June 10, 2009, Arlington, VA -- The National Language Service Corps (NLSC) held a conference June 8 and 9 with 40 of its Charter Members. The day-and-a-half event was the first time NLSC staff met with several Members from around the country to show the multilingual volunteers where the NLSC stands right now and in the foreseeable future.
The event opened on June 8 with a dinner and speech by Dr. Robert Slater, Director of the National Security Education Program on the history of the NLSC so far. “It’s never happened, it’s never been done, to mobilize Americans … and make that skill in language available to the country,” said Slater. He added, “The National Language Service Corps is an organization of Americans who have a certifiable level of language ability who are willing and able to serve the Federal government when their skills are needed.”
The following day, Members heard presentations on NLSC operations that directly affected them, including marketing, logistics of sending Members on missions, and efforts to keep Members engaged in the organization between missions. Following the presentations, the NLSC Staff had the unique opportunity to interface with the individuals who personify the most valuable resource the NLSC has to offer, its Members.
“I find that there is a great need for [the NLSC] … when then said that the government was setting up a program like this, I thoiught it was wonderful”, commented a Marshallese-speaking Member. A Russian-speaking Member added that she valued “the opportunity to use my language skills to help people. Language is a muscle; if you don't use it, you lose it … to practice my lanaugae and put it to good use is really a rewarding opportunity.” A Member who speaks Somali said, “I became a member … to serve my community, the United States of America and worldwide … I'm ready to contribute my language skills”. The NLSC also unveiled a new promotional video which will be posted on its web site, nlscorps.org and on YouTube.
About the National Language Service Corps
The NLSC is a group of multilingual individuals that make themselves available to serve their country in the event of a sudden need for their language skills. They are united by the fundamental belief that language has a tremendous impact on who we are; who we can be; and what we can do together. In addition to making a significant and worthwhile contribution to the nation and its language communities, Members become part of a unique language network of service-minded individuals. All Members currently must be U.S. Citizens who are at least 18 years or older, possess language expertise and have a genuine desire to help their fellow language communities. Additional information about the National Language Service Corps is available at nlscorps.org.
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