How I Used Lawline's Give Back Days to Show Up for my School Community 

By Angelica Cesario, VP, Learning Solutions

One of the things I appreciate most about working at Lawline is that we’re encouraged to show up for our communities in real, tangible ways. Lawline offers four Give Back Days each year, one per quarter, and that time is explicitly there for us to spend giving back in whatever way feels meaningful.

This year, I found a deeply personal way to use mine.

Stepping Into Community Leadership: Serving on a CEC

Earlier this year, I was elected to the Community Education Council (CEC) for New York City School District 15.

Community Education Councils are advisory bodies made up of parents who are elected by their peers to serve as representatives for their district. It’s the first public thing I’ve ever run for, and I still pinch myself that I was elected.

While the role is volunteer-based, the responsibility is real. We’re charged with representing the schools within our district and advocating for their needs. We also have the ability to create and pass resolutions, which we can then circulate within the DOE and other city bodies in hopes of driving change.

And at the heart of it, this work feels like a way to make a positive impact on the NYC education system and support students in a way that helps them feel safe, supported, and set up to thrive. It's especially meaningful because New York City is the largest school system in the United States.

The work can be demanding and time-intensive, and Lawline’s Give Back Days have made a real difference for me. They’ve given me the flexibility to fully show up for this role and to do it in a way that feels intentional instead of squeezed in.

Give Back Day #1: The Annual State of the Schools Address

Last quarter, I used one of my Give Back Days to attend the Annual State of the Schools address, presented by the NYC Schools Chancellor.

The event included student performances and a town hall with educators, students, and parents who shared what they’re experiencing and what they need. Being in that room reminded me just how much is carried by school communities every single day, and how important it is that parents have real channels to advocate and be heard.

I walked away feeling both energized and grateful. I learned a lot, and I found the Chancellor’s vision for NYC schools genuinely inspiring.

Give Back Day #2: School Walkthroughs Across District 15

This quarter, I used my Give Back Day in a different way: I spent the day doing walkthroughs in three local public schools in my district.

I met with principals and administrators and talked through what they see as their most pressing needs, what’s working, and what support would make the biggest difference. I visited classrooms, observed students in their natural environment, spoke with teachers, and saw firsthand how much care and commitment exists in these buildings.

I also walked the physical spaces: hallways, school grounds, playgrounds, and shared areas. All of it gave me a fuller picture of the day-to-day realities schools navigate and what families and educators want for their students.

It was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had.

A Powerful Moment: Taking the Stage With District Leadership

Earlier this week was the culmination of what’s already been a special and meaningful term on the council. Our CEC hosted an evening town hall with our District Superintendent and the NYC Schools Chancellor, where we had the chance to ask the Chancellor questions on behalf of parents and our community.

Standing on that stage alongside other elected council members, our superintendent, and the Chancellor is something I truly never would have imagined for myself. It was an honor, and it’s hard to fully put into words what it felt like in the moment.

Gratitude for a Benefit That Truly Makes a Difference

I owe a special thanks to Lawline for offering Give Back Days and, more importantly, for building a culture that encourages us to use them.

Having dedicated time available to support our communities in ways that feel genuinely impactful has been incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not just a perk. It’s real support that enables employees to do work that matters deeply to them outside the office, and to bring that purpose and perspective back with them.

Thank you, Lawline, for making space for this.