Voices in Every Language

Language Access as a Human Right: Picnic & Educational Event
  • Do you speak a language other than English at home? You and your family have the right to meaningful language access when recieving healthcare, justice, education, and more.

    We invite you to join AALB for a free outdoor educational picnic: Enjoy fresh fruits, refreshing beverages, and great company while learning about the civil right to language access.
Click Here to RSVP 
(Required, Seats Limited)
Chicago, Illinois
(Final Location To Be Announced)
‍
September 27th, 2025
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
‍
100% Free of Charge
Americans Against Language Barriers (AALB) is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of those with language barriers.

Click Here to RSVP 
(Required, Seats Limited)

Featured Speaker:
Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah
State Representative Dr. Theresa Mah has served since 2017 as the Democratic member for Illinois’s 24th House District. A former university history professor and long‑time immigrant‑rights advocate, she has championed landmark measures such as the 2024 Language Equity and Access Act, which expands interpreter services, fortifies consumer protections, and strengthens civil‑rights enforcement across the state.

At our event she will discuss her work to advance language justice in hospitals, courts, and public programs, and she will give you practical steps for working with your own legislators to advocate for rigorous enforcement of language‑access laws and advance the issues that matter most to your community.
Schedule
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Check-In & Coffee/Light Snacks
10:30 AM - 10:35 AM: Introduction & Agenda
10:35 AM - 11:15 AM: Language Access as your Civil and Human Right
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM: Understanding Enforcement of Language Access Laws
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Language Access in Illinois (Representative Theresa Mah)
1:2:00 PM - 12:15 PM: Q&A
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM: Language Access Stories
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM: Scheduling Meeting With Your Representatives
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM: Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can RSVP to attend the event?
Anyone that is interested in learning about civil rights law and would consider meeting with their elected representative to advocate for greater enforcement of language rights.

Interpreters will be provided in Spanish and at least one other language, based on the needs of those who RSVP. When you RSVP, you will be asked if you need an interpreter.
What is the purpose of the event?
The purpose of this event is two-fold: 

First, it is to educate the public on the laws that already exist. Limited English individuals have their civil rights violated regularly, but they can only take action if they are aware of their rights under federal and state law.

Second, it is to take collective action. We call the State of Illinois home, and as Americans we all have the right to have our voice heard, regardless of the language we speak. During the final hour of the event, we will spend time helping you schedule a meeting with your state or federal legislator, and we will ensure you receive a professional interpreter for your meeting, if you need one.
Where will the event take place?
We are in the process of finalizing a picnic area for the event. This is an outdoor event, and will take place somewhere in the Chicago metropolitan area. When the final location is announced, this website will be updated and all individuals who RSVP'd will be notified via email.
Who is AALB?
AALB is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Chicago dedicated to improving the quality of life of those with language barriers. We have trained and qualified thousands of interpreters, who work for hospitals and other healthcare instructions across the country. We are hosting this event in order to help limited English individuals and their families understand their civil rights under federal and state law.
I have more questions, who can I contact?
We are happy to answer your questions. Click here to contact us.