This blog post was written by Kahlil B Thomas, Translations Coordinator at the Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Spreading Welcome to All of Philly
When Philly says “Welcome,” we say it to everyone living in or visiting the City of Brotherly Love, including our community members who are dominant in languages aside from English. Philadelphia residents come from all over the world and have brought along over 180 languages. We’re proud to support the broad spectrum of humanity represented in our city.
Most events and services in Philadelphia touch more than one community. Language communities, religious groups, folks of all gender and sexual orientations, people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic communities all overlap one another in our homes, workplaces, stores, parks and schools.
Last June, the City celebrated both Immigrant Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ Pride Month. At the raising of City Hall’s “More Colors, More Pride” flag, new and old Philadelphians of all sorts stood together in solidarity and unity. Some speakers powerfully addressed the crowd in their home languages originating far from Philadelphia. The event was also interpreted live into Spanish and American Sign Language.
Language Access is Your Right
Being able to access Philly in one’s own language keeps all our citizens safe and healthy, and it’s a cornerstone of practicing equity and diversity support. As the City anticipates becoming certified “Welcoming,” we have a duty of service and inclusion to all residents and visitors.
All City agencies are required to provide language access for anyone who requests it, free of cost, no matter what language they speak.
City language access services can include:
- Having an interpreter join your phone/video call with a City employee
- Access to interpreters when visiting City offices or buildings
- Translating documents, forms, webpages and other written documents into any language
You can download an “I Speak” card in your language and show it to any Philadelphia employee to help communicate your language needs and your rights. Some offices will ask you to select your language from a list and call an interpreter to assist you. Offices can also translate emails, letters, or internet comments you send us. If you experience issues, let us know on the Language Access website and we’ll do our best to make it right.
Get Involved!
The Office of Immigrant Affairs is starting community outreach on a new project to improve translation services for Philadelphia residents. We will be posting information on engagement opportunities on our social media, or you may reach out by emailing Kahlil.Thomas@phila.gov. We want to hear your thoughts!
You can also find information about year-round cultural and multilingual events on our Office of Immigrant Affairs calendar, and stay informed on the latest programs, policies, resources, and opportunities impacting Philadelphia’s immigrant communities by signing up for the Office of Immigrant Affairs newsletter.
