MBA Past President Mark D Mason leads a discussion in a local classroom.

Conversations on Law and Liberty

Program gives a platform for attorneys and students to engage in discussions on complex legal and civics issues

In response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the "Conversations" program was developed by the American Bar Association and adapted by the MBA's Presidential Task Force on the preservation of rights, liberties and access to justice. The program engages students in discussions on complex legal and civics issues and topics related to terrorism and civil liberties.

Since its inception in 2002, the MBA has presented "Conversations" to more than 200 high schools and middle schools across the commonwealth. Previous topics have included: "Law and Liberty in Times of Crisis," "Brown v. Board of Education," "Unreasonable Search and Seizure," "Separation of Powers" and "Advice and Consent of the Senate."

MBA members are needed as facilitators in their home communities. As a volunteer, you will be matched with a local high school or middle school and provided with presentation materials, which will assist you in facilitating an interactive conversation with students on a pre-determined topic.

The "Conversations" program is offered intermittently and is initiated at the request of the association's president and officers. To find out if the program is currently in session, contact the Community Services Department at (617) 338-0695 or [e-mail communityservices].

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