A MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
“In order to know where you are going, you must first understand from where you have started.”
Hello, I am Nicholas A. Gonzales, the newly elected Association President of the Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA). I have 7 years of state service with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; working at institutions from the Southern Region to the Central Region, and traveling with Headquarters briefly. In addition, I have been involved with numerous community organizations. My community involvement included participating as a board member for city projects, and schools as well as being a member of the Chino Valley Employees Association (CVEA) while employed at the California Institution for Men in Chino.
It is a great honor to represent the Chicano Correctional Workers Association. I would like to express my gratitude to the previous Executive Board and Board of Directors for their work and dedication during the challenges they conquered these past few years dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Because of your dedication, CCWA was able to continue to offer scholarships, give back to our communities, and assist staff at our institutions. We followed our motto of “We Are Family ~ Somos Familia” and it showed during the last few years.
In order to personally acquaint myself with our members, I plan to attend a myriad of chapter meetings, as well as to meet with our wardens and other state representatives. I feel it is important to create a working relationship with other organizations and unions, such as CCPOA, CCSO, and SEIU, to name a few. In addition, my goal is to recognize the service and commitment of our founding fathers, the milestones of our long-time members, and their immense contribution to CCWA. Another goal of mine is to increase our membership, by recruiting new members as together we can and will continue to build a strong bond within our chapters, institutions, and communities.
As the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation continues to evolve, we as an organization must continue to do so as well. I am honored to say CCWA has existed as a professional organization for 50 years! Without a doubt, CCWA will continue to flourish and evolve with your assistance for many more years.
Due to the Pandemic, our 2021 Bi-Annual Training Conference was postponed, and will now be hosted by the Southern Region Chapters on November 11, 2022. In addition to the Conference, a Dinner/Dance to commemorate our 50th Anniversary is taking place that evening. Please be sure to visit our website, www.ccwa.net for upcoming information. You don’t want to miss it!
My heartfelt thanks to all of you, for your continued support of our organization. May God continue to bless you and keep you and your families safe.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Nicholas A. Gonzales
Association President