Language Care in Action
We just wrapped up the pilot Spanish Practice Circles at Voces Consulting, and my heart is so full. What started as an idea to create a low-pressure opportunity for language learning turned into a vibrant space for language care.
‘Caring for language’ means recognizing that language is not just a tool for compliance, but a foundational element of social justice that calls for active stewardship. When we deal with language, we are always dealing with its users. So language care is, ultimately, care for people.*
This care was felt deeply in our video calls, which served as a beautiful cross-section of our community. We saw social workers and school counselors deepening their communication skills alongside engineers, nonprofit leaders, and advocates working to expand housing access and affordable homes. City and county-level staff committed to more inclusive public service joined heritage speakers nurturing their conversational fluency and total beginners taking their first brave steps.
Throughout these sessions, I was reminded that getting the grammar right is great, but it’s the courage to show up that really matters. It’s about the messy, beautiful work of connecting with respect and care. To all my pilot participants: ¡Gracias por su energía! Your willingness to be vulnerable and learn in community is exactly what language justice looks like in action.
While this specific pilot has ended, the journey of caring for language is just beginning. Stay tuned for our 2026 expansion, including:
Sector-specific practice circles
Custom workshop series for teams and organizations
New workbooks for frontline and helping professionals
If your organization is ready to move beyond translation apps and toward authentic human-to-human connection, I’d love to help you build that pathway. Reach out to explore a tailored series for your team!
*This concept is inspired by the work of Komska et al. (2019) and Sauntson, H., Cunningham, C., Ennser-Kananen, J., & O'Brien, D. (2025) in their book Language and Social Justice: An Introduction to Linguistic Activism, who frame 'language care' as the recognition that because language always involves its users, caring for language is fundamentally an act of care for people.
Quarterly Workshops
Interactive virtual workshops offered four to five times throughout the year, each designed around a thematic focus area. Additional topics will be added based on partner feedback and community needs.
Workshops blend mini-lessons, cultural humility practices, and scenario-based skill building. Extended 90-minute, 2-hour, and half-day formats will support deeper exploration and applied practice. Planned topics include:
Spanish + Cultural Humility Foundations
Spanish for Frontline Service Providers
Trauma-Informed Bilingual Communication
Spanish for Educators & Family Engagement
Voces Workbook Series Expansion
Three new workbooks will be released in 2026. Additional sector-specific modules may also be developed in collaboration with organizations seeking tailored materials. Upcoming workbooks will cover:
Spanish Foundations: essential phrases, pronunciation, and high-frequency vocabulary
Cultural Humility in Communication: relationship-centered strategies and communication repair tools
Trauma-Informed Spanish for Helping Professionals: grounding language and compassionate communication
Partnership Opportunities
Partner organizations play a vital role in expanding language justice by connecting their teams and networks with these specialized offerings. We invite organizations to collaborate with Voces Consulting to foster environments of belonging and cultural humility.
Partners receive priority access to workshop dates, new materials, and specialized training pathways. Organizations seeking to strengthen staff readiness through tailored workshops, sector-specific workbooks, or community engagement support are warmly invited to connect regarding contracted services.
Make your voice heard!
Fill out our survey to help shape what future workshops, trainings, and bilingual resources we develop.
Language & Cultural Readiness Pathways
At Voces Consulting, we believe language access is not just about translation. It’s about equipping staff with the skills and confidence to serve Spanish-speaking families with respect and care. Translation apps can help in a pinch, but they don’t replace training, practice, and authentic human-to-human interactions.
Spanish is spoken at home in nearly 1 in 10 Oregon households. Schools, clinics, libraries, and nonprofits can’t leave families to bridge language gaps on their own. Organizations must be prepared, and that’s where we come in.
Our Language & Cultural Readiness Pathways meet your organization where you are. Each pathway is a flexible training package that can stand alone or be combined into a custom plan.
Download a bilingual list of our services.
Introductory Workshop
Spanish Language Basics
A budget-friendly, entry-level offering for small organizations who want to start building confidence in welcoming Spanish-speaking community members.
One 60-minute interactive workshop (in-person or virtual) focused on Spanish basics for front-line staff
Common phrases tailored to your setting (e.g., library, clinic, school)
One-page bilingual quick-reference handout for service desks or staff use
Resource list for continued independent learning
Flat fee: $500 (virtual) / $750 (in-person in Portland Metro; additional travel costs for outside areas)
Foundation Pathway
Language Basics & First Impressions
For organizations beginning their journey into Spanish-language accessibility.
