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Introduction
A once-in-a-century global pandemic , a confusing 2020 Census count , a cry for justice and racial equity , an uncivil war and insurrection over a fair election , a democracy at risk and the rebuilding of a nation ─ were the major challenges of the past year and the earmarks of one of the most tumultuous and violent times in this nation ’ s recent history .
Cities across the country faced these challenges while grappling with existing issues of homelessness , affordability , livability , transportation and more . The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare longstanding inequities in access to information , health care , government services and resources . As local , state and federal governments , health care providers and hospitals struggled to respond to this global emergency , among those left behind were people in poverty , people experiencing homelessness , Black , Indigenous and people of color ( BIPOC ) communities , immigrants , people who speak a primary language other than English , and those without digital access .
If there was ever a moment in time when language access was critical , it was during this pandemic . About 66 million people in the United States speak a language other than English at home and nearly 22 %, or 26 million , speak no or limited English . In California , 44.1 %, or about 5.8 million households , are considered “ limited English-speaking ." During the pandemic , many non- English speaking COVID-19 patients have lacked access to interpreters , personal protective equipment ( PPE ), timely information in language , and other emergency services . Lives depend on each of us communicating , understanding and following health orders , and respecting the health and safety of others .
As the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs ( OCEIA ) enters its 12th year of implementing the Language Access Ordinance ( LAO ) and advancing language equity in San Francisco , we recommit ourselves to working with the Immigrant Rights Commission , City agencies and leaders , and community partners to build stronger language access capacity . Language access is about more than increasing budgets and listing bilingual employees on the payroll ; it ’ s about empowering City employees to do all that they can to better serve the public . It ’ s about making it possible for our residents , workers , students and visitors to navigate city systems , access critical services , be informed in a timely manner and participate in ways that are relevant and meaningful .
As inaugural poet laureate Amanda Gorman said on January 20 , 2021 , “ We are striving to forge our union with purpose . To compose a country , committed to all cultures , colors , characters , and conditions of man .”
In a world-class city that prides itself on being innovative , a willingness to change and adapt to being more just and equitable will make San Francisco stronger and resilient . We do this by including and lifting up all our people , so they can live safely , participate , achieve , contribute , and thrive .
That ’ s what a democracy and an inclusive city and nation should be .
Adrienne Pon , Executive Director January 2021
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