The SimpleTOC Program, which encourages the use of simple, clear and inclusive language in the Judiciary of the state of Tocantins, is one of the five finalists for the 5th Inova Connection Award, in the “Public Communication” category, actions in progress. An initiative of the Public Innovation Connection network, the award seeks to recognize and value the most impactful actions that have contributed to the modernization of public administration in Brazil, boosting efficiency and inclusion.
In this edition, projects will be awarded in 20 different categories, ranging from regulation, public services and public communication, to artificial intelligence and digital transformation. To vote in the “Popular Vote” category of the award, simply react to the publication of the SimpleTOC Program on LinkedIn of the Public Innovation Connection network.
The awards ceremony for the outstanding projects will take place in the city of Belo Horizonte (MG) from June 2nd to 4th. On that occasion, the finalists will give lectures, which can be followed live, as well as the other activities of the event.
To take part, you just need to sign up.
Enthusiasm and motvation
For the creator and co-manager of the program, civil server Roberta Maciel, receiving the news that SimpleTOC is one of the five finalists for the award brings enthusiasm and more motivation to work and make texts, documents and communications easier to understand for citizens, especially those without legal knowledge.
“2025 Convergence is one of the biggest public innovation events in Brazil. In previous editions, more than 1,600 people have taken part. As finalists, we will present our project at this important national meeting. There, we will exchange ideas and learn from the best practices from all over the country,” said Roberta, inviting all SimpleTOC agents, other civil servers from the Court of Justice of the state of Tocantins (TJTO) and the partner institutions of the SimpleTOC Network, as well as the community in general, to be part of this achievement.
“SimplesTOC is part of something bigger: a movement to improve and simplify public services. With it, we show how Tocantins is working to innovate and improve service to citizens,” she said.
“Every vote and participation helps to make justice easier to understand. It also strengthens innovation in public services throughout Brazil,” she said.
SimpleTOC
The SimpleTOC program was created through the Joint Ordinance No. 16/2023, with the purpose of regulating the use of simple language guidelines, visual facilitation and technological tools that improve the writing processes of any and all documents within the scope of the Judiciary of the state of Tocantins, without prejudice to the rules of the Portuguese language.
The program led the TJTO to receive the 2024 Simple Language Seal, a certification granted by the National Council of Justice; and it stood out in another award: the Simple Language for Citizenship Marathon, which took place in October last year.
The SimpleTOC Network is another important achievement, formalized by the Cooperation Agreement for the formation of the 9/2024 SimpleTOC Network. The network brings together partner institutions committed to the cause of simple and accessible language. The institutions that make up the SimpleTOC Network include:
- Regional Electoral Court of the state of Tocantins (TRE-TO);
- State Prosecution of the State of Tocantins (MPTO);
- Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region - Tocantins Judicial Section (TRF-1);
- Public Defender's Office of the state of Tocantins (DPE-TO);
- General Attorney’s Office of the state of Tocantins (PGE-TO);
- Court of Auditors of the state of Tocantins (TCE-TO);
- Brazilian Bar Association - Tocantins Section (BAR-TO);
- Federal University of the state of Tocantins (UFT);
- State University of the state of Tocantins (Unitins).
The engagement and support of these organizations has been crucial, even more so at this time of voting, demonstrating the power of inter-institutional collaboration in promoting more effective and inclusive communication in the public service. The active participation of the members of the SimpleTOC Network in the voting campaign is a testimony to the impact and relevance of the program, not only for the Judiciary of the state of Tocantins, but for the entire community that benefits from a clearer and more accessible communication.
