Make the World a Better Place: How Bilingual & Multilingual People Can Use Our Skills For Good
One perhaps overlooked way to assist vulnerable and disadvantaged people is to volunteer as a translator or interpreter. Many people around the world need help but cannot speak English such as many refugees and asylum seekers. Many people need access to key information in their own languages. If you can speak another language, you can help not-for-profit organisations overcome these barriers.
You do not have to be a professional translator to make a difference. Anybody can register on one of these platforms and commit to the extent that they can.
This is one of my favourite apps. It is essentially a global army of volunteer translators who can be connected as translators and interpreters with those who need help. You can download the app immediately, take the introductory training courses (which ensure that you understand priorities such as ethics) and wait to receive an offer to help.
Translators Without Borders
This is a network of volunteer translators and probably the most famous one. You register, fill in your profile and expertise (you do not need to be an expert but verified and accredited translators will receive offers on a preferential basis) and contribute toward vital humanitarian action.
Respond Crisis Translation
This is a group of volunteer translators and interpreters committed to delivering “compassionate, effective and trauma-informed m” services for refugees, migrants and other people who need help.
This is a community of translators providing much needed assistance to the charity and aid sector on a voluntary basis.
This initiative allows anyone to use their multilingualism to help various non-profit organisations.
Translations for Progress
This site links volunteer translators with public-good organisations.
