New program helps kids get R.E.A.L. with law

It was during the kick-off of the Business Community Investment Council's "Philanthropy Matters" series last Tuesday at the Lloyd George Federal Courthouse that the developer announced the launching of his R.E.A.L. program -- Relevant Education About the Law. It focuses on four different programs that are all tied to law-related education and civic learning.

"I sit on the Board of Tomorrow for the National Judicial College and I always believe that a better-informed judiciary is essential for a better society," explains Molasky of the impetus for starting the program. The developer became aware of a smaller program in Boston, called "Discovering Justice," which inspired him. The R.E.A.L. advisory board includes judges Philip Pro and James Mahan, former judge Lloyd George and Sam Lionel of the law firm Lionel Sawyer Collins. Social psychologist Andre Walton and educator Judith Simpson will serve as R.E.A.L.'s co-directors.

The four areas of R.E.A. L. include a Web-based program comprising two Web sites to introduce students to the law. One site is geared for elementary and middle school-aged children and the other one is for high school and college-aged students. A theatrical, or visual arts, program (R.E.A.L. Theater) will introduce students to the law using legal drama and coordinated lesson plans. A third program will target the youngest students -- first and second graders -- and introduce them to the concepts of justice and citizenship's and how they are applied through the courts.

The final part of the R.E.A.L. Program will work to introduce students and other members of the public to the Clark County District Court and judges, attorneys and other people who work within its system.

Known for his philanthropy, as well as his development projects, Molasky says funding for the first 18 months of the project would be supplied by both himself and Lionel. After a year and a half, Molasky says he hopes the project will be supported by the local businesses.

"I'm anticipating that in the first eighteen months, it will be a budget of $500,000," says Molasky, who predicts within 18 months, all four R.E.A.L. programs will be up and running. "In eighteen months, we will go to large firms, law firms especially."

Molasky promises that he won't be pitching the R.E.A.L. program as a way for businesses to gain recognition in the community and generate positive press. Instead, the developer says those firms will be giving just for the sake of helping.

"They are not going to get anything out of it," he contends of donors. "The people who are doing it are doing it for education, and not to get anything back. They would be doing it to spread the benefit of law and justice." It won't strictly be dollars that R.E.A.L. organizers will be looking for, but also manpower hours.

"We will approach dozens of lawyers [to] volunteer, all local," Molasky explains. The attorneys would answer general legal questions youngsters might have, like what rights a child has when their parents divorce or what the penalties are for driving without a license.

Molasky was not sure what role the University of Nevada's William S. Boyd School of Law would play in the project, but noted that the law school's dean, Richard Morgan, was working with him on the project. Boyd received its own boost about a month ago, when Boyd Gaming Chairman and CEO Bill Boyd pledged $25 million to the school that bears his name.

Though he notes that philanthropic efforts have "somewhat" picked up in the Las Vegas valley of late, Molasky says there is much more that could, and should, be done.

"I think there is somewhat of an increase, but it is the same sixty-two companies that are always asked," he laments. "I don't see the individuals giving as much as the big companies."

vmiller@lvpress.com | 702-871-6780 x331

R.E.A.L. WORLD

WHAT: Relevant Education About the Law (R.E.A.L.)

WHEN: Completely in place in next 18 months

AUDIENCE: Students as young as first or second grade, up to college age

CONTACT: Judith Simpson or Andre Walton at 702-388-7527