I don't have any local board and English is not my native language too. But I was not blocked to junior member in fact now I'm a member rank. Gaining Merit is hard sometimes but it is not impossible at all. Since bitcointalk is an international forum, English will be used as a main language in many boards. So better to Learn English language by making extra effort. There are so many threads regarding English language and one I preferred is Fit to talk by "Jet cash"