Language Assistance Plan
The Oikos Institute for Social Impact (Oikos Institute) is dedicated to fostering community development by helping congregations strategically respond to the disorienting effects of gentrification, disproportionate unemployment, and changing local demographics. In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166, titled Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, Oikos Institute has developed this Language Assistance Plan to ensure that persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) have access to Oikos Institute’s resources and services.
Our Board of Directors, management team, staff, employees, and consultants are committed to taking reasonable steps to ensure LEP individuals have meaningful access to all products, services, and programs offered by the Oikos Institute. Accordingly, we will also take reasonable steps to effectively inform the public about the availability of language-accessible programs and activities.
Introduction
This Language Access Plan focuses on providing equitable access to financial resources for individuals with limited English proficiency in the communities that we intend to serve. The purpose of this Language Access Plan is to make reasonable efforts to eliminate or reduce limited English proficiency as a barrier to accessing Oikos’s products, services, and programs. In preparing and implementing this Language Access Plan, we consider the following four factors: (1) the number or proportion of LEP persons eligible to be served or likely to be encountered in rendering our services; (2) the frequency with which LEP persons come in contact with Oikos Institute; (3) the nature and importance of Oikos Institute, activity, or service; and (4) the Oikos Institute’s available resources.
Identification of Language Needs
To identify language needs, we anticipate conducting regular surveys, community engagement events, and tracking language preferences of members of the communities that we serve. If a staff member receives a telephone call from a person who speaks a foreign language, or has a speech or language disability, and is having difficulty communicating in English, the staff member will employ reasonable means to obtain as much information possible to assist the caller during the call or after the call, as necessary. Similarly, if a staff member receives written communication in a foreign language, the staff member will contact the Executive Director to determine the best way to proceed in compliance with this Language Access Plan. These proactive approaches will allow us to tailor our language assistance services to the unique needs of various language-speaking communities that we intend to serve.
Language Assistance Services and Training.
All staff will receive training on the importance of providing meaningful information and services to LEP members of the communities that we serve. This training will be included as part of the new employee orientation, with periodic refresher training provided at staff meetings.
Implementation Plan
Staff Responsibilities
All staff members will be responsible for understanding and adhering to the Language Access Plan. Specific responsibilities include:
• Acknowledge the information on Title VI and LAP responsibilities provided by Oikos Institute.
• Participate in initial and ongoing training related to language assistance services and understand the procedures for accessing translation and interpretation services.
Community Outreach
To ensure our language assistance services meet the needs of the community, Oikos Institute will also post a copy of this Language Access Plan on its website. If necessary to meet the goal and purpose of this Language Access Plan, we will engage in proactive outreach efforts, including:
• Community Events: Host regular events and information sessions to better understand the diverse language needs of the communities that we serve.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations and community groups that serve LEP populations to enhance our reach and effectiveness.
• Suggestion Box: Invite LEPs of the communities that we serve to submit their feedback and suggestions concerning the effectiveness of the Language Access Plan.
Monitoring and Evaluation
To ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the Language Access Plan, the Oikos Institute will implement the following monitoring and evaluation measures:
• Conduct periodic audits of language assistance services to assess their usage, quality, and accessibility.
• Track key performance indicators, such as the number of LEP individuals served, the frequency of language service requests, and the response times for providing assistance.
Compliance and Reporting
To ensure adherence to the Language Access Plan and maintain accountability, the Oikos Institute will establish the following compliance and reporting measures:
• Regularly review staff compliance with the Language Access Plan, including adherence to procedures for providing language assistance services and participation in required training sessions.
• Implement a system for reporting and addressing instances where language assistance services were not provided or were inadequate. Staff and community members can submit reports, which will be reviewed and addressed promptly.
• When non-compliance is identified, develop and implement corrective actions to address gaps in service and prevent future occurrences. This may include additional training, process adjustments, or other necessary measures.