State Bar Unveils Spring Radio Campaign on Wills and Civics Education

ALBANY, NY (04/30/2014)(readMedia)-- A series of New York State Bar Association radio announcements-one on the need for a will and the other on the importance of civics education-hit airwaves across upstate New York this week.

State Bar Association President David M. Schraver of Rochester (Nixon Peabody) narrates the radio spots that will air through May 25. Each topic is recorded in 30- and 60-second versions.

One spot explains how a well-executed will ensures that a person's wishes are honored after he or she dies. The second spot discusses how civics education is vital to the nation's future.

The scripts for the four radio announcements are as follows:

Wills: 60-seconds

I'm Dave Schraver, president of the New York State Bar Association.

You may not want to think about making a will, but think about this-if you die without a will, a stranger appointed by the court will distribute your assets according to state law.

The state doesn't know your family. You do.

A properly-drafted will ensures that your wishes will be carried out.

When our children were young, one of the hardest things my wife and I needed to think about was who would take care of them should both of us die. Think about this: if both parents die without a will, the court will be the one to appoint a guardian to care for your children, based on family relationships.

The court doesn't know your children. You do.

A will allows you to tell the court who you trust to serve as your child's guardian.

Please provide for your loved ones in this important way. Learn more at nysba.org/wills.

Brought to you by the New York State Bar Association, in cooperation with the New York State Broadcasters Association.

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Wills: 30-seconds

I'm Dave Schraver, president of the New York State Bar Association.

You may not want to think about making a will, but think about this – if you die without a will, a stranger appointed by the court will distribute your assets according to state law.

The state doesn't know your family. You do.

A properly-drafted will ensures that your wishes will be carried out.

Learn more at nysba.org/wills.

Brought to you by the New York State Bar Association, in cooperation with the New York State Broadcasters Association.

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Civics Education: 60-seconds

I'm Dave Schraver, president of the New York State Bar Association.

When you think of civics education, what comes to mind? Saying the pledge of allegiance in first grade?

Sadly, civics education has been in serious decline. Most teens today can rattle off the top three social media sites, but studies show that almost half of all Americans can't name the three branches of government.

Our country was built on the fundamental right to vote, but today only about half of New York's eligible voters participate in most elections, and our state ranks among the lowest in the nation for voter turnout.

Civics education isn't just for school kids. Knowing how your government works is key to creating a better tomorrow. What's at stake? Nothing less than our country's future.

Learn more at nysba.org/civics. That's nysba.org/civics.

Brought to you by the New York State Bar Association, in cooperation with the New York State Broadcasters Association.

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Civics Education: 30-seconds

I'm Dave Schraver, president of the New York State Bar Association.

When you think of civics, what comes to mind? Saying the pledge of allegiance in school?

Civics education has been in serious decline. Most teens today can rattle off the top three social media sites, but almost half of all Americans can't name the three branches of government.

Knowing how your government works is key to creating a better tomorrow.

Learn more at nysba.org/civics.

Brought to you by the New York State Bar Association, in cooperation with the New York State Broadcasters Association.

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The NCSA (Non-Commercial Sustaining Announcements) spots were produced and distributed in coordination with the New York State Broadcasters Association. They are part of an ongoing radio campaign to educate the public about legal issues that affect the lives of New Yorkers.

Below are links to the mp3 audio files of the four radio announcements:

Wills 60-second Mp3

Wills 30-second Mp3

Civics Education 60-second Mp3

Civics Education 30-second Mp3

The 75,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.

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