NLSC Members Learn the Cultural and Historical Significance of Yoga

On June 17, 2017, 21 National Language Service Corps (NLSC) Members from the Hawaii Regional Chapter participated in a unique cultural and educational opportunity as a means to network with one another and further develop a sense of comradery among the membership.

NLSC Washington D.C. Regional Chapter Enjoys Chinese Brush Painting Workshop

Twenty-three National Language Service Corps (NLSC) Members from the Washington D.C. Regional Chapter participated in a Chinese Brush Painting Workshop at the Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts (VisArts) in Rockville, MD on November 5, 2016.

NLSC Hawaii Regional Chapter tours Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures Tour

The National Language Service Corps, (NLSC) Hawaii Regional Chapter hosted a tour of the Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 22, 2016.  

The NLSC Launches Regional Chapter in Chicago

The National Language Service Corps (NLSC) hosted a Regional Chapter Launch on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the lovely Waldorf Astoria Chicago, inaugurating the Chicago Regional Chapter. Members in attendance represented a variety of languages including Eastern Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, and three dialects of Arabic. There were many highlights for this special event.

Director of the NLSC and Director for Resources for the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO), Holly Brown and Support Program Director of the NLSC, Bill Castan both spoke about the NLSC program, sharing updates and emphasizing the importance of the NLSC’s mission. To provide attendees with insight into the purpose and benefits of the Regional Chapters, Los Angeles Regional Chapter Coordinator Alicia Estrada delivered a presentation as well. Mrs. Estrada discussed her experience as a Chapter Coordinator and highlighted various Regional Chapter activities organized by the individual coordinators representing Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C, Hawaii, and Germany.

Following Mrs. Estrada’s presentations, three Members shared cultural presentations of an Arabic Poem titled “Give me the Flute and Sing,” by Khalil Jibran Khalil, a Korean poem titled “Under the Sun: From the Sun to a Boy” by Choe Nam-Seon, as well as a Moroccan Berber song. 

The Chicago Regional Chapter Launch was a wonderful opportunity for staff and Members to network. Following the event, one Member remarked, “You have put together a first memorable launch and connected linguists of different ethnicities and backgrounds in a relaxed yet very professional atmosphere.” NLSC staff was eager to provide this opportunity for Members to meet and interact, and the NLSC is excited to add Chicago as its newest Regional Chapter. The program is looking forward to continued growth and expansion of its’ chapters in order to provide the best possible Member experience and allow Members to share their languages and cultures with the organization and one another.

NLSC Washington D.C. Regional Chapter Learns about The Language Flagship

On Saturday, March 5, 2016, the National Language Service Corps (NLSC) Washington D.C. Regional Chapter met for its first event of 2016: a keynote luncheon highlighting the Arabic Flagship Program of the University of Maryland College Park (UMD). 

Members complete Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to prepare for NLSC assignments

In January 2015, National Language Service Corps (NLSC) Members in three of its four Regional Chapters chose to participate in a nationwide emergency preparedness initiative known as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Pushing Forward in the Year of the Sheep

The National Language Service Corps (NLSC) experienced a successful year fulfilling its mission of maintaining a readily available corps of language volunteers. This year, the Federal Government’s need for language volunteers remained steady, and the program continued supporting language assignments and engaging its membership of over 5,600 Members who currently represent 320 languages.

NLSC Members meet former Senator and supporter of the NLSC

Hawai’i represents one of the most beautiful places in the world serving as a popular tourist spot, with beautiful pineapple groves, and an abundance of beaches. Hawai’i is home to many federal government agencies and one of three National Language Service Corps (NLSC) Regional Chapters.

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.

The NLSC issues volunteer challenge to its membership

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported approximately 62.6 million people volunteered for an organization between September, 2012 – 2013. Additionally, volunteers spent a median of 50 hours on volunteer activities during that same period. Last April, the National Language Service Corps (NLSC) challenged its membership to volunteer their language skills in service of others during National Volunteer Week 2013.