In a living-room circle with books and mugs, Nia hosts her monthly “plain-language law” night. She translates dense statutes into everyday stories—security deposits, workplace leave, name-change forms—and helps neighbors draft polite, firm letters. Participants practice three habits: document everything, ask for timelines, and keep conversations in writing. She models boundaries and self-advocacy without aggression. First-generation students shadow her, learning intake questions that protect dignity. Before the night ends, Nia reviews a checklist—records, rights, relationships—and shares editable templates people can reuse. The goal is modest but powerful: fewer scary emails, fewer avoidable fees, and more confidence to navigate systems.