Introduction
Every community should have access to safety, support, and justice. However, for people in Iowa from underserved or linguistically diverse backgrounds, the path to these services can be complicated. Language barriers, cultural differences, and negative experiences with institutions make it harder for many to get the help they need after trauma.
This is where language justice comes in. It is more than just making services available in a different language. It’s about ensuring that people can express themselves in a way that feels natural and is understood clearly, without the fear of being ignored or misunderstood.
In this post, we’ll talk about what a recent community needs assessment found about the difficulties facing underserved populations in Iowa and share ideas on how to better support them.
Challenges Faced by Underserved and Linguistically Diverse Communities
1. Lack of Awareness: “What Help is Available?”
Many immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized groups don’t know what services are available to them, especially when it comes to legal support, healthcare, or assistance for crime victims. There is a need for more outreach to help these groups understand their rights and the services they can access.
2. Services That Aren’t Made for Diverse Communities
Even if services are available, they aren’t always tailored to the needs of people from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds. Many agencies work with a “one-size-fits-all” approach, which doesn’t meet the specific needs of these communities. For example, children in these groups may not get the support they need for trauma, bullying, or other issues because the services don’t speak to their lived experiences.
3. Language Justice: Going Beyond Translation
Simply translating materials or using an interpreter isn’t enough. Language justice means making sure that people can express themselves in their own language and culture, not just translating what they say. This helps ensure people feel understood and respected, which makes them more likely to reach out for help.
4. Fear of Discrimination or Bias in Services
Many people in underserved communities have had negative experiences with institutions like the police, healthcare systems, or legal services. This leads to a lack of trust and a fear of discrimination when they need help the most. If these individuals feel that they might be treated unfairly, they are less likely to ask for help.
5. Building Trust with the Community
It’s not enough to offer services; you also need to build relationships. When organizations make an effort to understand the culture, language, and challenges of underserved groups, they can better meet their needs. Building trust is key, and this often starts with community partnerships that bring people together in a meaningful way.
How Can We Improve Support for Underserved Communities?
1. Educate Communities About Their Rights
- Provide outreach in multiple languages to help people understand their rights and the services available to them.
- Use community groups and trusted local organizations to get the word out and provide information in ways that make sense to people from different backgrounds.
2. Create Culturally Responsive Services
- Expand services that are tailored to the unique needs of children and families in diverse communities.
- Offer support that considers the cultural context of trauma and family structures to ensure services are truly helpful.
3. Move Toward Language Justice
- Hire staff who speak the languages of the community and understand their culture.
- Make sure that individuals feel safe expressing themselves in their own language, without worrying about miscommunication.
4. Address Bias and Build Trust
- Train service providers, including law enforcement and healthcare professionals, on cultural humility and the impact of bias.
- Build trust with the community by being open, consistent, and transparent about the services you provide.
5. Build Relationships, Not Just Services
- Partner with local community organizations to create services that are trusted and effective.
- Make sure that community voices are heard and that organizations are responsive to their specific needs.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between language access and language justice?
Language access is about providing translation or interpretation services so that people can use services in their language. Language justice goes further, ensuring that people are not just given access, but that they can speak and be heard in their language without fear of misunderstanding.
Q: Why is cultural humility important in service work?
Cultural humility means approaching people with respect for their backgrounds and experiences. It’s important because it allows service providers to truly listen and respond in ways that are meaningful for the individual, rather than making assumptions based on stereotypes.
Q: How can organizations start making changes?
Organizations can start by learning about the communities they serve and making sure that their staff understands the specific challenges these groups face. This could include offering language support, making services more accessible, and engaging with community leaders to understand their needs.
Final Thoughts
If you work with underserved or linguistically diverse communities, consider taking the steps outlined here to make your services more accessible. Start by listening to community members, understanding their specific needs, and offering support that respects their language and culture.
For more detailed findings and recommendations, check out the full report here.
If you need help creating more inclusive, community-centered services, reach out. Together, we can create spaces where everyone can feel heard, understood, and supported.
