GALA Blog

Dear GALA Members:

As I am sure you are aware, the people of Haiti continue to suffer great tragedy in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake. Our thoughts and support are with them and the people on the ground helping.

The translation community worldwide is mobilizing to offer long-term assistance. Most immediate translation needs are being handled very quickly by people on the ground. Additionally there are some very hard-working interpreters and translators around the world working to translate text messages.

As the initial rescue operation turns into an organized relief and rebuild effort, the requirements for translation will only grow. The Globalization and Localization Association is working with a number of groups who specialize in philanthropic translation work, especially Translators Without Borders (which works directly with Doctors Without Borders), and the Rosetta Foundation to offer assistance and coordination help as needed. 

Additionally, we have created a Haiti Translation and Interpretation wiki for the entire translation and interpretation community. This is a place where anyone can go to post a need or to see how they can help. The wiki is up now at http://galahaitirelief.pbworks.com/GALA-Haiti-Relief-Information. In the coming days, we will be letting the broad community of relief organizations know about the wiki so they have one place to post all requests. GALA will manage the wiki, but it is really an open environment for anyone to use.

We also will use other vehicles to communicate needs. Please look to the GALA Linked In Discussion Group and the GALA Blog for details on how you can help. We also will tweet and retweet requests; you can follow GALA at our GALA_Global Twitter ID.

Communications and access to information are critical in any tragic situation. When there is a language barrier, as there is with many of the victims of this tragedy and the people who are helping them, it is that much harder to recover. As a community, we can make a difference. Let’s work together to do so.

Sincerely,

Robinson Kelly
Vice Chair of GALA
Globalization and Localization Association