Why Multilingual Matters: Interpreting For Everybody

Wayside has made a commitment to build and amplify voices and languages not often heard in organizing and movement spaces. We are working in Virginia and DC with organizations that see the need, and the organizing power, of connecting people across race and language especially in immigrant communities. When we begin to see language as a tool of empowerment that gives value to people's culture and way of being, our organizations grow in heart, experience, and perspective. When we begin to see that interpreting is not just “for” mono-lingual non-English speakers but in fact for everyone who is unable to understand all languages present in a conversation, we can begin to see people working from abundance and not deficiency. When we interpret well, we open space for the jokes, the perspectives and the soul of everyone in the room to come through, building deeper solidarity, democracy, and a broader movement for change.

As we continue to build interpreting capacity through trainings, consultations, and providing interpretation at Wayside and beyond, we are continually touched by the power and value of diverse voices and perspectives communicating with one another. We are in the midst of exciting times, and as we Occupy and collectively address the economic crisis and inequalities of this world, let us continue to lift up and amplify all voices. As we grow our movement, let’s make sure that our dreams, struggles and visions are heard in the voice and language that most truly expresses our deepest desires and hopes!

Get Your Piece of People's History: Original Posters from Wayside

These 11" x 17" posters honor activist victories with original art. You can snag one for a suggested donation of $10. The proceeds benefit the groups recognized. Contact info@waysidecenter.org to order.

The Defenders for their victory in reclaiming Richmond's African Burial Ground from a VCU parking lot. After years of organizing, the reclamation of sacred ground has begun.
Art by Aaron Samsel.

SONG For their victory at a prominent Raleigh, NC shopping area. When two women were asked to leave for holding hands and kissing each other on the cheek, they organized. Eventually the management apologized, changed their policies and implemented an anti-discrimination training.
Art by Lauren Vincelli.

Student Organizers "Bring It!" at Wayside

A gathering of 30 high school and college students came together here at Wayside in February to build leadership and youth organizing skills at the first annual Bring It!: Student Organizers Weekend. Participants hailed from schools and communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and DC. Led by Virginia Leavell, Jon Berger and Samatha Miller the group held workshops focused on facilitating meetings, organizing events, and general knowledge with youth organizers.
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