WHAT IS GABWA?

GABWA spearheads several programs to assist women and children. Historically, one of GABWA’s most popular projects has been the “AIM Back to School Blowout.” Each year, GABWA contributes school supplies to children of incarcerated mothers. GABWA members fill book bags with age-appropriate school supplies and present them to the children at a party hosted in conjunction with Forever Family, Inc. Another popular GABWA project is the annual Martin
Luther King Breakfast during which GABWA members prepare a full, hot breakfast for residents of local shelters for women
and children. More recently, GABWA, in conjunction with the Restorative Justice Center of the Atlanta Municipal Court, has
sponsored a Health and Wellness Expo to educate the community about medical conditions that disparately impact African
Americans.

GABWA also encourages and supports its members in their efforts to attain judicial and public offices. Our members serve at all levels of the judiciary, and in city, county, state, and federal government. During years in which local elections are held, GABWA sponsors debates and other political fora to educate the public about the candidates. GABWA’s presence also is felt in Atlanta’s communities through its neighborhood cleanup and voter registration efforts.

GABWA, with the assistance of Clark Atlanta University’s Instructional Media Center, also produces a television show called,
“Legally Speaking,” which provides general information and education on a broad range of legal topics to the community.
Members also support law students through resume and interviewing workshops and an annual Blue Jeans Brunch that introduces law students to the organization’s leaders and members. In addition, GABWA hosts periodic book club meetings, an annual fashion show, and an annual holiday party. GABWA is the proud recipient of numerous awards from the State Bar of Georgia and other organizations that have recognized GABWA’s service, its monthly newsletter, and its achievements as a statewide bar association. Most recently, on June 6, 2008, the State Bar recognized GABWA’s outstanding work and contributions to the legal community yet again by bestowing upon it three local bar awards. GABWA received The Award of Merit, The Newsletter Award and The President’s Cup. The President’s Cup is the most prestigious award bestowed upon local bar associations by the State Bar of Georgia.

In April 2008, based on the vision of GABWA Foundation Director Samuel S. Woodhouse, GABWA began its own Professional Development Academy. The Academy is an intensive, four-week professional development school that prepares young attorneys (five years or less of practice) and law students for a successful career that includes leadership and service. Students met twice per week for two hours and were exposed to top leaders in the legal profession as well as other professions. In Spring 2008, the inaugural class of sixteen students completed the training offered by the Academy. The next session of the GABWA Professional Development Academy will commence in Fall 2008.

GABWA’s 2008 theme is, “Women of GABWA: Balancing our Lives to Empower our Future.” General Body Meetings are held
on the third Thursday of every month and focus on health and wellness, financial empowerment and other important topics relevant to balance and empowerment. Our “Fifth Thursday Lunch Series” highlights topics regarding professional development such as excelling in the workplace, effective networking and other topics relevant to our membership.