Discovering Justice was honored to host four events as part of the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition’s (MCLC) Fourth Annual Civic Learning Week, March 11-15. Three of these events invited K-12 classrooms across the Commonwealth to “Zoom with a Judge” to explore the justice system, and the fourth event engaged Massachusetts students, teachers, legislators, and their staff at the Massachusetts State House to speak on the importance of civic education in schools.

More than 3,500 students and teachers from across the Commonwealth logged into the “Zoom with a Judge” virtual events. More than 80 classrooms attended the Kindergarten-Grade 2 event, which was hosted by United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit Chief Judge David Barron and Judge Gustavo Gelpí.

Meanwhile, 70 classrooms signed into the Grades 3-5 event hosted by Judge Lara Montecalvo and Judge Ojetta Thompson of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (below).

This spring, Discovering Justice joins with the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition (MCLC) and other civic leaders across the Commonwealth for Massachusetts Civic Learning Week.

From March 11-15, Discovering Justice and its partners will host events, bringing together local students, educators, policymakers, and leaders to energize the movement to make civic learning a top priority. The theme for this year’s civic learning week is “Civic Learning as a Unifying Force Beyond 2024.”

Discovering Justice has three events planned. The organization will host two virtual “Zoom with a Judge” sessions for students in elementary through high school to learn about the judicial system directly from a judge In the name of MCLC, Discovering Justice will coordinate an in-person forum March 13 at the Massachusetts State House, which invites legislators and their staff to hear from students and teachers about civic education programs happening in districts across Massachusetts. 

Interested parties are invited to fill out MCLC’s interest form for more information, including registration dates.

Massachusetts Civics Learning Week is a part of National Civic Learning Week.

Last week, Discovering Justice welcomed our new Communications and Development Senior Associate to the team. Welcome, Emily Duggan!

Emily Duggan believes in the importance of experiential learning programs to help young people explore new perspectives, environments, and ideas. A poet and performer, Emily is proud to have supported communications and development initiatives for a variety of local nonprofits. She earned a BA in Creative Writing from Brandeis University, with graduate study in Theatre Education at Emerson College and Writing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Emily will be working with Executive Director Matt Wilson and all members of the Discovering Justice team to implement communications, promote our programs, and plan the Annual Gala in the June.

Last month, Discovering Justice hosted a special panel event: “Court Interpreting Within The Judiciary: Making Justice Accessible.” Moderated by Discovering Justice Executive Director Matt Wilson, the panel of court interpreters, judges, and attorneys highlighted the essential role interpreters play in the courtroom and larger legal system, and the challenges those interpreters face. 

Sponsored by The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the Federal Bar Association, and the New England Translation Association, the event was a part of an ongoing public events series in the Moakley US Courthouse from the Courthouse and Discovering Justice. Over the last two years, this series has offered events focusing on Restorative Justice and the role of the media in the justice system.