VCLF: The Constitution and Me - Inspiring the Next Generation

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Valley Community Legal Foundation

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From the Valley Community Legal Foundation

The Constitution and Me is back this fall! The Valley Community Legal Foundation (VCLF) — the charitable arm of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association (SFVBA) — is looking for volunteers to join us in bringing this exciting and impactful program to local high schools.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, shape young minds, and serve as a role model in the legal community — we’d love to have you on board. Volunteer opportunities require only a small-time commitment but make a big impact.

About the Program

Launched in 2019, The Constitution and Me brings focused legal discussions into high school classrooms, encouraging students to:

• Strengthen critical thinking and debate skills
• Explore civic responsibility and constitutional principles
• Engage with real-world legal issues
• Connect with lawyers and judges who serve as positive role models

Each year, the program’s steering committee creates a new prompt tackling a timely constitutional issue — past topics have included free speech, cyberbullying, and other current legal questions.

Students collaborate with teachers to research the topic, analyze real Supreme Court case summaries, and prepare arguments. Guided by volunteer attorneys and judges, they take on roles as lawyers, justices, or litigants in a Supreme Court–style moot court that caps off the program.

Afterward, students can enter the Constitution and Me Essay Contest, writing about the same issue for a chance to earn scholarships and recognition.

How You Can Get Involved

If you have a few hours to spare this fall, you can:

• Join a volunteer team of lawyers and judges leading classroom discussions
• Serve on the essay committee, helping review student submissions and award scholarships

To volunteer, please email VCLF President Matthew Breddan at mbreddan@reaperickett.com.

More Ways to Make a Difference

There are plenty of ways to get involved beyond The Constitution and Me!
VCLF is also seeking volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors — a diverse group of attorneys, judicial officers, and community leaders who oversee our programs and develop new initiatives and fundraising opportunities.

Interested? Reach out to Matthew Breddan at mbreddan@reaperickett.com.

Support the Cause

You can also sponsor The Constitution and Me or donate to our scholarship fund. Your contributions help cover program materials and expand our outreach to more schools.

Sponsorships start at just $25, and every amount makes a difference!
To donate, visit TheVCLF.org or mail a check directly to VCLF.

Donors enjoy:

• Tax benefits
• Recognition on the VCLF Facebook page
• And most importantly the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping young people discover the power of justice and the law.

Renew, Support, and Give Back

As you renew your SFVBA dues, please remember to include a contribution to the VCLF. Your generosity allows us to continue creating programs that educate, inspire, and strengthen our community.

Thank you for helping us do good and for investing in the future of justice.