Diversity Group
The National Association of Bond Lawyers established its Diversity Initiative to facilitate increased participation by culturally diverse individuals in NABL and its activities.
In 2006, the National Association of Bond Lawyers established its Diversity Initiative to facilitate increased participation by culturally diverse individuals in NABL and its activities. As an initial step, receptions have been held each year in connection with the Bond Attorneys' Workshop and the Fundamentals of Municipal Bond Law Seminar to generate awareness of the opportunities for participation in NABL activities and to provide networking opportunities for diverse individuals. In 2008, a Governmental Affairs summer internship for diverse law students was established by the Board of Directors. The law student selected each year is located in the Washington, DC office of NABL and works under the supervision of the Director of Governmental Affairs.
A high priority of the NABL Board of Directors and the Diversity Initiative over the past few years has been to identify diverse members of NABL interested in participating in the work of NABL committees, serving as panelists at the NABL seminars and teleconferences, and writing for NABL publications. These efforts have resulted in the increased involvement of diverse members in these activities and will continue to be a key element of the work of the Diversity Initiative. In 2010, the Diversity Initiative will be exploring a more formal process to connect diverse member volunteers with those seeking volunteers, such as committee and seminar chairs.
Another way for diverse members to get involved in NABL is to volunteer to assist in the work of the Diversity Initiative. Serena Sparks and Bonita Black are currently serving as the Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Diversity Initiative. Interested members are encouraged to contact Serena or Bonita by e-mail at serena.sparks@thesparksfirm.com or bblack@fbtlaw.com.
Members