Boston: City Partners with Three Community-based Organizations to Provide Accurate, Culturally Relevant Translations

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BOSTON ~ Boston's Office of Language and Communications Access (LCA) has announced the selection of three community-based organizations to lead cultural sensitivity translation and translation review services for city services. The Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI), Vietnamese American Civic Association (VACA), and Asian American Civic Association (AACA) have been chosen to provide language support and quality assurance in key languages used throughout the city.

According to Mariangelis Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion, this initiative is a major step forward for City departments in producing accurate materials that are also culturally sensitive and appropriate for residents. She stated, "Accurate and culturally responsive translations ensure that every Boston resident can rely on City resources with confidence."

The contracts awarded to these community-based organizations demonstrate the City's commitment to language equity by working closely with trusted, local partners who understand the cultural and linguistic nuances of Boston's diverse communities. This effort aims to provide vital information in a way that feels authentic, respectful, and clear for all residents.

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Jeniffer Vivar Wong, Director of Office of Language and Communications Access, emphasized the importance of quality communication beyond just translation. She stated, "We believe that quality communication goes beyond translation—it requires a deep understanding of cultural context and community needs." By partnering with community-based organizations, the City hopes to elevate its approach to language access and ensure that every translated document is not only accurate but also truly reflective of the diverse communities it serves.

The three selected community-based organizations have been awarded contracts to provide language support and quality assurance for Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director of IFSI expressed her gratitude for being chosen as a trusted partner in providing culturally-aware translation services to the Boston community. She stated, "It's a privilege to give back to a city that has long championed our mission to support and uplift new residents."

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Kamran Anjum, Associate Director of VACA, also expressed their honor in partnering with the City to advance equitable language access. He stated, "Culturally rooted, community-led translation ensures every resident receives information that is not only accurate, but also respectful and empowering." Similarly, Mary Chin, Executive Director of AACA, highlighted the importance of culturally grounded and community-led translation in making all residents feel seen, respected, and informed.

The onboarding process for these organizations began last month and included orientation meetings and resource-sharing to promote consistency and excellence across all translated materials. This effort aligns with Mayor Michelle Wu's vision of making Boston a home for everyone where language is not a barrier to accessing City services, programs, and opportunities.

For more information about the City's language access initiatives, residents can visit boston.gov/lca. With these partnerships in place, the City of Boston is taking significant steps towards ensuring that all residents have equal access to vital information in a way that is culturally sensitive and appropriate.

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