iConnect concluded last Monday to much success. The event saw four speakers from Reprieve, KCL Amnesty, London Legal Support Trust and Disability Action introduce themselves, and addressed concerns that students may have had prior to volunteering for the event. Held at the Old Anatomy Lecture Theatre, the event rounded off with a small Q and A session for students to speak to their representative of choice to address further concerns.
Ed Gillet led the session by representing Reprieve; he went through a series of recent incidents that occurred in America that Reprieve helped to assist. These cases shocked the audience with stories of inhumane treatment and a lack of fair trial in their judicial procedure. He then went on to outline the “legal ninjas’” strategy to litigate and educate the public, and highlighted their key areas of interest such as the death penalty and abuses in Counter-Terrorism.
He was followed by Helin Laufer representing KCL Amnesty. Her interactive presentation gave a brief overview of their longstanding parent organisation and the sheer amount of cases they have undertaken from their inception; a staggering 47,000 as of the year 2000.
Natalia Rymazewska represented the London Legal Support Trust (LLST) next, and showcased the strength of their organisation. With the backing of the present Lord Chief Justice, they highlighted their flagship event, the London Legal Walk, along with a variety of new activities for the next year, among them being a fashion show.
The session was wrapped up by the Disability Action student presentation represented by Daniel Wrapson. The organisation chiefly advises people on the rights that they are entitled to.
The Q and A session dispelled any further concerns students had about volunteering, and ended with the main reason why they got into volunteering in the first place; to make a difference for something they feel passionate about, and waking up every morning knowing they made a difference to someone somewhere.
Chris Foo
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