The DAV and Harvard Law School Distinguished Speaker Series provides an annual forum for public servants and thought leaders to discuss issues that are important to our nation’s veterans. The series helps inform students, advocates and the general public about the needs of those who served, sparks discussion about the public policies that most impact veterans with visible and invisible wounds caused by service, and serves as a call to action to help ensure the nation honors its commitments to those who served. The series is co-hosted by the Legal Services Center’s Veterans Legal Clinic and the Harvard Law School Armed Forces Association, and supported by DAV, a more than century-old national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring our promise is kept to America’s veterans.
Upcoming events
DAV and Harvard Law School’s annual virtual Distinguished Speaker Series event typically takes place in October. Check back here for updates.
Previous events
The inaugural DAV/Harvard distinguished speaker event was held in 2014 and has continued every year since. Subsequent events include Judge Robert Russell, founder of the nation’s first Veterans Treatment Court, discussing the future of the Veterans Treatment Court movement across the nation; distinguished Black veterans including Will Gunn, former General Counsel for the US Department of Veterans Affairs, discussing race, the military and veterans; and in 2022, renowned author Sebastian Junger and others discussing dangers of the military-civilian divide.
Resources
Discharge upgrade program
DAV is proud to sponsor The Veterans Consortium’s Discharge Upgrade Program, which provides free nationwide legal representation to veterans with Other Than Honorable discharges due to conduct related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other mental health conditions. Learn how attorneys can volunteer to help.
Advocate for veterans
In addition to ensuring veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, DAV continues to fight for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill. You can help protect the benefits veterans earned and advocate for policies that serve them by staying informed and taking action. To receive updates on relevant legislation and to add your voice to our advocacy efforts, subscribe to the DAV Commander’s Action Network (DAVCAN).
Support veterans as business owners
DAV is committed to empowering entrepreneurs in the veteran and military-connected community, including spouses, to achieve their maximum potential. DAV Patriot Boot Camp provides founders with a network of support, resources and mentorship as they pursue the American Dream their sacrifices make possible. Through intensive in-person events and digital programming, DAV connects future business leaders with subject matter experts and lessons that make successful ventures accessible to them. Volunteer to be a mentor.
Volunteer for veterans near you
DAV offers a wide range of opportunities to support our nation’s heroes. Volunteer to transport veterans to and from their VA medical appointments, help at a VA facility or assist veterans in your local community. DAV also provides $140,000 annually in scholarships to volunteers 21 and younger who volunteer for veterans in DAV’s name. Volunteer today.