ATA Shares Resources for Those Affected by the LA Wildfires

Many ATA members, their families, friends, and communities have been impacted by the unprecedented, devastating, and ongoing catastrophe in the Los Angeles area. Our hearts are with all those affected.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, ATA President-Elect Andy Benzo contacted all members believed to be living in the area impacted by the wildfires. On Wednesday, January 15, the chair of ATA’s Advocacy Committee met with fellow advocacy chairs from sister associations and members of the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to discuss a coordinated response to the wildfires. Any updates will be shared on the Advocacy and Outreach page of ATA’s website.

In the meantime, Mutual Aid LA Network has compiled a list of resources as well as volunteer and donation opportunities that are updated regularly. Similarly, The New York Times has published an article with links to vetted online crowdsourcing campaigns and a list of reputable organizations that are accepting donations. Finally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has published a list of organizations providing aid in affected communities in Southern California. Relief organizations that require language access assistance can get in touch with ATA at advocacy@atanet.org and every effort will be made to connect you with potential volunteers who can provide translation or remote interpreting services.

Furthermore, ATA members in the Los Angeles area who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the fires may request a one-time waiver for the renewal of their 2025 ATA annual membership. Members who have already paid to renew for 2025 may request a one-time reimbursement of their dues. Reach out to membership@atanet.org for more information.

This coming year also brings a renewed effort to advocate on behalf of ATA members and the T&I industry at the state and federal level as a new Congress and presidential administration take over. The Advocacy Committee will be working closely with partners at all levels of government and with our sister associations and organizations in the coming months and years.

See ATA’s website for additional information about an upcoming roundtable, Best Practices in Emergency Response Language Services, set to take place on February 27 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. EST. This 90-minute event will take a critical look at the indispensable role of professional translators and interpreters in high-stakes emergency scenarios, providing a holistic view of how language professionals support life-saving efforts in real time.