Seattle University Youth Initiative
The School of Law is committed to joining with our university community in engaging in the Youth Initiative.
What is the Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI)?
The Seattle University Youth Initiative is a long-term commitment by Seattle University faculty, staff and students from all disciplines to join with parents, the Seattle School District, the City of Seattle, foundations, faith communities and more than 30 community organizations to help children of Seattle succeed in school and life.
Our goals for our engagement include:
- Meet actual community needs that we are capable of meeting, while giving students, faculty, staff, and alumni an opportunity to serve;
- Building upon partnerships we already have with community organizations;
- Provide leadership development opportunities for law students; and
- Provide opportunities for law students to learn about inclusion, diversity and cross-difference competence.
Overarching our goals is a priority of initially establishing a relationship with the community. To appropriately and effectively engage our community, we need to build trust which may not initially involve legal-related activities. People do not often realize they have a legal problem or have legal rights unless they are in relationship with someone who can help them identify legal issues and when/how to get assistance, or until they are faced with a dire situation like eviction or bankruptcy.
How can I get involved with SUYI?
- Volunteer for a program, participate in a clinic, or join the advisory board
- Some ways that the law school is currently participating in the Seattle University Youth Initiative include:
Afterschool Chess Club at Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
