For 19+ years, ILAO has simplified the law so people can seek justice and resolve their problems. We connect people to information, lawyers, solutions, and each other, so they can make informed decisions and take action when needed. We believe the law can help people find justice and solve their problems. Our vision is a just society where all people can live safe, secure and equal lives.
YOUR CONNECTIONS
As a member of the Connectors’ Circle, you recognize the importance of networks and relationships, especially when help is needed. As an ILAO connector, you will make a long-term impact in ensuring that people have access to the legal help they need 24/7/365. ILAO connects people to information, lawyers, solutions, and each other, so everyone can find the best resolution to their problems. You and other members of the Connectors’ Circle will enable us to meet the increasing demand for ILAO’s current, free services and to innovate the law with new solutions. You will help us respond to the needs of lower-income and other vulnerable people in an accessible way, using the tools they have available.
HOW IT HAPPENS
Each week, ILAO’s small but-mighty team works diligently to ensure that ILAO’s free legal tools are accurate, readable, usable and findable. We constantly monitor, evaluate and adjust our products and services with the ultimate goal of making justice real. Daily, we sustain our tools to be relevant and accurate, and iterate improvements to them, based on testing. We leverage both the latest technology innovation, to be a reliable source of help, and boots-on-the-ground activities, to forge awareness and strategic partnerships.
YOUR IMPACT
The demand for ILAO’s services is growing. Between 2018 and 2019, traffic to our website increased more than 25%. ILAO’s use of technology makes our services both efficient and effective; we serve 4 people for the cost of a daily cup of coffee ($3), more than half of whom access our services after business hours or on weekends. While technology helps us better serve more people, it is rapidly evolving. In another 5 years, the rate of technological change will be 32 times greater than it is now. ILAO must evolve with it, to continue to simplify the law in impactful, innovative ways. ILAO’s team has big ideas to affect positive change in the lives of vulnerable people in our communities. We need the capacity to act on those ideas in a responsive way. While our current capacity for experimentation is limited, our goal is to stimulate progress to better serve tomorrow. You can help us implement our ideas into life improvements for people in need.
YOUR SUPPORT GOES A LONG WAY
ILAO is a small organization with a BIG impact. Every dollar you give to ILAO has an enormous effect. For less than one dollar, we provide someone seeking help with an actionable answer about their civil legal issue. Each visit to IllinoisLegalAid.org—totaling more than 2.5 million in 2018—costs less than 70 cents.
YOUR BENEFITS
Your investment powers our work and comes with benefits. As a member of the Connectors’ Circle, you will learn about the people you help and the impact you make. You will be invited to network in meaningful ways with peers and colleagues who share your passion for ILAO and the way it connects our communities, neighbors, and friends. Benefits and recognition will increase based on the membership level and will revolve around keeping you connected to the work you impact, increasing the value of our work, and continuing meaningful relationships.
Dear Friends,
As the past Executive Director of Illinois Legal Aid Online, I am extremely proud of the growth and success we achieved over the past 17 years. Today ILAO serves more than 2 million people a year, with a demand that grows each month. We are launching the Connectors’ Circle to build upon ILAO’s core value of connecting people to the help they need.
By joining this inclusive group, you provide hope to Illinois’ most vulnerable residents at a time when they need it most, including people facing abuse, eviction, loss of wages and employment. Your support empowers domestic violence victims to seek protective orders, gives single moms the tools they need to stay in their homes during wrongful evictions, and equips people wrongfully terminated because of a disability with the ability to fight for their rights.
Please give hope to thousands of people each day by joining me in becoming a member of the Connectors’ Circle. As the demand for access to a fair legal system increases, together, we will provide critical services to those who need them most.
Warm regards,
LISA COLPOYS
Connectors’ Circle Co-Chair
"I believe Illinois Legal Aid Online is the most important legal aid organization in the Midwest. ILAO’s impact is reflected in both the volume of people they help and the individual gratitude of the people they help. Where else can you give $2500 and know you’ve just helped 3300+ of your Illinois neighbors resolve their legal issues? I am grateful to have been a part of ILAO for so many years and I encourage you to get involved today."
JOHN CASHMAN, President
Major, Lindsey & Africa