Policy Order O-5

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is working to respond to calls from residents who are seeking a more meaningful role in community planning and development decisions; and

WHEREAS: To build community, it is important to provide people of diverse backgrounds and cultures with opportunities to fully participate in civic life and offer input on civic affairs; and

WHEREAS: For families and individuals who do not speak English as their first language, there are many barriers to accessing services, obtaining information, and leveraging resources that are needed to engange with our city's institutions and programs; and

WHEREAS: Public housing advocates have noted that language is a major obstacle for engagement with many Cambridge Housing Authority tenants; and

WHEREAS: The Liaison Interpreter Program of Somerville (LIPS) has been commended as a model for providing opportunities for bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills, to practice those skills at community meetings, and to develop professional skills; and

WHEREAS: The LIPS program provides bilingual students with a pathway to future certification in medical or legal interpreting careers, where professional interpreters can earn a good living, and the training program and community practice is an important source of immediate income as well; and

WHEREAS: The LIPS program provides a natural bridge between skill-building for career advancement and knowledge-building and leadership development for effective community engagement; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with all relevant City Staff and Departments to explore the potential for creating a program to enable bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills and to practice those skills at community meetings and events throughout the city; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.