This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation's initiative to realize equal access to justice for low-income Americans. While the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal counsel for criminal defendants who cannot afford a lawyer, this right does not extend to individuals involved in civil disputes. For example, 94% of civil rights cases and 86% of personal injury cases are brought by individuals who do not have a lawyer advocating on their behalf. 

Why is it important to have someone in your corner, whether in a courtroom, an educational environment, or your community? Have you ever helped a friend through a tough situation or relied on someone else's support to reach a goal or overcome an obstacle? Alternatively, have you ever been in or recognized a difficult situation where an advocate could have helped? Maybe this included fundraising for a team, running for a student government, standing up to a bully, or fighting for access to important resources like medical care.

Describe a time when you advocated for someone else, had someone else advocate for you, or believed an advocate could have helped resolve a difficult situation involving yourself or someone you know. How does your experience highlight why advocacy plays a vital role in creating a more just and equitable society?