News  Champions prep for 8th Annual CAW Celebration

Every seat at the Massachusetts Training and Operations Center (MTOC) was filled on Friday with Champions, also known as Cultural Proficiency Champions, as they kicked off planning for the Massachusetts Trial Court's Eighth Annual Cultural Appreciation Week celebration scheduled for October 21-25, 2024. There are more than 300 Champions who work in almost every court and in all of the 19 Community Justice Support Centers throughout the Commonwealth.

The kick-off event featured an "Unconscious Bias" Panel discussion featuring Chief Probation Officer Matthew DeVeau of the Administrative Supervision Unit; Statewide Training Director Patricia "Patti" Gavin, Chelsea District ACPO Gloria Laboy, and Program Manager Jude David.

Dr. Carmen Gomez is Deputy Commissioner of Pretrial Services and now manager of this statewide celebration which is believed to be the largest celebration of culture and diversity in any state court system in the nation. Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill, who conceived of the celebration, passed the leadership of this event to Dr. Gomez following his appointment as commissioner.

Commissioner Ifill told the Champions: "The success of this work and this effort is a culmination of how we come from a significantly more diverse Trial Court as well as a much more responsive and engaging agency. Your work is the most important work we do across the Trial Court. You have contributed to changing the conversations and the language and the dichotomy of this organization," Commissioner Ifill said. "We have also raised expectations about how we treat and engage diverse populations around the Trial Court."

Champions shared plans for cultural attire fashion shows, food tastings, art exhibits, dance, music, the possible booking of a Ukulele band, and more. Training Manager Jude David shared news of the formation of a new committee called the Cultural Acknowledgement and Celebration Committee. Members of this committee will help plan events and activities that celebrate and honor culture and diversity. Business Operations Manager Paul Bombara updated the Champions on the financial aspect of the celebration including the budget allotted and the procurement of food and items for the celebrations. Mr. Bombara also shared helpful tips on how to process needed paperwork and responded to questions about expenditures for the celebration.

MPS Communications Director/Spokesperson Coria Holland encouraged Champions who are planning events that are free and open to the public to forward their event details no later than Monday, September 30th. She said this will help "get the word out" to the many communities throughout the state via the media, social media sites, digital community bulletin boards, and community groups and organizations. Web Manager Kevin Buckley spoke to the audience about sharing event information to be featured on Courtyard, the Trial Court's intranet. Each Champion was also provided with posters featuring the 2024 CAW 2024 theme and logo, "Diverse Threads, One Tapestry: The Strength of Connections." This year's heart-shaped multi-color logo was designed by Trial Court Graphic Designer and Video Editor Aaron Leon.

Please send events that are free and open to the public to Coria.Holland@jud.state.ma.us with the subject line: Public CAW event info. Kindly include the following:

• Official name of your event
• Date, time, and location
• Brief description of your event
• Names of event facilitators
• Names of community organizations, groups, and or businesses participating in your event