The Importance of Generosity

By Shelagh Tallman, M.S, R.N.

Haveyouconsideredprobonowork? Letmeaskthis another way. Do you consider yourself a generous person? Because I believe that in our hearts, we know how important it is to share and give to others (and how good it makes us feel when we do). WhenIwasaskedtowriteanarticleontheimportance of generosity, I knew it would be a challenging task. After all, I know that many days I don't always succeed in living altruistically. However, at Parkside, our mission is to provide mental health and support services, and that also means cultivating a healthy mind through the practice of generosity. Don't take my word for it. A 2020 study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that those who volunteer for as little as two hours per week can substantially lower their risk of early death, become more physically active, and improve their sense of well-being compared with those who don't volunteer. And this study was not a fluke, as the findings were based on interviews and surveys from nearly 13,000 participants. With our world in constant panic and flux over the past few years, now might be a particular moment in history when society needs your pro bono services more than ever. While I'm not an attorney, I can imagine that law firm work can sometimes be monotonous, with hours of tedious research, motion writing, and endless phone calls. Consider pro bono work, which adds variety, inspiration, and an opportunity to get out from behind your desk. I'm sure it's also often a welcome break from the daily drill! Additionally, pro bono work will introduce you to important and worthwhile causes and issues. By participating in pro bono work, older attorneys can finesse their skills. In comparison, younger attorneys can develop them –with potential tasks ranging from client communication to strategizing, negotiating, legal writing, and courtroom work. It doesn't hurt that the "Gen Z" age group (born between 1997 and 2012) also places significant importance on social issues and giving back. (I can't think of a better way to engage the next generation of young attorneys, can you?) In my research on pro bono work, I also found one of the most significant pro bono projects in the history of American jurisprudence. Immediately following the events of September 11, 2001, the American Association for Justice (AAJ) called for a moratorium on any lawsuits related to the attacks and encouraged the enactment of a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. With the creation of the Fund, AAJ pledged that it would provide FREE legal representation for all 9/11 victim families. Lawyers from across the country participated in the program, which is truly an example of legal pro bono work at its best. Representing the victims of 9/11 was a massive and incredibly worthwhile undertaking, involving thousands of attorneys' time, talents, and expertise throughout the United States and Canada. Also, it proved to be a great example of how attorneys can effectively pool their resources and make a significant difference on a large scale. Think about the ways that you can get involved. From helping homeowners in foreclosure to working with the homeless, there are many opportunities to give back. For example, this year, regional law firm Conner and Winters announced they would donate 500 pro bono hours to aid Afghans who fled the Taliban takeover of their country with immigration needs. Yet, where to get started? I genuinely believe that the key to meaningful and successful community service and pro bono work is to find something you are personally interested in and make it your cause. I always consider the words of Lily Tomlin when she said, "I always wondered why someone doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody." Get involved and be that SOMEBODY. And, if you're looking for short-term events to give back, I highly encourage you to consider Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic. Aside from inpatient and outpatient treatment services, Parkside provides a food pantry and a patient assistance program for some of Tulsa's most vulnerable citizens. Consider hosting a food drive, donating financially, or volunteering for our 5k charity run on Saturday, October 8, 2022. (For more information, please see www.TulsaDogRun. com or contact Fundraising Director Derek Frazier. His contact info is below.). Remember, the act of giving back and a commitment toprobonoworkisanintegralandfulfillingpartofanycareer. Whether it's an individual effort, a small group of lawyers, or a concerted nationwide cause, I encourage you to get out there and make a difference!

SheelaghTallman, M.S., R.N., is the Director of Nursing at Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic in Tulsa, OK. She has been a Parkside associate since 2017. If you would like to support Parkside's food pantry & patient assistance program through a food drive or financial donation, please contact Fundraising Director Derek Frazier at (918) 586-4251 or dafrazier@ parksideinc.org.

Serving the community since 1959, Parkside's mission is to provide outstanding mental health and support services. Parkside is a not-for-profit psychiatric hospital and outpatient clinic that has helpedthosecopingwithmentalhealthandsubstance abuse problems. Parkside's Assessment and Referral service is now located at 1239 S. Trenton Ave. and can be reached 24 hours daily at (918) 588-8888. For more information, visit www.parksideinc.org.