Training Announcement: Introduction to Cultural Brokering for the Medical Interpreter

"Introduction to Cultural Brokering for the Medical Interpreter"

Thursday, June 30, 9:30am-12:30pm

Catholic Charities Maine

250 Anderson Street Portland

Trainers: Malvina Gregory, Director - CCME Language Partners

Jessica Goldhirsch, MPH

Interpreting textbooks & trainings often state that interpreters need to notice when cultural differences arise, and intervene when necessary to make sure that communication is clear.  Unfortunately, very few models explain exactly how an interpreter is supposed to do that.  Just as not all bilingual people make for good interpreters because they lack training, likewise not all bi-cultural people make good cultural brokers.  It takes a special mix of skills and experience to identify cultural differences and explain the dynamics to an outsider.  The skills must be learned, and hopefully as our profession advances, they will be taught.

Next Thursday, June 30th, we at Catholic Charities Language Partners will start a discussion with Maine interpreters about how to do this complex part of their work.  We are offering this training in alongside the Interpreter Services program at Children's Hospital in Boston, MA, and our joint reflections on the training and lessons learned will be shared at the 2011 International Medical Interpreters Association conference this fall.  We hope that our training will lead the way for more discussions nationwide.  The truth is that without effective cultural brokering good health outcomes are much less likely to occur.  Doctors and patients will misunderstand each other.  For the sake of our patients, we need to start developing ways to teach our interpreters.

If you are an interpreter and interested in attending, you can call 523-2726 or e-mail mgregory@ccmaine.org.  Registration is limited to 25 students.  Training will be free for all CCME interpreters. Registration fee for non-CCME interpreters: $50.00.  Interpreters must have already completed a 12hr Basic Interpreter Training to attend this course.

World Refugee Day 2011

World Refugee Day is held every year on June 20. Refugees are amazing, resilient people who despite being forcibly displaced start over again and create new lives.  Every year we celebrate them and their contributions to communities worldwide.  Come join us!

World Refugee Day Celebration

Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street

Friday, June 17, 2011

4:00 p.m. — FREE!

4:00 pm: Film “Welcome to Shelbyville” - Discussion Group to Follow

5:30 pm: International Performance - Malika Dance Group

6:30 pm: Refreshments Provided by Local Refugee Businesses

For more information, contact: Chelsey Everest, Catholic Charities Maine, phone:(207) 871-7437 or visit http://www.portlandmaine.gov/ or www.ccmaine.org/ris

Join us as we recognize the positive impact of refugee businesses in Maine!  Come meet your neighbors! See you there!

Hijabs, Ramadan, workplaces, oh my!

Our diversifying workplaces are challenging us to be more flexible when it comes to accomodations for religious requests.  Let's not kid ourselves--this issue has been around for a long time.  Maybe we made sure that there wasn't any pork in the potluck baked beans because Dave is Jewish, or maybe Sally just really would prefer to not work Saturdays because she's a Seventh Day Adventist.  Now with Muslim populations entering Maine's workforce, we also need to re-think things like dress codes, prayer breaks, and holiday time.  It's not unreasonable, and if we think about it's not that new of a concept.  It's also the law.  Many illustrious companies have been sued, such as American Airlines, Alamo Rent-A-Car, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Disney (Aladdin and Princess Jasmine refused comment)--all for not making reasonable accomodations to staff's religiously based requests.

This week we applaud the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce for taking on the issue directly and proactively.  In a few weeks they will be hosting a brown bag luncheon and panel discussion to to increase the knowledge about certain religious practices, define what is a reasonable accommodation under the law, and identify work practices that create barriers as well as work practices and solutions that are recommended.  Date & Location: July 7th, 11:30a-1pm, Business Service Center at KeyBank Plaza, 415 Lisbon St., Lewiston, ME

Language in the Labor Force

This week we're at the 2011 Maine HR Conference.   The 2011 Census indicates that Maine's population is rapidly diversifying; both Portland and Lewiston's minority populations doubled over the past decade (no time to crunch the numbers? for a good recap of all the data see Downeast Denizen's blog post).  In a time where Maine's overall labor force is shrinking, that means that more and more employers are working with staff from different backgrounds and who might speak different languages.

Sadly, many times employers only realize that they need an interpreter after a problem has developed.  This week, CCME Language Partners can be found at the 2011 Maine HR Conference talking to employers about how to proactively respond to the new workforce.  Employers today are using translations to explain safety procedures beyond a shadow of a doubt, staff training to head off workplace tensions, and interpreters to clear up misunderstandings and pave the way to good communication between management and personnel.  See a glimpse of our talks here:

Picnics & Photos: Celebrating Culture

Here are two great events that are ways to learn more about our refugee communities.  One is in Lewiston, the other is in Portland.  Both will be casual, fun ways to get to know your new neighbors.



Source: http://www.laarts.org/visual/CG.htm

 Downtown Girls: A Reflection of Community - April 29-June 10th, 2011.  Opening Reception: Friday April 29 4-7pm.  This photovoice project equipped young girls with cameras and invited themt o document their worlds.   A series of fifty images give a glimpse into their lives, and an insight into Lewiston's newest immigrant community, as seen through that community's youngest members.  Location: L/A Arts Community Gallery, 221 Lisbon Street, Lewiston ME

New Mainer's Event - May 7th, 2011 from 1-3pm, sponsored by Catholic Charities Refugee & Immigration Services.  This year we will have a DJ, an arts & crafts table, kickball games, face painting, jewelry making, and lots of food! For more information contact Aimee Vlachos-Bullard at 523-2737 or abullard@ccmaine.org.  Location: USM University Green, 23 Bedford Street, Portland.  Parking is available in the lot next to the green.

We'll see you there!

Cure your cabin fever

March is looking to be a fun month!  All work and no play makes for dull minds, so you'll find us celebrating at two great events to raise money for two keystones of the Portland immigrant & refugee community. 

The first is Portland Public Schools' Rock Around the World event.  Proceeds go to support an intensive summer school of English  Language Learning students.  A great cause, but the party itself is worth the ticket price.  Great foods from many nations, and dance music from the U.S. and beyond.  Impromptu dance lessons abound, and there's no shame if you can't do the steps because it's guaranteed that everyone will be learning at least one new dance that night!  Date: Friday, March 11, 7-11 pm, Italian Heritage Center in Portland. 

The second is Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project's CeleSoirée, a night of art, music and food.  Few art shows are as fun as ILAP's.  There is live music (this year drumming by Jordan Benissan and flamenco by Olas--both will make you want to move your feet and clap your hands) and more delicious food than you can imagine.  And the silent art auction--so much, such talent!  ILAP's work has touched the lives of countless immigrant and refugee families in Maine.  Supporting an amazing organization and possibly winning some breathtaking art.  How can you go wrong?   Date: March 25th, 5pm-9pm at the Portland Company, 58 Fore Street in Portland.

See you there!