Write or Talk About the Law Day Theme

The Law Day theme, offers opportunities for dialogue, learning, and sharing across a variety of audiences. In our modern and virtual world, when so many of us can record our thoughts from a smartphone, it is easier than ever to express yourself. Join a national virtual conversation about advancing the rule of law now by submitting your perspectives on what the Law Day theme means to you. Whether you hThe Law Day theme offers opportunities for dialogue, learning, and sharing across a variety of audiences. In our modern and virtual world, when so many of us can publish a blog, make a meme, and record our thoughts from a smartphone, it is easier than ever to express yourself. Join a national virtual conversation by submitting your perspectives on what the Law Day theme means to you. Whether you have an idea for a short essay, video, song, poem, or hope to have a heartfelt conversation with family, friends, or colleagues, it is all welcome this Law Day.

Need an Essay, Reflection, or Conversation Prompt?

In your view, what are the “cornerstones of American Democracy?” Are they, indeed, civics, civility, and collaboration?
Why is it important that our Constitution can be changed? In your opinion, when in our nation’s history has constitutional change been most critical?
How can individual citizens use their voices to fulfill the promise of the Constitution?
Where does power reside within our constitutional democracy?
What does that phrase, “a more perfect Union,” mean to you? What do you think it has meant to our nation?
What do you think about when you hear “rule of law?”
How have civics, civility, or collaboration shaped your community? How might they help shape your community in the future?
Is there someone who you admire as an upholder of the rule of law?
How does being a lawyer allow you to protect individual rights in your community?
What inspired you to pursue a legal career?

How to Use Prompts

Write a short essay response.
Create a video response.
Have a conversation with a friend about a question in a prompt.
Create a poem, song, or art in response to a prompt.
Use prompts to conduct interviews with legal professionals in your community.
Make a social media post incorporating your response.

Share your Perspectives:

Your reflection or conversation could be featured at www.lawday.org, or on #lawday-related social media. Simply submit your reflection or conversation to lawday@americanbar.org, complete the requisite release form, and you’re done.

How to participate:

1. Make a plan.

Plan what you’re going to talk about, how, and any conversation partners.

2. Figure out the technical aspects.

Figure out how you will conduct and record your conversation. Use videoconferencing, StoryCorps, TikTok, video on your phone. Plan a quiet place and time for the reflection or conversation recording.

3. Plot your reflection or conversation.

Think about what you will say, if recording a reflection. Figure out questions ahead of time for a conversation. Feel free to use any example questions to prompt or spur discussion.

Identify priorities, think in terms of stories and vivid examples. Reflections and conversations may be as short or long as desired, but an ideal range is 1-5 minutes for reflections, and 15-40 minutes for conversations.

4. Record the reflection or conversation.

Make sure everyone understands that you’re recording the conversation as part of a national conversation for Law Day. Speak clearly and directly and follow your plan. Relax and be yourself. Allow everyone involved time to answer questions.

5. Process and share the recording.

If your recording requires an edit, do that. Ensure that the recording is clear and recorded as planned. Name the recording file with your name and something you will remember, like “Law Day conversation.” (If you’re using StoryCorps, they ask for photo, names, and keywords. Use keywords LawDay and ruleoflaw in addition to any others you identify.)

Email the recording and to lawday@americanbar.org. Or use #LawDay to tag it on social media. Remember to complete a release form to give permission to the American Bar Association to use your recording.