4 NLC Kellar

The Community Perspective: 

The Community Perspective Elizabeth K. Kellar International City/County Management Association

Think and speak globally: 

Think and speak globally D.C. recruits police officers from Puerto Rico Laredo translates Fire Academy requirements

What second language do you find in Beverly Hills?: 

What second language do you find in Beverly Hills? 50% of public school children speak this language No tradition of voting Seldom participate in public hearings Low trust of government

Farsi!: 

Farsi! Human Relations Commission initiates cultural awareness effort Go to synagogues to connect Traditions for women are different; domestic violence an issue Some city staff can interpret Many generations in a home

Small towns and urban areas all affected: 

Small towns and urban areas all affected Lewiston, Maine, had almost no second language speakers; in 3 years, 40 different languages Merrimack, NH arrests individual but no one knows language to read him his rights 50-100 languages not unusual in metropolitan areas

Values clashes: 

Values clashes Recent Mexican immigrants insist on meeting with the alcalde Want to know how much it will cost to get a building permit (bribes were required in country of origin) Cities expect their staff to maintain high standards of integrity in dealing with these situations Some newly elected officials appoint themselves to paid positions

Solutions: 

Solutions Cultural training and education Top officials set example Reach out to their natural communities (often a religious institution) 'You’d better make room for grandma and the kids'

Adapting services: 

Adapting services Often rely on a group of translators for language requirements staff do not have Contract with language company to teach essential language skills Simulcast city council meetings Multiple languages for ballots

Hiring preferences andPay incentives: 

Hiring preferences and Pay incentives 'All factors being equal, we will hire the person with competency in a second language' 'Employees must be certified to receive premium pay for second language skills' City pays for language classes

Personnel Incentives: 

Personnel Incentives Pay Professional development

Language is critical to bridge cultural differences: 

Language is critical to bridge cultural differences