As a public interest conference, SPINLAW works toward the betterment of the community and its members. Further, each year the conference runs on the generous support of local individuals and organizations. Therefore, the SPINLAW Committee feels it is important to make a charitable donation in order to give back to the community the conference relies upon - in every sense. This year SPINLAW will be donating $500 on behalf of our panelists, which will be evenly divided between two outstanding charitable organizations: Reach and Partners in Health (for Haiti relief). Please see below for more information about these charities and the important work they undertake.

 Reach is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to educating and informing persons with disabilities, lawyers, care givers and the general public about the rights and interests of persons with disabilities. They are also committed to ensuring that people with disabilities are provided with quality legal and social representation, and provide lawyer referralsIn 2006, Reach Canada began a project entitled “Equality in Practice”. It involves initiatives and products to inspire law professionals and Canadians with disabilities and their organizations to work together to achieve a greater measure of equality and Justice in Canada’s legal system.
www.reach.ca

Partners in Health is a Haiti-based organization that has been working on the ground for more than 20 years. Started by Dr. Paul Farmer, PIH aims to improve quality of life through comprehensive health care to the poor and more vulnerable. Through the dedication of Dr. Farmer, PIH has tackled unpopular medical challenges, including multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. The recent earthquake in Haiti destroyed many of the hospitals built by PIH, and staff are currently working to provide emergency and long-term health services to the devastated island.
http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti