Connecting Communities

INCREASING VOLUNTEERISM at Albany Law School has fostered a new sense of community and created connections off campus. Community service is part of new student Orientation and the pre-Orientation Lean Into Success program for first generation and students from historically excluded communities focused on developing a sense of belonging and confidence by engaging with alumni, current students, faculty, and staff while getting acclimated to the rigors of the law school classroom.

Owen Collier, Coordinator of Student Programs, hopes collaborations and connections like these become a regular part of the student experience at Albany Law School.

“We are looking forward to expanding collaboration, continuing to find new groups to introduce our students,and making connections within the community. It’s some-thing that we’re always looking at. It’s been wonderful to see students connect with leaders in these spaces,” he said.

 The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion also regularly collaborates with student groups and community causes to bring aid opportunities to campus. These efforts include a collaboration with Muslim Law Student Association and
the Student Bar Association to collect clothing and supplies for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria; a collection of hygiene and personal care products for Equinox Inc.; a food drive for Thanksgiving to New Hope Church and Oakwood Community Center. There have also been opportunities like Tasty Tuesdays, a collaborative bake sale with proceeds sup-porting a community partner.
 Another staff member who pioneers this work at Albany Law School is Bria Barnes-Coleman, the Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives. Before beginning her work here at the law school, Barnes-Coleman already started building a network with the community here in the Capital Region.
 Ashli Fragomeni, Executive Director at Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, was discussing a need for more volunteers and representation on a television news story that Barnes-Coleman saw during her early days at Albany Law School. Barnes-Coleman promised herself to reach out when she was more settled in Albany and get involved.
organizes group volunteer sessions with students, faculty, and staff. One program that the law school supports is the Girls Inc. Eureka!, a program that provides middle and high school girls with an introduction to STEM, personal development, sports, and mentorship.
 “It’s focused on job readiness, internships, and exposure to different career choices. We host girls on campus in conjunction with a number of student organizations. I love being able to pull those things together. It puts the work that we’re doing into action,” Barnes-Coleman said. “We’re helping the students connect with the community while also helping the community to connect with Albany Law School. For the girls to come in, meet people, ask questions, and get a campus tour, they realize they are welcome here.”
 Outside of the DEI office, students, faculty, and staff also regularly volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, Capital City Rescue Mission, New Hope Church, and The Boys and Girls Club.
 “We are spreading our network and showing students what’s available in the Albany community. It’s designed to work for them, it’s flexible, and we are always welcome to new places and connections too,” Barnes-Coleman said.