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Word of Mouth - May 2018
Updates, News and Events for May 2018
Announcements:
Jefferson Regional Foundation Partnership. With a generous grant from The Jefferson Regional Foundation, Global Wordsmiths is teaming up with The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services to bring language access to the Jefferson Regional Service Area. We are very excited! Through this initiative, Global Wordsmiths will provide language access consulting, training, and policy recommendations to selected Jefferson Regional Collaborative member organizations. From there, participating organizations will receive language translation and interpretation covered at 100% of cost for the first year, and 50% of cost for the second year. This is a wonderful opportunity for our region and we are so thankful to the Jefferson Regional Foundation for their support of our vision.
LAP Data Dump. Data is starting to roll in from the Language Access Project Spring 2018 Cycle. 12 Interns interned for 737 hours from January through April, and they:
Served 138 LEP-individuals through interpretation (both in-person and on the phone)
Translated 219 documents (ranging from 1 to 64 pages)
Of the hours spent interning, 57% was spent translating and 43% was spent interpreting.
New languages. Global Wordsmiths now offers Japanese, Lingala and Albanian translation and interpretation services. Pretty sweet!
Catch This Show on the Road. Mary Jayne has been invited to talk about language access at the 2018 Pennsylvania Health Literacy Coalition Meeting in Lancaster and at the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition 2018 Immigrant and Refugee Rights Convening in Harrisburg this month. It’s good to see language access issues being discussed statewide and we are honored to be a part of the process of change.
Have a great month,
Mary Jayne
Culture:
Can Poetry be Translated? Not really, but that shouldn't stop us from appreciating the art.
News:
Pittsburgh's 311 non-emergency response line operators can now communicate with residents in 14 different languages.
As a part of Minority Health Month, a partnership is starting a network to build community among people of color, immigrants and supporters.
Language Access Resources:
A lot of people ask us questions about how to best work with an interpreter, so we made this handy printable to help.
Events:
May Day 2018: Celebrate Immigrants and Workers in PGH!
May 1, 6:00 – 9:00pm at Salem’s Market and Grill
This May Day, we come together to honor and celebrate immigrants and workers who are often overlooked and undervalued. We especially will uplift and center domestic workers, child care workers, sex workers, construction workers, restaurant workers, refugee workers and all other workers whose survival work remains unrecognized. This Mayday, we say: there is no small work -- all workers are valuable! All workers deserve living wages and the right to organize. We deserve comfort and joy. We deserve dignity and respect. We deserve to be honored and supported, not because all our struggles are the same, but because our lives are worth defending in their own right. We need wages, but we also need roses too. Join us for a march and celebration this Mayday at Salem’s Market & Grill at 6pm! It is important that we make time to uplift, honor, and center our joy whenever we can.
Speaker Series: Race, Education and PRIDE
May 1, 5:00pm at David Lawrence Hall
What makes a community racially responsive? Is it the capacity to assess the ways race impacts its citizens – including its youngest – in schools and elsewhere? How can a community best offer education, training, and resources to the populace while building a repertoire of proactive and just approaches to issues of race? Join us for an engaging evening of dialogue as we explore ways to make our city more racially aware and racially responsive.
Afro-Yaqui Music Collection
May 1, 8:00 – 10:00pm at City of Asylum
Named after the indigenous music of the Yaqui people of northern Mexico, The Afro Yaqui Music Collective fuses the music of first nations in the Americas with funk, jazz, and hip hop to create a new rhythm that liberates spirit and soul.
AYMC is a 9-piece outfit which descends from the ensembles of Guggenheim award-winner Fred Ho, whose work was influenced by West African, global Indigenous and East Asian musics. Co-led by 2014 ACE Award-winning Yaqui-Mexican operatic vocalist Gizelxanath Rodreiguez and Fred Ho’s Baritone protege Ben Barson, the band uses their soul-stirring, heart-pumping sounds to respond to global issues from mass incarceration to ecocide.
Mejorando Beechview Juntos!
May 2, 1:00 – 5:00pm, St. Catherine of Siena Church
Bajo la dirección de artistas profesionales, los jóvenes de Brookline Teen Outreach en Brookline y Jovenes Con Proposito en Beechview trabajarán para crear atractivas tablas pintadas que se usarán para cubrir ventanas y puertas de edificios vacios en Beechview. *Aperitivos y bebidas proporcionados. Llegue cuando pueda, quédese todo el tiempo que desean. Jeimy estara el domigo ayudnado. https://www.facebook.com/events/436266810161451/
Forum on Attracting and Retaining Diverse Talent
May 2, 7:30 – 11:15am, Energy Innovation Center
A forum on the confluence of socio-economic and community benefits and challenges that need to be addressed to attract and retain a diverse workforce for Pittsburgh to truly become competitive on the local, national and global economy. Speakers from different backgrounds will share their expertise on the economic impact of immigration in the region, the value and challenges of establishing minority workforce programs for local businesses, and recommendations for creating a diverse talent pipeline for the region.
