Canadian Forum on Civil Justice launches the Access to Justice Research Network
Nicole Alywin, Lisa MooreWednesday, April 29, 2015
The CFCJ is pleased to announce the launch of the national Access to Justice Research Network (AJRN), an interactive and participatory online network of access to justice researchers in Canada. Coordinated by the CFCJ and supported by a generous grant from the Law Foundation of BC/Legal Services Society Research Fund, the AJRN creates a vibrant space for discussion, collaboration, and coordination of research related to access to justice (A2J).
Combining a listserv and website, the AJRN allows users to easily exchange resources, including scholarly articles, key research findings, case commentaries, best practices, policy reports, etc., while also creating an active online space for discussion and debate on A2J issues. ARJN members are invited to circulate and discuss A2J resources and research via the AJRN listserv (see below for how you can join the listserv), this material will then be posted to the AJRN website where it is organized by topic, region, and type of resource. Using this two-pronged approach the AJRN aims to create a “clearinghouse” of research, reports, policy documents, and news items, making the latest research in A2J easy to find.
Although only launched in its prototype form last month, the network already has over 40 members, and the website already contains materials related to technology and online dispute resolution, family justice, innovation, legal services delivery and alternative business structures.
Over the next several months the CFCJ will be working with partners from across the country to improve the network and increase the ability of users to share resources and coordinate with one another. We will also be working with the national Action Committee on Access to Justice in Civil and Family Matters to develop ways to use the platform to encourage collaboration and exchange among the emerging local A2J groups, and other justice stakeholders.
The AJRN responds to a growing need for a national online information sharing platform that allows justice stakeholders to quickly and easily share their knowledge of the exciting new access to justice work happening across the country. It will stimulate dialogue and knowledge exchange helping to build ties among access to justice researchers across the country and boost the impact of access to justice resources and initiatives underway in Canada.
To join the access to justice conversation, sign up for the AJRN listserv by sending an email to communications@cfcj-fcjc.org with “AJRN subscribe” indicated in the subject line. Or visit the website at www.ajrn.org.