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Attending DMC training in Phoenix are (from left to right) Ed Chargualaf of HI; Bill Feyerherm, PhD, Provost for Research and Programs, Portland State University; Ron King of TN; Ron Keen of DE; Trainer Heidi Hsia, PhD, then-OJJDP DMC Coordinator; Lindsey Draper of WI; Marcia Ballas of VT; Cil Robinson of MT; Christine Wallace of SC; Brad Richardson of IA; Carisa Dwyer of AZ; Trainer Marcia Cohen, vice president, Development Services Group; Vicki Taylor of TN; Trainer Tom Begich, JJ consultant; Jim Antal of OJJDP, State Representative; Trainer Tom Harig, PhD, New York State DMC Coordinator.

OJJDP held two training sessions for disproportionate minority contact (DMC) coordinators in January and February 2008, one for novices and one for more experienced practitioners.

The first session, "Training for New DMC Coordinators," was held January 28–30 in New Orleans, LA. Fifteen new State DMC Coordinators and four OJJDP staff members participated in this intensive 3-day training that focused on the role of a DMC coordinator, the ability to communicate clearly what DMC is, how to measure it, and how to design evidence-based strategies to reduce it. The experience of the coordinators in attendance ranged from 2 weeks to 1 year. The training sessions offered instruction on how to help community groups and their State Advisory Groups work collaboratively, systematically, and continuously toward DMC reduction. Sessions had an additional emphasis on how to perform coordinator duties, such as how to develop and write an effective DMC compliance plan.

"DMC Training of Trainers for Experienced DMC Coordinators" was held in Phoenix, AZ, February 25–27. Nine experienced State DMC Coordinators from eight States, one new State juvenile justice specialist, and two OJJDP staff members participated in the intensive 3-day training. The training was designed to enhance the skills of experienced DMC coordinators so they can effectively train and guide communities within their States on DMC reduction. Instruction also focused on enhancing participants' communication and group facilitation skills.

For more information on OJJDP's DMC activities, see the OJJDP Web site.