BKL Public Interest/Human Rights Activist Award
1. Objective
To honor the work and achievement of an individual or an organization that contributed to improving our society and protecting human rights through active participation in public interest and human rights activities.
2. Judging Process
Award candidates are nominated by external legal experts, representatives of law-related organizations and councils, universities, public organizations, NGOs, human rights groups and other relevant individuals. After nomination and an impartial evaluation by a judging committee composed of outside personnel (law professors, representatives of human rights groups, legal experts, women, BKL members etc.), a winner is selected.
3. Award Winner History
Scholarship
Dongcheon Foundation works towards on cultivating talents by granting scholarships to
vulnerable social groups or future public interest lawyers.
1. Public Interest Lawyers Scholarship
We support the growth of future public interest lawyers by granting scholarships to law school students with character and ability, and strong will to participate in human rights sector.
2. Scholarships and Mentorships for Refugees, Disabled People, North Korean Defectors, Multicultural Households, and Children of Migrant Workers
We provide scholarships and mentorships for economically vulnerable groups and social minorities including their children to support their living and study.
Public Interest Human Rights Organization Sponsorship
Dongcheon foundation is striving to provide various support for non-profit organizations including legal and financial support hoping to grow with many different types of NPOs such as public interest corporations, public interest organizations, social economy organizations, etc.
1. Nonprofit Organizations Networking
In order to solve various social issues for the protection of the rights of the socially disadvantaged and minorities, we have signed a business agreement with non-profit organizations, and we are striving to strengthen the capacity of non-profit organizations through legal support and Social Economy Accelerating Program.
2. Supports Business of Public Interest Corporations and Organizations
Dongcheon Foundation provides financial supports for public interest corporations and public interest organizations to help them grow.
3. Public Human rights Organizations Supports
Dongcheon Foundation provides financial aid and legal advice to support organizations’ programs. (We have supported 71 organizations since 2011)
Public interest lawyer training
1. Fellowship project
BKL-Dongcheon Foundation Fellowship Program is the first public interest lawyer training program in Korea that has been implemented to systematically nurture public interest lawyers. Dongcheon Foundation establishes a ‘BKL-Dongcheon Foundation Fellowship Fund’ and hands the fund over to Dongcheon Foundation Fellows. Foundation Fellows, as members of the Dongcheon Foundation, participate in various public interest activities such as pro bono legal support, legislation, and networking. Through such activities, they cultivate basic qualifications as a lawyer and build up expertise as a public interest lawyer. We expanded this program to non-capital regions for activating local Public interest legal aid.
2. Public interest activities for future lawyers
We provide opportunities for future lawyers to take part in mock trials or Public Interest Human Rights Activity Program Competition. Through such programs, they can experience various public interest activities indirectly and motivate themselves to participate in those activities. We expect these programs to help students grow into lawyers with passion and ability to work in the public interest sector.
3. ProBono Assistant(PA)
Dongcheon recruits Pro Bono Assistant (PA) to provide college students opportunities to understand and experience public interest sector by participating pro bono activities with lawyers of Dongcheon and BKL
BKL Volunteer activities
BKL, in cooperation with Dongcheon Foundation, participates in various social contributions such as volunteer activities and donations.
BKL wishes to develop its working environment to become a healthy, warm and proud one, where people not only fulfill one’s dream or keep means of living but also share visions for the public interest.
1. Volunteer Club DasomNamu
BKL volunteer club DasomNamu actively participates in volunteering works such as supporting facilities for single mothers, volunteering at children’s facilities, and delivering briquette.
2. Volunteer Assistance and Legal Consulting for Vulnerable social groups
In order to support vulnerable social groups, Dongcheon Foundation regularly participates in volunteering work such as distributing meals, making bread, planting trees, as well as providing free legal consultation for immigrants, homeless people, and the youth.
3. The Charity Concert, Bazaar, and Exhibition
In order to raise interest in public interest activities and spread donation culture, Dongcheon Foundation holds Charity Concert, Bazaar, Online Charity Auction, and Exhibition. We raise funds through the event at the end of the year and donate to socially disadvantaged people and public interest organizations.
4. Donation Box of Love
Members of BKL give economic support to disadvantaged people and public interest organizations by donating to the Donation Box throughout the year.
