Volunteer Court Observers Needed for the Judicial Observation Project

The United Christian Leadership Ministry and the 7th Judicial District are working collaboratively to overcome implicit bias in the New York State Court System. The Judicial Observation Project (JOP), developed to address this issue, can contribute to a fairer and more just judicial system by providing judges with constructive feedback on implicit biases. JOP volunteers will observe court proceedings and later provide feedback to judges in a group setting. To be prepared as observers, volunteers will be trained in court procedures, how to recognize implicit biases, and dialogue processes. 

The JOP is inclusive and will consider all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, economic status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, military status, prior criminal record, gender identity or expression. The JOP is a time-intensive commitment. Volunteers must participate in 30 hours of in-person and self-paced training and group discussions over a six-week period. Thereafter, volunteers will participate in at least 10 hours of judicial observations in the first two months of 2023. 

If you or anyone else in your networks are interested in this initiative, we encourage you to become a JOP volunteer observer. Download the application then submit it on or before 09/09/22. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Wendy Hou at UCLMJOPproject@gmail.com.