Global Pittbsurgh First Thursdays
May 3rd from 5:30 – 8:00pm at Rolands Seafood Grill GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes and different activities - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month. It's an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits. Everyone is welcome!
¡Salsita! 2018, La Escuelita Arcoiris
May 4th at 7:30pm, James Simon Studios
La Escuelita Arcoiris is hosting it’s annual ¡Salsita! fiesta on May 4. This event features vibrant music from ¡ESSO! Afrojam Funkbeat, live entertainment, and delicious food & drinks. The highly anticipated silent auction will also be held in the beautiful James Simons Studio. All proceeds from the event will go towards La Escuelita's scholarship program.
Refugee & Immigrant Library Access Day
May 5th, 10:00 – 1:00 at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- Downtown Branch
Refugee & Immigrant Library Access Day seeks to help refugees and immigrants get to know their local libraries and learn more about their services. During the event, participants will have the chance to tour the library, register for a library card, and connect with other community service providers. Children's activities, snacks and drinks, and fun prizes will also be included! All are welcome to this free community event! Interpretation will be provided throughout the event.
Festival del Cinco de Mayo en Beechview
May 5, 12:00 – 9:00pm
Las Palmas y LACU te invitan a Celebrar el Cinco de Mayo en Beechview. Ven a festejar con la Internacional Sonora Dinamita! Evento en beneficio a Casa San José. Las Palmas and LACO invite you to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Beechview. Come celebrate with Internacional Sonora Dinamita! Proceeds benefit Casa San Jose.
Casa San José presents: Fiesta del Sol
May 5th, 6:00pm at Frick Fine Arts Building
Casa San Jose cordially invites you to attend its FIRST annual fundraiser, Fiesta del Sol! Join Casa for an inspiring evening of Latin American Cuisine, drinks, and community in the stunning Frick Fine Arts Building. Food and drinks by several of our favorite Pittsburgh chefs, distillers and brewers, world premiere of “Casa” a documentary by Nick Schapiro, silent auction & raffles throughout the evening.
St. Nick’s Annual Greek Food Festival
May 6 – May 12, St. Nicholas Orthodox Greek Cathedral
Delicious ‘Homemade’ Greek Food, Open Lunch through Dinner, Live Greek Band
Nightly Dancing by our Youth, Outdoor Grill, Dining Under the Tent
SERVING HOURS: Sunday Noon – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (music ’til midnight)
Hello Neighbor Community Potluck
May 6th , 2:00 – 5:00 at Brookline Memorial Park
Hello Neighbor currently has 25 refugee families matched with 25 Pittsburgh families. On May 6th, they are hosting a potluck for their matches and for you! Come to Brookline park to meet your neighbors and enjoy food and fun.
Hello Neighbor asks that you bring one food item (bought or made) with enough to share.
Cameroon FDP Party in the Park
May 12th, 4:00pm at Schenley Park, Bartlett Shelter
Join Cameroon FDP at their 3rd Party in the Park to celebrate the official launching of the new and improved PLAY4PURPOSE initiative. Enjoy delicious grilled food, sides, drinks, music, and games while supporting our unique approach to create global impact through sport. Single entry $10; Family $20. Tickets go on sale soon!
Refugee & Immigrant Health and Wellness Fair
May 12, 11:00 – 2:00 at The Kingsley Association
All are welcome to the 3rd Annual Refugee & Immigrant Health and Wellness Fair! Join us for free food, fun demonstrations, children's activities and more! Refugee and immigrants will have the opportunity to speak with over 30 local organizations to learn about resources for their families. Americans are also welcome to join to learn more about their refugee & immigrant neighbors, as well as the resources available to them.
Calle Bomba Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba Workshop Series
May 12 – 26, PNC YMCA (downtown)
Participants will engage in a three-part/three skill area circuit of activities during which they will (1) learn to play basic Bomba drum rhythms and musical patterns; (2) learn basic Bomba dance steps; and (3) learn already existing and then generate new, basic, 4/4, Bomba lyric patterns in Spanish and/and English. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/calle-bomba-workshop-series-may-12th-19th-and-26th-tickets-42823763028
From PGH to a U.S. Embassy: Employment Opportunities at the U.S. State Dept.
