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City of Marion celebrates new Language Access Plan and inaugural Youth Summit

City of Marion celebrates new Language Access Plan and inaugural Youth Summit

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On Tuesday, June 18th, the City of Marion’s City Council meeting was a milestone in the city’s journey toward greater collaboration with residents born outside the United States, particularly those from Latin America. The City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive Language Access Plan designed to ensure all residents can access essential resources and services in their preferred languages. This achievement was the culmination of a yearlong partnership between the Building Integrated Communities (BIC) program at UNC-Chapel Hill, the City of Marion, and Centro Unido Latino Americano (CULA).

Highlighting the Importance of Language Access

City Planner Vance McNees introduced the project, detailing key policies such as the availability of language assistance services and the support of multilingual staff. Brianna Gilmore, a Program Associate at BIC, underscored the importance of these services by presenting a demographic review of Marion. She highlighted that 20% of Marion’s population speaks a language other than English, including Spanish, Hmong, Tagalog, and American Sign Language. Additionally, around 8.2% of Marion residents also self-rate their English ability as “less than very well” which may suggest they need language assistance services. These statistics emphasized the critical need for language accessibility.

CULA staff delivered the heart of the presentation. Executive Director Margarita Ramirez spoke passionately about the importance of multilingual services, sharing personal experiences that resonated with many in the room such as interpreting for family members. She delivered her presentation in Spanish and was simultaneously interpreted by the Cenzontle Language Justice Cooperative, marking a significant step in developing language justice for all Marion residents. CULA summer interns Ari Hanson and Steven Navarrate also contributed, expressing hope that this plan would pave the way for a more supportive environment for all Marion residents.

City Council members responded with support and appreciation. Mayor Pro Tem Woody Ayers expressed the council’s dedication to meeting the community’s needs, applauding the collaboration and hard work behind the plan. Councilmember Chet Effler noted the red tape and “language barriers that prohibit community members from accessing services.” In a unanimous vote, the City Council approved the Language Access Plan, a decision met with cheers and applause.

Youth Summit Fiesta: A Celebration of Culture and Civic Engagement

The spirit of collaboration with the community continued to shine later that week at the Youth Summit Fiesta on Saturday, June 22nd. City Council members, City staff, community members, and families gathered again at the Community Building, this time to support young students presenting their view on local issues to the City Council. A team of five middle schooler students from West Middle addressed city cleanliness, while four high school students from McDowell Early College discussed the timely issue of language access. Their presentations were deeply personal, drawing from their experiences interpreting for family members in various settings, from paying water bills to attending medical appointments. The event was not only an exercise in civic engagement but also a cultural celebration, featuring local baile folklórico (Mexican folk dances) and cuisine from local Latin American vendors. The Youth Summit Fiesta was a resounding success, showcasing the voices of Marion’s youth and reinforcing the City’s commitment to building a collaborative community.

Paving the Way for the Future

These events mark a significant step forward for Marion, reflecting a community that strives to meet the needs of all its residents. The approval of the Language Access Plan and the success of the Youth Summit Fiesta highlight Marion’s dedication to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued. As the City grows and evolves, these initiatives pave the way for a more collaborative future.

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