PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jorge, Community Organizer from Mixteca
3:09:54
·
3 min
Jorge, a community organizer from Mixteca, testified about the challenges faced by Spanish-speaking and indigenous language communities in accessing language services under Local Law 30. He highlighted the gaps in enforcement and implementation, particularly for indigenous language speakers, and provided recommendations for improving language access in New York City.
- Emphasized the need for increased funding and resources for language access programs, especially for indigenous languages
- Advocated for expanding the languages covered by Local Law 30 to include more indigenous languages
- Recommended collaboration with community-based organizations and education programs to improve awareness of language access rights and services
Jorge
3:09:54
Your community your members of the City Council Community Integration, Assembly member, Alex Avalas, Thank you for the opportunity to speak today regarding the crucial issue of language access for our community members.
3:10:06
My name is Jorge Pazrezrez, and I'm currently the community organizer.
3:10:10
I'm a stake organization, a community based organization dedicated.
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To the Spanish speaking community of Sunset Park, as well as individuals from indigenous backgrounds who speak languages such as Dua Leneco, Misecho, Nawa, Keechen, Man among others.
3:10:27
I recognize the local law theory has played a crucial role in ensuring the only Yorkers regardless of the language proficiency can access vital positive services.
3:10:35
However, we must acknowledge that significant gaps remaining in enforcement implementation of this law.
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Our community members often face language barriers that hinder their ability to access essential services, including health care education and social benefits.
3:10:50
Here are some of the challenges that we see on the second.
3:10:53
First of all, there is a limited interpretation service While many agencies have Spanish interpreters, the need of indigenous languages, the speakers are often overlooked.
3:11:03
Individuals are speaking languages such as Nahuatl, mistaken, or Piquetwa is strong to find appropriate language access.
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And assistance learning to meet opportunities for critical service.
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As in in the report was mentioned, there was only one CDR that was identified that provides indigenous languages.
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There's also the lack of cultural compet competency, many services providers like the understanding of unique cultural backgrounds of our community members, and this not only affect communication, but also impacts the overall quality of service.
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For this, our recommendations are that There should be an increase of funding for language access programs.
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We are a city council to allocate additional resources for training, interpreters, and provide a multilingual materials, specifically for indigenous languages.
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We also advocate for undocumented experts and community members that have this purchase to provide the language access.
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As standard language services, we also recommend that the city stands a language, the languages the local law theory currently covers in order to provide community members from indigenous fragments to access the resources that they that they they serve.
3:12:11
And, thirdly, community initiatives and collaborations with CBOs.
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We we recommend to promote average programs to educate individuals about the rights and available services and sharing information is disseminated in all relevant language.
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As we as well as continuing the collaboration with community based organizations, such as instead of to ensure that the community is properly given the resources that they make.
3:12:37
Finally, I missed echo, we believe our community serves to be heard, understood, and supported in their native language.
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We believe that with a stronger enforcement of local, low 30, increased funding, and improved average efforts, we can create a more inclusive city where Every resident has equitable access to public services.
3:12:55
Thank you for your attention on this vital matter.
3:12:57
And I have brought 2 community members so they can also share their experiences.
3:13:01
Thank you.
