The City of Boston has taken a notable step towards enhancing language equity by forging partnerships with three community-based organizations—Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI), Vietnamese American Civic Association (VACA), and Asian American Civic Association (AACA)—to provide culturally sensitive translations for city services, as announced by the city's Office of Language and Communications Access (LCA). The appointed organizations are set to manage translation and translation review services, ensuring that city-produced materials address the varied linguistic and cultural needs of Boston's residents. The move is a progression for Boston's city departments' efforts to deliver accessible and culturally appropriate communications.
"Accurate and culturally responsive translations ensure that every Boston resident can rely on City resources with confidence,” Mariangelis Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion, stated in a release. In partnership with these local organizations, the city is pushing to make essential information more understandable and trustworthy. The associations selected for this initiative—are known for their deep-rooted understanding of the cultural intricacies unique to their communities. This effort bolsters Mayor Michelle Wu's vision of a more inclusive Boston where language barriers do not impede access to city services, programs, and opportunities. Details of the program can be found on the city's website.
The LCA's Director, Jeniffer Vivar Wong, emphasizes that "quality communication goes beyond translation—it requires a deep understanding of cultural context and community needs." Contracts have been awarded to the organizations to support language services for Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The partnering approach improves language accessibility for Boston's diverse populace, ensuring residents receive information that is authentic and respects their cultural backgrounds.
Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director of IFSI, told the City of Boston, “It’s a privilege to give back to a city that has long championed our mission to support and uplift new residents.” Similarly, Kamran Anjum, Associate Director at VACA, reinforced the sentiment by acknowledging the honor of partnering with the City to promote equitable language access. Mary Chin, Executive Director of AACA, also commented on the importance of community-led translation to ensure all residents feel seen and informed. The onboarding for these organizations started last month, with orientation meetings and resource-sharing aiming for a consistent and high-quality translation process.
