Planning & Training Overview

Organizing a veterans' legal clinic involves coordination across multiple areas: choosing your clinic model, developing a timeline, recruiting participants and volunteers, and managing logistics. This guide walks you through each step of the planning process, from your initial decision to hold a clinic through the week before your event. 

Recruiting Veterans

Getting veterans to attend your clinic is key in organizing a successful event. Effective outreach requires starting early, using multiple communication channels, and building relationships with trusted community partners who can champion your clinic. 

Start Early and Use Multiple Channels

Begin marketing three months before your event. Post physical flyers at VA facilities and community locations, especially in rural areas where internet access may be limited. Create a Facebook event page and use "save-the-date" messaging if details aren't finalized. Make direct phone calls to contacts - don't rely on email alone. 

Find Your Champions

Success often depends on finding the right champion - someone at a VA facility or in the community who truly cares about the clinic and actively promotes it. Champions might be VA staff, Veterans Service Officers, community organization leaders, or in rural areas, social services staff, librarians, or other trusted local figures. The champion varies by community - identify who the trusted gatekeepers are.  

Build Community Partnerships

In areas where you can't have regular physical presence, community partnerships are essential for building trust and awareness. Partner with VA facilities, Veterans Services Organizations, social services agencies, libraries, faith-based organizations, and local bar associations. These partners help you reach veterans who might not know about legal aid services. 

Use Plain, Accessible Language

Avoid legal jargon in marketing materials. Use simpler terms when possible (for example, "remote" instead of "virtual"). Clearly state what types of legal issues you can help with and what veterans should expect from attending. 

Logistics by Clinic Type

The logistics you need to manage depend on whether you're running an in-person, virtual, or hybrid clinic. Some considerations apply across all formats, while others are specific to your clinic model.