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A Call to Serve – Social Impact Report 2020

that—counter to our assumptions—a significant value couldn’t be the initiative. Hodge-Wren was
lot of assistance was needed by clearer. “It’s important to inform and is excited by the enthusiasm,
college students amid shifting the electorate how they can safely and the way different colleagues

logistics in the wake of COVID-19, vote,” Hodge-Wren affirms. “No one from sometimes vastly different
virus spikes and lock-downs. should feel fear or apprehension backgrounds came together to help
about the act of voting.” shore up what is perhaps our most
And there was broad concern fundamental right, the one that
about voter intimation at the polls— “It’s a right,” she continues, protects all the others.
“more than I have ever seen,” says “And as such, needs to be defended,
Hodge-Wren. With conspiracies through education at first and, She also knows, though, that
spreading virally across social when necessary, litigation.” the need for such vigilance will
media, and claims of hoaxes and probably not lessen in the next

radicalization across the political And, as word of Hodge-Wren’s cycle. “This election is over,” She
spectrum, potential voters—new participation extended across the says, “but the battle for voting rights
and seasoned alike—were scared firm, volunteers across the firm and safety at the polls isn’t. There is
for their own safety. Add in the joined the effort. By Election Day, at more work yet to be done.”

complications of COVID-19, and least 17 Miles & Stockbridge lawyers
old infant at home, this was a way tracking of each call that came can be taken for granted,” according the very real health concerns of from across myriad practices and So when called again, Hodge-
that I could serve the community in—a critical component, she to Hodge-Wren, describing the going to the polls and the hotline’s local offices had donated time to Wren will answer. ■
remotely and still manage the notes, in case follow-up outreach, continued need for such a hotline.
day-to-day.” up to and including litigation. “We assume anyone can just look

Hodge-Wren also assisted with the the answers up on the Internet, or
That service—as a hotline Call Center’s quality control and go online to request a form or check
Captain—included four-hour shifts refreshed volunteer knowledge their status. And we do—but not

providing supervisorial support to and training when appropriate. everybody can. Everybody doesn’t
the approximately 40 volunteers She also served as a bridge have the same access to the
working at her assigned call center and buffer between volunteers Internet, and without it, the process
at any one time. Beyond taking on and the paid professional staff can become that much more
the “tougher questions” that were administering the hotline. daunting and often confusing.”

funneled up to her from volunteers
fielding them in real-time, Hodge- A lot of the questions handled Volunteers often managed
Wren also managed text message this year, unsurprisingly, centered three-way calls with local election
responses, delegated voicemail around absentee and mail-in boards to help navigate any
responses, coordinated solutions ballots. “With our experience of complexities or communication
to tech issues and oversaw the technology, there’s so much that barriers. Hodge-Wren also points out

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