ALSC is excited to honor Walter Featherly as our August Volunteer of the Month! Walter is a long-time, committed volunteer who goes above and beyond in his dedicated advocacy on behalf of our clients and community. Walter not only volunteers his time, he actively encourages his associates to take pro bono cases to further ALSC’s reach across Alaska. Read on for our interview with Walter below:

Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?

Duty.  Privilege.  Community.  As an attorney, it is my duty to assist those lacking the means to do so to have access to justice.  Being privileged by education, membership in the Alaska Bar, and good fortune, it is a privilege to “pass some of that forward.”  ALSC and the clients it serves are a part of my community – Alaska; the work of ALSC makes Alaska a better community, so volunteering for ALSC is volunteering for myself and my family.

What are some of your experiences at ALSC that have made a positive difference in the lives of others and/or the community?

Assisting Alaska Native individuals who reside in their cultural communities is at the top of my list.  There are so many forces and factors that push rural residents away from their cultural communities, and among them are the barriers and hurdles to accessing the legal system.  ALSC delivers legal resources to people where they reside, making it easier for them to continue to live in their cultural homelands.

How do you think your experiences with ALSC will benefit you in the future?

We are only as fortunate as the least fortunate among us.  In addition to offering our time, we all must work to ensure that ALSC has the financial resources to continue and extend its mission.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Although I am an adopted son of Alaska, I had the privilege of coming to Alaska as a child and the further privilege of residing in Kwethluk and Akiachak in the late 1960’s.  Those experiences, especially what I learned from the Yupik residents there, have stayed with me ever since.