvivi001@fiu.edu. GALP is a joint project of the Honors College's Community Service Project and the College's Civic Engagement Initiative.