Students, Faculty Volunteer Across DC For Annual “In My Back Yard” Public Service Day

AUWCL students gather across D.C. for
AUWCL students gather across D.C. for "In My Back Yard" Public Service Day.

August 21, 2018

On Monday, Aug. 20, American University Washington College of Law’s JD Orientation kicked off with the “In My Back Yard” (IMBY) Public Service Day.

For the annual event, 1L students, faculty, staff, and returning students come together to volunteer in local Washington, DC neighborhoods – allowing new students to get out, see the city and meet classmates, while returning students and staff reconnect with their community and meet new faces.

Students and staff participating in IMBY at Manna Food Center in D.C.
Students and staff participating in IMBY at Manna Food Center in D.C.

Addressing the volunteers at the opening reception, Dean Camille Nelson said IMBY gives AUWCL the opportunity to “put our public service-centered work ethic into action.”

“It reaffirms our vision that public service is an important part of professional lives, to which we are all committed,” Nelson said. 

IMBY is organized by AUWCL’s Office of Public Interest and its Public Interest/Public Service (PIPS) Scholars. Over 150 participants volunteered this year at various city and non-profit sites across DC, including Manna Food Center, Nourish Now, Girls on the Run DC, and Food & Friends. 

Rising 2L and PIPS scholar Nick Cross said IMBY is a reflection of what AUWCL is truly about.

Students and staff participating in IMBY at Nourish Now in D.C.
Students and staff participating in IMBY at Nourish Now in D.C.

“We want to expand the borders of our care, and be part of the positive work going on in DC,” Cross said.

IMBY participation is counted towards AUWCL's Pro Bono Honors Pledge Program. The program recognizes graduating students who have completed a minimum of 75 hours of pro bono legal assistance and community service.

“I’ve been participating in IMBY since its inception,” Professor Steve Wermiel said. “It’s a great way for WCL to show its commitment to the community, but also for students to learn about the community that they’re becoming a part of.”

For more photos of IMBY 2018, click here.

City and non-profit sites visited during IMBY 2018:

• Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

• Free Minds Book Club

• DC Central Kitchen

• Rock Creek Conservancy

• A Wider Circle: Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program   

• Anacostia Watershed

• Carpenter's Shelter        

• Food & Friends (food preparation)     

• Girls on the Run DC

• Nourish Now

• Anacostia Riverkeeper 

• Manna Food Center    

• Martha's Table

• So Others Might Eat    

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