NLSC launches first local Chapter in Washington DC

The NLSC launched its first local members’ Chapter in Washington, DC Chapter on Friday, October 14th. The event marked the beginning of the NLSC’s initiative to establish local Chapters throughout the US and overseas in areas where there are high concentrations of US citizens who are foreign language speakers.

Eighty-six attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception followed by words from distinguished speakers. Our keynote speaker was Ms. Dawn Hart (Limited English Proficiency/ Additional Communications Needs Multilingual Content Manager of the Federal Emergency Management Agency) who shared some insights into how FEMA supports Individuals with limited English skills during a disaster.

Other speakers included Dr. Kevin Gormley, Senior Program Officer of the National Security Education Program (now the Defense Language and National Security Education Office - DLNSEO, the NLSC's parent agency), NLSC Members Mr. Wi "Will" Vattananun and Mr. Poowanat "Joe" Tasma, both participants in an assignment in Thailand.

Attendees spoke an array of languages including Arabic, Akan, Dagbani, French, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Konkani, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese.

During the reception, we heard many Members expressed enthusiasm for the NLSC Washington Local Chapter and were interested in receiving further details. They were also excited to network among themselves.

Currently, over 400 members reside in the Washington, DC greater metropolitan area, are available and willing to use their language skills and cultural knowledge in support of federal agencies in this region with foreign language needs.

Washington, DC currently has the largest number of NLSC members in a single geographic area as well as the largest number of government agencies using the NLSC. The NLSC intends to gradually expand chapter organizations into other regions where there are a high number of NLSC members.