Volunteer FAQ

What is Community Economic Development?

Community economic development addresses the root causes of poverty by creating and sustaining meaningful economic resources in low-income communities. These organizations typically engage in the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing, emergency shelter, transitional and supportive living facilities.  They often develop neighborhood commercial districts and operate job training programs.  They also collaborate with other groups and local government to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.  They work with local law enforcement to pursue crime prevention initiatives, such as community policing.  They work with schools and parent-teacher organizations to provide opportunities to youth through recreation, tutoring and mentoring.  They organize weatherization, neighborhood cleanup and beautification projects.  They reach out and care for the needs of the homeless, provide substance abuse programs, social services and a host of other activities.  These groups have a tremendous impact on our community and they accomplishments make Indianapolis a better place for all of its citizens.

What type of legal assistance do these community organizations need? 

Community organizations frequently need advice related to the matters listed below.  In addition to legal assistance for specific matters, these organizations derive great benefit from working closely with an attorney who becomes familiar with their business and operations.

• Articles of incorporation and corporate bylaws
• Applying for and maintaining federal and state tax-exempt status
• Corporate governance and Directors duties and responsibilities
• Collaborations among organizations on projects or programs
• Contracts, grant agreements and memoranda of understanding
• Employment matters
• Policies and Procedures
• Real estate sales, acquisitions and leasing
• Zoning and land use matters
• Administrative matters
• Tax matters

Why become a volunteer attorney?
The availability of legal services can determine the success or failure of a community organization’s neighborhood program or revitalization project.  CDLC offers the opportunity for attorneys who practice in transactional areas of the law to perform meaningful pro bono work. It also provides attorneys with the opportunity to assume leadership positions in civic activities and corporate transactional legal matters.  

How does CDLC support its volunteer attorneys?
CDLC staff attorneys screen prospective clients to identify their legal issues and to ensure that the clients are prepared to work productively with volunteer attorneys.  CDLC staff is available to provide volunteer attorneys with assistance that they need to serve their pro bono clients.  CDLC frequently saves time for volunteer attorneys by obtaining client documents or by providing forms for various transactions.   

How do I get involved?
You may contact Sheila Jenkins at sjenkins@colap.org or call (317) 921-8806, extension 26 to discuss volunteering for CDLC.  You may also look through the Projects for Volunteer Attorneys on this website to see if any of them attract your interest.  We have included a Volunteer Attorney Form for your convenience.  Just complete it and send it to CDLC.