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) was developed to address this issue. The JOP 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 the judges feedback 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 be able to 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 in your networks are interested in this initiative, we encourage you to become a volunteer observer. If there are questions about the program or what it was like to volunteer contact Wendy Hou, Wendy_Hou@urmc.rochester.edu by 9/9/22. Attached is the Volunteer application.

https://letsendhomelessness.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/31/Judicial-Observation-Project-Application-August-2022.docx