NLSC Members—A Bridge to their Communities

Since the inception of the National Language Service Corps (NLSC), Members have expressed an on-going desire to use their language [skills] for the good of all. The initial call to action challenged Members to be a bridge to their communities, and language speakers nationwide answered the call identifying themselves as ready and willing to serve their government and the global community.

Over the weekend of June 6 - 8, a number of NLSC Los Angeles Regional Chapter Members volunteered their time supporting the Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) Summer Invitational on the campus of the University of Southern California (USC). Some Members volunteered as Delegation Liaisons for the international teams providing 24/7 interpretation for the visiting teams in Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, Cantonese and Indonesian. Another group of Members participated in a program called Fans in the Stands to cheer for the athletes during their competitions. The Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This year’s SOSC Summer Games Invitational was a preview of next year’s Special Olympics 2015 World Games being hosted by Los Angeles for 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from more than 170 countries who speak over 70 different foreign languages.

The NLSC L.A. Regional Chapter has set a standard amongst the membership for volunteering in its community. In fact, the Chapter recently won a volunteer challenge issued to the membership and the three local Chapters encouraged involvement in their community during National Volunteer Week 2014 held April 6 – 13, 2014. The L.A. Chapter has a synergy with its community and like those who volunteered, they enjoy meeting the language needs of its community—all of which makes them great on-call NLSC Members.  “We are very proud of their giving spirit and connection to their community,” said Mr. Bill Castan, the NLSC support staff Program Manager.

Being part of a reserve language corps, like the NLSC means Members are willing to participate in assignments within the government, if and when the need should arise. Today, the NLSC has over 5,000 Members who speak more than 316 languages in 50 states nationwide and 37 countries around the world. These Members represent a variety of cultural skills and backgrounds. The pride of the NLSC comes in having Members who hold true to the inherent NLSC value of being a bridge to its community. This is certainly a value that rings true to those who participated in the 2014 SOSC Summer Games Invitational.