Spanish Language Basics Workshop (90 minutes)
Quick-reference bilingual handouts (phrases for front-line staff)
Custom bilingual quick-reference guide or flyer tailored to your organization (e.g., a front office guide with key phrases)
Resource guide of free/low-cost tools for continued learning
Intro to cultural readiness: tone, body language, and welcoming behaviors
Flat fee: $1,200.00
Engagement Pathway
Centering Community Voice
For organizations ready to co-create services with their Spanish-speaking communities.
Facilitation of 2 community input panels (English/Spanish)
6–8 stakeholder interviews with staff and partners
One focus group with patrons/clients (English or Spanish)
Equity-focused summary report with findings and recommendations
Recommendations for community-informed materials (posters, flyers, signage) tailored to participant feedback
Flat fee: $6,500.00
Connection Pathway
Staff Readiness in Practice
For organizations that want to strengthen staff confidence and cultural skills.
Pre-training staff survey (designed, administered, and evaluated by Voces)
Two 90-minute interactive workshops with role-play scenarios
Strengths-based analysis of current accessibility practices
One follow-up coaching session to reinforce learning
Recommendations for visual and verbal communication improvements (e.g., signage, front desk scripts)
Flat fee: $3,000.00
Transformation Pathway
Sustained Equity & Belonging
For organizations committed to long-term equity and language justice.
Pre-training staff survey
Facilitation of 2 community input panels
6–8 stakeholder interviews
One focus group (English or Spanish)
Strategic bilingual communications plan
Translation and design of up to 15 pages
Review of customer service policies and practices
Staff development series (3 workshops)
Implementation roadmap
Starting at $12,000.00
Equity Commitment
Our listed fees reflect the time, preparation, and expertise that go into each offering. We also recognize that budgets vary, especially for community-based nonprofits and grassroots partners. Voces is committed to equity in practice, which means we are glad to discuss sliding-scale or adjusted pricing to ensure services remain accessible while sustaining our work. Additionally, we offer up to 30% off for Spanish-speaking and Latine-led organizations.
Who qualifies:
Latine-led nonprofits
Community orgs serving Spanish-speaking families
Mutual aid networks & grassroots initiatives
Reach out to see if your organization qualifies!
Not sure which Pathway fits your needs?
Voces offers a free 30-minute consultation to explore your goals, answer questions, and identify the best approach for your organization.
Example Scenarios
The Local Library
Foundation Pathway
Staff want to welcome Spanish-speaking patrons but feel unsure how to help. Voces designs a practical starter package that boosts confidence and makes the library more accessible to community members.
Included in this scenario:
Spanish Language Basics Workshop (90 minutes)
Quick-reference bilingual handouts with common phrases for libraries
Custom “Welcome to the Library” flyer in English/Spanish, posted at front desks
Resource guide for ongoing staff learning
Coaching on tone, body language, and warm first impressions
The Medical Office
Connection Pathway
A clinic wants patients to feel comfortable at intake and understand forms, but staff feel unprepared. Voces provides a tailored package that combines training, readiness assessment, and clear bilingual materials.
Included in this scenario:
Pre-training staff survey to identify challenges
Two interactive workshops with role-plays (checking in, giving directions, clarifying needs)
Translation of patient intake forms and after-visit instructions
Custom bilingual “How to Check In” poster for the waiting room
One follow-up coaching session to reinforce learning
Back-to-School Night
Engagement Pathway
At Back-to-School Night, teachers and staff want to connect with Spanish-speaking families but may feel unsure about how to begin. With limited materials on hand, key information can get lost. Voces supports schools by equipping staff with strategies to engage families confidently and by co-creating clear, bilingual resources that everyone can use.
Included in this scenario:
Two parent/community panels (with Spanish interpretation)
Focus group with Spanish-speaking parents about event experiences
Stakeholder interviews with teachers and administrators
Translation of event flyers, schedules, and resource sheets into Spanish
Custom bilingual “Welcome to Our School” guide with key phrases
Equity-focused recommendations report for leadership
Building equity and community through language access.
Fortaleciendo la equidad y la comunidad a través del acceso al idioma.