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Poll: Have you ever "donated" your translation/interpreting services pro bono for a good cause?
Autor de la hebra: ProZ.com Staff
Julian Holmes Japón Local time: 20:23 Miembro 2011 japonés al inglés
Once again
Nov 30, 2012
Robert hits the nail on the head. Thank you!
Robert Forstag wrote:
Rather than discuss how or whether we should donate our services, I'd prefer to see more time devoted to conversations as to what could be done to bolster the profession so that more of us might be able to realistically consider doing pro bono work.
Believe me, I would love to do beautiful things and work for higher, lofty ideals. But the really is quite different. I would love to see our profession elevated in terms of both status and remuneration. You see this with equally capable lawyers and doctors who have worked hard for 20 to 30 years and earned a proportional amount of respect and an income commensurate to this. Why shouldn't we?
I'm trying to remain positive about this profession in spite of being asked today to postpone payment for an ongoing project I started over a month ago due to finish in January and accept payment mid March in spite of a contract already in place, issued PO and an historical payment record to prove regular scheduled payment mid project.
How can I think about the beautiful when a seasoned translator is being treated like a toilet? Where is the respect in this? And would you do the same to a doctor or lawyer?
No beauty in this. So why expect anything beautiful from me when I am not afforded any luxuries?
Yours,
One very cynical, jaded translator
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Enrique Cavalitto Argentina Local time: 08:23 Miembro 2006 inglés al español
Translators without Borders
Nov 30, 2012
Translators without Borders' volunteers have delivered over 6.5 million words to humanitarian organizations in need since January 2011, an impressive indication of the generosity and professionalism of our amazing volunteers.
Regards, Enrique
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Christine Andersen Dinamarca Local time: 13:23 Miembro 2003 danés al inglés + ...
My own special niche
Nov 30, 2012
I work especially for one particular local organisation that runs largely on volunteers and donations, although it is in fact known in many parts of the world. In the past I have spent time serving in their shop, but I find translating for them is more flexible - and there are not so many others who can do that for them.
Otherwise I firmly tell charities asking for donations that my firm doesn't give to any of them - it is too small. Then there is no hassle with accounts and tax au... See more
I work especially for one particular local organisation that runs largely on volunteers and donations, although it is in fact known in many parts of the world. In the past I have spent time serving in their shop, but I find translating for them is more flexible - and there are not so many others who can do that for them.
Otherwise I firmly tell charities asking for donations that my firm doesn't give to any of them - it is too small. Then there is no hassle with accounts and tax authorities, and I can support the ones I really want to support from my private account.
I do on occasions work pro bono as time permits for other non-profit causes, and where there is a need but no money, but I agree that on the whole, translation is work and should be paid for at a realistic rate. ▲ Collapse
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Muriel Vasconcellos Estados Unidos Local time: 04:23 Miembro 2003 español al inglés + ...
On a few occasions
Dec 1, 2012
I have also volunteered preferential rates for clients whose work has a charitable purpose--but not when I'm asked to do it. I want it to be my decision.
Most of my work is for international organizations that provide technical cooperation, so much of the time I feel that I'm making a difference by doing a good job getting the messages across between the parties.
Also:
Robert Forstag wrote: . . . Rather than discuss how or whether we should donate our services, I'd prefer to see more time devoted to conversations as to what could be done to bolster the profession so that more of us might be able to realistically consider doing pro bono work.
[Edited at 2012-11-30 15:06 GMT]
This may be off-topic, but personally I don't see that income has anything to do with the decision to share what one has or can offer to others.
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