Clare Schmitt
Senior Director of Communications & Marketing at PGLS
In diverse societies, effective communication is essential to building community trust and fostering civic participation. Across the United States, more than 67 million people speak a language other than English at home, and this number continues to grow. For government bodies, community organizations, and local leaders, ensuring that these diverse voices are heard isn’t only a matter of accessibility—it’s essential to democracy.
Providing multilingual support through language services for civic participation can build trust, foster inclusivity, and enhance residents’ access to public services and community initiatives. Here’s how multilingual support strengthens communities, boosts engagement, and creates lasting impacts on civic life.
The Growing Need for Multilingual Civic Engagement
As communities become more linguistically diverse, government agencies and public organizations must rethink their approach to communication. According to the American Community Survey, more than 21 percent of U.S. households now speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese among the most commonly spoken languages. Despite this demographic shift, many essential communications—such as public service announcements, emergency alerts, and voting materials—are often disseminated only in English.
Failing to address this language gap can have significant consequences. It can alienate large portions of the population, discourage civic participation, and reduce trust in local governance. Multilingual support for community engagement and public services offers a practical solution to these challenges. Local governments and organizations can foster a more inclusive and engaged civic environment by meeting residents where they are, linguistically and culturally.
The Benefits of Language Services in Civic Participation
1. Promoting Inclusive Community Outreach
Language is a gateway to understanding and connection. When local governments provide information in multiple languages, they send a powerful message: all residents are valued, and everyone has a stake in the community. Multilingual outreach ensures that all community members, regardless of language proficiency, have equal access to information about public resources, emergency services, and civic initiatives.
Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities across the U.S. quickly learned the importance of multilingual communication. Cities that offered health guidelines, testing information, and vaccination instructions in multiple languages saw higher compliance rates and trust in public health directives. In New York City, for instance, health campaigns were distributed in more than 20 languages to reach as many residents as possible.
2. Facilitating Access to Social Services
Access to social services is a fundamental aspect of civic engagement, as it enables individuals and families to actively participate in and benefit from community resources. Multilingual support makes it easier for residents to seek assistance in areas like housing, healthcare, and education. When language barriers are minimized, people are more likely to reach out for support, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Example: San Francisco improved access to essential city services for limited-English-speaking or non-English-speaking residents through its Language Access Ordinance. The city’s Department of Public Health provides medical interpreters and translated materials in Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Spanish, and Filipino, recognizing that healthcare accessibility requires clear communication.
3. Empowering Civic Participation Through Multilingual Ballots and Resources
Voting is one of the most direct ways residents can influence their community. For non-English-speaking citizens, however, accessing voting information can be challenging. Recognizing this, Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act mandates that areas with large populations of non-English speakers provide ballots in languages other than English. This ensures fair representation and empowers individuals to exercise their voting rights.
Research shows that when multilingual ballots and election materials are available, voter turnout increases among minority language communities. Multilingual voting materials mean citizens can make informed choices, fostering a more representative democracy.
4. Strengthening Trust in Government Through Language Access
Language access is more than just a communication tool—it’s a bridge to trust and transparency. When governments actively address language barriers, they demonstrate a commitment to serving all residents, which can lead to greater trust in public institutions. Transparency builds loyalty, making residents feel respected, valued, and more willing to engage with local governance.
Example: The City of Philadelphia implemented the Language Access Program, which requires city departments to create language access plans to serve the city’s diverse population. This program has not only enhanced accessibility but also improved trust and rapport between residents and city officials. As residents see their language needs met, they’re more likely to participate in public events and meetings, helping shape policies that impact their daily lives.
The Role of Language Services in Meetings and Local Governance
Public meetings are a fundamental aspect of local governance, allowing residents to engage with decision-makers, voice their concerns, and participate in shaping their communities. However, without language support, non-English-speaking residents may find it difficult to participate meaningfully in these discussions. Language services, such as interpreters and translated meeting materials, can make these important gatherings more inclusive and accessible.
Local governments can allow all residents to participate actively in discussions about policies, zoning, budgeting, and community developments by providing live translation and interpretation. Having a language access policy for public meetings strengthens democracy at the local level, ensuring that all community members, regardless of their language proficiency, can contribute to and influence decision-making processes.
Community Case Study: The Success of Seattle’s Language Access Programs
Seattle has set a high standard for multilingual civic engagement. Recognizing its diverse population, the city offers language support at public meetings, distributes bilingual city updates, and provides translation services for critical information. In 2021, Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs launched a Language Access Program, which included translated COVID-19 resources, interpretation services at virtual meetings, and language-specific outreach efforts. The city’s approach has not only made civic engagement more accessible but also cultivated a greater sense of inclusion among Seattle’s non-English-speaking residents. Today, Seattle’s multilingual outreach is a model for other cities aiming to strengthen community engagement through language services.
Multilingual Support as a Pillar of Governance
Inclusive governance means considering the diverse needs of all residents, especially those who may face language barriers. By integrating language services into every point of communication, from ballot access to public health updates, cities and counties can better serve the interests of limited-English-speaking citizens who may often feel excluded from public life.
Inclusive governance requires strategic planning, community involvement, and dedicated resources. Local governments that prioritize multilingual support often see the following benefits:
- Higher Civic Engagement: Residents who feel included and informed are more likely to participate in public discussions, community events, and local governance.
- Increased Public Trust: Language access initiatives show local leaders value transparency and engagement with limited-English-speaking communities, leading to greater trust in public institutions.
- Improved Social Cohesion: Multilingual support fosters a sense of unity and belonging, helping communities bridge linguistic and cultural differences.
Implementing Multilingual Civic Engagement Programs
Creating a successful multilingual civic engagement program involves a commitment to understanding and addressing the language needs of a community. Below are steps local governments can take to implement effective language access programs:
1. Conduct a Community Language Assessment
Understanding the primary or threshold languages spoken in the community is essential. Surveys and census data can help identify language needs, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.
2. Hire or Partner with Language Service Providers
Professional language services can provide translation, interpretation, and localization for public documents, events, and online resources. Partnering with experienced language providers ensures accuracy and cultural sensitivity in all communications.
3. Invest in Technology for Language Accessibility
Tools like real-time translation, multilingual websites, and accessible platforms for virtual meetings can increase outreach and engagement. These technologies enable governments to reach non-English-speaking residents in a timely and efficient manner.
4. Engage Community Leaders
Community advocates and local leaders fluent in different languages can act as liaisons, helping bridge communication gaps and promote civic initiatives among non-English-speaking residents.
5. Monitor and Adjust Programs Based on Feedback
Regularly assess the effectiveness of language access programs through community feedback. Adjusting strategies based on resident input ensures that programs remain relevant and beneficial.
Language Access: An Investment in the Future
As communities continue to diversify, the need for multilingual civic engagement will only grow. By investing in language services, local governments can create a more inclusive, engaged, and cohesive community. Effective multilingual support not only enhances civic participation but also builds a foundation of trust, transparency, and shared purpose.
Ultimately, language access is an investment in the future—one that empowers all residents to participate fully in civic life, strengthens democratic principles, and enriches the community.