May 17th from 10:00 – 1:00 at Carnegie Library Downtown & Business Branch
The U.S. Department of State is dedicated to protecting and strengthening America’s interests abroad and right here at home. So whether providing healthcare services to U.S. diplomats and their families abroad, explaining U.S. foreign policy to citizens of other countries, or helping U.S. farmers open up markets in emerging countries, you can make a difference with the U.S. Department of State. The event is designed to raise awareness about the Department and its careers, and offers the opportunity for those interested (or who just want to learn more) to meet directly with Foreign Service Officers and Specialists and Civil Service professionals who work on the business of diplomacy each and every day, in the U.S. and abroad. Attendees will learn more about our careers, the selection and hiring processes, and the issues on which our employees work that impact the American public. For more information contact The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh at (412) 281-7970 or welcome@worldpittsburgh.org
Sunjata Kamalenya: The Story of the True Lion king of Africa
May 18 – 19, August Wilson Center
Sunjata Kamalenya is a completely interactive show celebrating the greatest hero of West African legend, Sunjata Keita, the first mansa (king) of the ancient Empire of Mali. This 13th century epic tale takes place in a magical world filled with sorcery and enchantment. A wandering hunter comes to the village of Farrakoro and makes an unbelievable prediction that a boy who is crippled and his outcast mother will overcome all odds to deliver their nation from an evil sorcerer. This beautiful tale follows their struggles and the strength they discover from their faith in each other. Authentic music, costumes, and scenery invite you into this modern Mandé village where the jelimuso (storyteller) guides your journey as you sing, dance, and act alongside professional actors and musicians in a truly unique and immersive experience.
Two-Way Street Fest 2018
May 19, 1:00 – 5:00 Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation
The Two-Way Street Fest is a celebration of community and local business. Th Join us at Two-Way Street Fest 2018! The Fest is a free community event for all -- RSVP today! Want to get involved? Email marlee@wilkinsburgcdc.org or call (412) 727-7855.
One Big Table: An International Tasting
May 27, 6:00 – 8:00pm, U.S. Steel Tower Upper Lobby
Diversity enriches the fabric of our community and contributes to the vitality and strength of our region. Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council is proud to launch One Big Table, an international food tasting and entertainment showcase, benefitting our students and programs. Tickets to this after-work event are reasonably priced at $50 per person and will include access to samplings from ethnic restaurants as well as entertainment and interactive activities with a global flair. One Big Table embraces our vision of a more inclusive and productive community driven by access to education. We invite you to share in our vision for Pittsburgh by taking part in our newest event!
Strengthening the Experience of English Language Learners
May 21, 53:0 – 8:00 City Theater
How can Pittsburgh area schools better serve English Language Learners (ELL)? How can English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers help build community and cultivate cultural humility within the school and across our region, and how can they be supported in this effort? At this Remake Learning Days event, attendees will hear from youth, practitioners, and education advocates who will speak to the barriers and best practices in achieving positive change for English Learners in our area.
PICC 2018 Immigrant and Refugee Rights Convening
May 20 – 21, Harrisburg PA
This Convening will bring together members of the immigrant and refugee communities, grassroots organizations, advocates, and allies from across the state, and will include workshops, networking sessions, and opportunities to meet with legislators to educate them on issues important to immigrant and refugee communities.
Civil Rights and Wrongs Opening Reception
May 25th, 6:00 – 8:00pm at The Mattress Factory (Exhibit runs through July)
In Civil Rights and Civil Wrongs, opening on May 25, four artists from South Africa work with three artists from Pittsburgh. Each artist confronts racial politics using different mediums, explains La Follette: “We have a sound artist who archives the world around him, a filmmaker who addresses gentrification, and a multimedia artist who brings together myth and futurism. We have a choreographer who considers himself a community developer, an outsider architect who engineers castles from forgotten debris, a painter and printmaker who captures uprisings in mining towns, and a formerly incarcerated drug dealer turned art teacher who is a role model to the children around him.”
Pandemic Presents: Sonido Gallo Negro
May 25th, 9:00pm – 2:00am at Salem’s Event Center
Sonido Gallo Negro is a stunning 9-piece, instrumental combo from Mexico City that channels the mystique and mysticism of 1960’s Peruvian cumbia. The band integrates styles like Amazonian cumbia, huayno, cumbia sonidera, boogaloo and chicha with electric guitars, Farfisa organ, theremin, flute and of course fluid Latin percussion. Spaghetti western soundtracks, psychedelia and surf music also echo in their compositions.