Research from the National Alliance on Mental Health has shown that volunteering offers mental health benefits. Here at We The Action, we have witnessed this impact in conversations with our volunteers who often report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation after completing a project. In celebration of Mental Health Month, which ended a few days ago, and of the mental health benefits that volunteering can bring to all of us, we’re proud to give the next Amicus Mundi Award to a lawyer who provided outstanding service to Deep Water Soul Care, an amazing nonprofit that positively impacts the mental health of individuals who have experienced trauma.
We hope the profile below inspires you to sign up for one of our 100+ active volunteer projects.
Congratulations, Jothi Ravindran!
A service centered life: Three weeks after 9/11, Jothi Ravindran started her career as a corporate lawyer in Boston. “I came home from my post-bar trip and the world was melting around me.” Jothi’s Jesuit education inspired her to look for ways to help.
“If someone asks me to do a service project, I truthfully typically say yes, which is probably how I ended up with two rescue dogs,” says Jothi. “Volunteering provides an opportunity to provide legal work that I don’t get to do in my day to day job.”
Through We The Action, Jothi found a way to connect her passion for trademark work to service. “I feel like people don’t really appreciate trademark work and you don’t often see trademark volunteer projects. The We The Action platform made it easy. It’s great to have targeted projects that find you.”
The project: Nathan Cooley founded Deep Water Soul Care to provide safe, healing experiences in nature. The nonprofit combines Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with professionally guided outdoor adventure trips to help people find relief from trauma.
When Nathan started the process to trademark their name and logo, the work became time consuming and expensive.
“Every dollar counts in a small nonprofit. Finding a volunteer lawyer was insanely valuable,” says Nathan. “[The money saved will] keep our fees low for our target audience, so this is accessible to everyone.”
“A great experience”: The sense of meaning and appreciation, critical to the mental health benefits of volunteering, was felt by both parties.
“The project was great, right in my wheelhouse. I got to meet an organization I didn’t have experience with and I was able to learn about something new,” says Jothi.
“Right off the bat there was a lot of connection and laughter. She heard me and was able to provide a solution that fit our organization. Overall, it was incredible, easy and fun. A great experience,” says Nathan.
The impact of having their trademark in place will be felt for years to come. “Jothi’s recommendations saved us thousands of dollars.” In addition to time and money saved, the organization will now be able to receive corporate sponsorship.
You don't have to take our word for it: Jothi shares We The Action’s passion for volunteerism and offers great advice for lawyers thinking about volunteering for the first time.
“Volunteering is an opportunity to hone new skills. It can be fulfilling and it’s not all-consuming. If you have the time and energy, these clients will be thrilled for any contribution.”
If you’re inspired and you love trademarks as much as Jothi, here’s a project for you!
On behalf of 42,000+ volunteer lawyers:
Thank you, Jothi!
We The Action turns five next month! Help us celebrate this anniversary by signing up for one of our 100+ active volunteer projects.