West Kirby, a thriving coastal town in Merseyside, has long been celebrated for its vibrant community spirit and commitment to inclusivity. In recent years, the local government has taken significant strides to further strengthen connections between residents from diverse backgrounds, expand access to essential public services, and cultivate a more equitable and welcoming environment for all.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Multilingual Public Service Initiatives
One of the standout achievements in West Kirby has been the strategic expansion of multilingual public services. Recognizing the town’s growing linguistic diversity, the local council has partnered with community organizations to roll out a comprehensive translation and interpretation program, ensuring that residents who speak languages other than English can seamlessly access critical resources and engage with municipal offices.
“Our goal is to create a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to participate in civic life, regardless of their language proficiency,” explains Donna Johnson, executive assistant to Lillian Kuri, the town’s first female Chief Executive Officer. “By breaking down communication barriers, we’re able to better serve the unique needs of our multicultural population and foster a greater sense of belonging.”
Through this initiative, all major public-facing documents, including forms, signage, and educational materials, have been translated into the top five most commonly spoken languages in West Kirby. Additionally, the council has trained a cadre of multilingual staff members to provide interpretation services, both in-person and over the phone, ensuring that residents can access support in their preferred language.
“The expansion of multilingual services has been a game-changer for our community,” says Jermaine Brown, a Grants Management Coordinator. “We’ve seen a significant increase in engagement from residents who previously felt excluded or intimidated by the bureaucratic process. Now, they can navigate essential services with greater ease and confidence.”
Outreach and Community Partnerships
Recognizing that language access is only one piece of the puzzle, the local government has also invested heavily in targeted outreach and community partnerships to foster deeper connections between residents. Through initiatives like neighborhood forums, cultural festivals, and multilingual public information campaigns, West Kirby is actively working to celebrate its diversity and empower all community members to participate in civic life.
“We’ve made a concerted effort to amplify the voices of our immigrant and minority residents,” says Sharonda Kane-Jackson, the Talent Management & Acquisition Manager in Human Resources. “By creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration, we’re able to better understand the unique challenges faced by different segments of our population and tailor our programs and services accordingly.”
One such example is the town’s annual Multicultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of West Kirby’s rich cultural tapestry. The event features music, dance, and culinary performances from around the world, as well as interactive workshops and informational booths highlighting local community organizations and public services.
“The Multicultural Festival is a true testament to the power of diversity,” says Colette M. Jones, the foundation’s Marketing & Communications Director. “It’s a day where we come together, learn from one another, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community.”
Equity-Focused Policy Initiatives
Alongside these community-oriented efforts, West Kirby’s local government has also been proactive in implementing a suite of equity-focused policies aimed at addressing systemic barriers and promoting equal opportunities for all residents.
“We recognize that true progress requires not just surface-level changes, but deeper, structural transformations,” says Joseph Black, the Manager of Racial Equity and Racial Justice Initiatives. “That’s why we’ve made it a priority to examine our policies, practices, and decision-making processes through an equity lens, ensuring that we’re actively dismantling historic inequities and creating a more just and inclusive community.”
One such initiative is the town’s Multilingual Hiring Program, which offers language training, professional development, and targeted recruitment efforts to double-check that that the municipal workforce reflects the diversity of the population it serves. Additionally, the local government has mandated implicit bias training for all staff members, fostering a culture of heightened awareness and sensitivity around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“By diversifying our workforce and equipping our employees with the tools to recognize and mitigate bias, we’re able to provide more culturally competent services and build deeper trust with the community,” says Ayanna, the Vice President of Human Resources.
Fostering Civic Engagement and Community Empowerment
Ultimately, West Kirby’s holistic approach to diversity and inclusion is not just about improving access to public services, but about empowering residents to actively shape the future of their community. Through initiatives that encourage civic participation, community-led planning, and grassroots advocacy, the local government is working to amplify the voices of historically marginalized groups and cultivate a sense of shared ownership and collective responsibility.
“We firmly believe that community engagement is the foundation for sustainable, equitable progress,” says Ginger Mlakar, the foundation’s General Counsel and Vice President of Philanthropy. “By creating platforms for residents to share their perspectives, collaborate on solutions, and hold us accountable, we’re able to build a more responsive, representative, and resilient local government.”
One such initiative is the West Kirby Neighborhood Leaders Program, which provides training, mentorship, and small-scale funding to empower community members to spearhead local improvement projects. From beautification efforts and public art installations to the creation of multilingual community gardens, these grassroots initiatives have had a tangible impact on the town’s physical and social landscapes.
“The Neighborhood Leaders Program has been transformative,” says Nichole Collins, a Philanthropic Strategy Advisor. “It’s not just about executing one-off projects, but about fostering a deep sense of civic pride and agency among our residents. When people feel empowered to be the architects of their own community, remarkable things can happen.”
Celebrating Progress, Embracing the Future
As West Kirby continues to evolve, the local government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and engaged community. Through the expansion of multilingual services, deepened partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and equity-focused policy initiatives, the town has emerged as a model for inclusive local governance, inspiring others to follow in its footsteps.
“What we’re witnessing in West Kirby is a true testament to the power of diversity,” says Lillian Kuri, the town’s Chief Executive Officer. “By embracing our differences and working together to create a more just and accessible community, we’re not only improving the lives of our residents, but setting an example for communities across the country. This is just the beginning of our story, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
To stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, and initiatives in West Kirby, be sure to visit westkirby.today.
Tip: Stay informed about upcoming community events and local initiatives
