The Syracuse Public Interest Network (SPIN) will host its 22nd annual Public Interest Auction on Friday, Nov. 7, at the College of Law’s Dineen Hall. The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes both silent and live auctions for items such as comedy show tickets, hockey tickets, ski passes, wine, gift certificates, hotel stays and more. Proceeds from the auction help to support law students who are pursuing careers in public interest work that benefit children, victims of domestic violence, immigrants, refugees and the homeless. Public interest work also benefits a number of causes, including environmental protection, social justice, civil liberties and the Cold Case Justice Initiative.
Many public interest organizations are faced with an overwhelming caseload. They are in need of help but are unable to offer a level of compensation that would make them competitive with private firms to prospective employees. Adding to this problem is the fact that many students are unable to accept unpaid summer internships. Without the financial support of fellowships provided by SPIN, the majority of students wanting to work in the public interest area would not be able to work in these vitally important positions during summer breaks.
“I had the privilege to work at the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County, Inc., in Syracuse over the summer. I would not have been able to take part in this amazing internship without the financial support from the SPIN Fellowship,” says Kristin Warner, who is a juris doctor candidate for 2016. “The funding helped cover my cost of living while allowing me the privilege to help some underserved populations here in Syracuse.”
Last year the SPIN auction raised nearly $36,000, which helped provide 14 students with fellowships. The SPIN fellows worked in legal service organizations, government offices and nonprofit legal organizations in the Syracuse area and nationwide.
The majority of SPIN’s funding for fellowships is raised at the annual SPIN Public Interest Auction. For more information, to donate items or to attend the event, e-mail SPIN@law.syr.edu or visit the SPIN website at http://www.law.syr.edu/spin.
