Q: What is the Servant Heart Award Program?

A: The Servant Heart Award Program recognizes and incentivizes pro bono and community service work among Southern Region Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA) members through awards, scholarships, and public recognition for outstanding service contributions.

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Q: When does the tracking period begin and end?

A: The tracking period runs from August 2025 through January 15, 2026, when the submission form will close.

 

Q: Who is eligible to participate?

A: All current BLSA members in good standing within the Southern Region are eligible to participate.

 

Q: How do I submit my service hours?

A: Submit your hours through the designated Google Form by the 5th of each month for the previous month's service. The final deadline for all submissions is January 15, 2026.

 

Q: What documentation do I need to provide with my submission?

A: You must upload verification of your service hours, such as your official pro bono log from your school, signed time sheets, or official correspondence confirming your service.

 

Q: Can I submit hours retroactively if I miss a monthly deadline?

A: Yes, you can include previous months' hours in your current submission, but we encourage monthly submissions to maintain accurate tracking and recognition.

 

Q: What if my school doesn't have an official tracking system?

A: You can contact Liz Kufour, Director of Community Service, so she can better understand your school’s prices for pro bono hours tracking and find a solution for your entire chapter.

 

Q: What types of service qualify for the Servant Heart Award?

A: Qualifying service includes pro bono legal work, community service, volunteer activities, and other unpaid service that benefits the community. This can include legal research, direct client services, community legal education, and policy work.

 

Q: Does paid legal work or externships for credit count?

A: No, paid positions and required externships for academic credit do not qualify. The program recognizes voluntary service only. Externships and other work for academic credit qualifies once the minimum hours required for the course have been met.

 

Q: Can I count BLSA leadership positions as service hours?

A: General BLSA leadership duties do not count toward the Servant Heart Award. However, specific community service projects organized through BLSA may qualify.

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Q: Do travel hours to and from service sites count?

A: No, only actual service hours should be reported.

 

Q: How many winners will there be?

A: There will be one individual winner from each of the four regions receiving a $500 scholarship, plus one chapter receiving the $500 Chapter Excellence Award. Additional recognition includes individual runner-ups and regional awards, including Chapter Excellence Award and the Highest Average Hours Per Member Award.

 

Q: How is the Chapter Excellence Award calculated?

A: The Chapter Excellence Award goes to the chapter with the highest cumulative verified service hours during the tracking period.

 

Q: How is the Highest Average Hours Per Member Award calculated?

A: This award is calculated by dividing a chapter's total verified service hours by the number of active NBLSA chapter members, with a minimum threshold of 10 hours per member required to qualify.

 

Q: When and how will winners be announced?

A: Winners will be announced and honored at the SRBLSA Regional Convention (January 28-February 1, 2026, in Birmingham).

 

Q: What if I experience technical difficulties with the submission form?

A: Contact srblsa.service@nblsa.org for assistance with technical issues.

 

Q: Can I edit my submission after it's been submitted?

A: No, submissions cannot be edited after they've been submitted. Please ensure all information is accurate before submitting. Email Liz Kufour at srblsa.service@nblsa.org if you need to update anything.
 

Q: Is there a limit to how many hours I can submit per month?

A: There is no cap on monthly hours, but all submissions must be verifiable with appropriate documentation.

 

Q: What happens if my verification document is rejected?

A: You will be notified if your verification is insufficient, and you'll have the opportunity to provide alternative documentation within 7 days.

 

Q: What resources are available for chapter community service coordinators?

A: Chapter coordinators will receive an information packet, continuous updates on standing, and have access to the regional Community Service Director for questions and guidance.

 

Q: How can our chapter improve our chances of winning the Chapter Excellence Award?

A: Focus on increasing both the number of members participating and the depth of their involvement. Create regular service opportunities, track participation consistently, and ensure all hours are properly documented and submitted.

 

Q: Do we need to do anything as a Chapter to opt-in to the Chapter Excellence Award?

A: For the Chapter Excellence Award, this is calculated based on the number of hours chapter members submit. The local chapters are not required to submit a total number of hours for consideration, but should instead encourage members to submit their individual hours to increase chances of winning.

 

Q: Who should I contact with additional questions?

A: Direct all questions to your regional Director of Community Service at srblsa.service@nblsa.org.