What is Amplifying Voices?
Our newest initiative is all about amplifying today’s critical voices that are leading us toward a more equitable, sustainable and accessible world.
Currently, our efforts are focused on the US election, with its global implications. We are translating election materials for the most difficult states to vote in. Here is why we are doing this. We would very much appreciate your help!
Three Ways to Get Involved
1. Help translate and review videos
The first six states (below) are considered the most difficult to vote in during a pandemic. We need help with translation and/or review – click a state to get started (hint: first log into Amara, then click the ‘Add/Edit Subtitles’ button):
Additional videos available for translation:
Please note that the following non-English languages are prevalently spoken in these states, and are thus especially critical: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Serbo-Croatian, Tagalog, and Russian.
Check out these simple subtitling guidelines to create quality subtitles through collaboration, readability, and an audience-first focus.
2. Share translated videos within your language community.
Help us get this message out to ensure we amplify its impact! Below is a message for social media, email, and/or any other appropriate outlet:
- 🗳️ Voting in Mississippi, Missouri, or S. Carolina, Connecticut, Tennessee, or Texas (or know someone who is)? 🗳️ These states are considered the hardest to vote in, which is why we are translating information about voting. Please share this link!❤️ https://bit.ly/2Gw9v9G
3. Volunteer: Help us reach local voters!
Help us reach local voters whose first language is not English (by connecting with regional cultural organizations). Read on to find out how you can help!
Do you have:
- A belief that all voices should be equal, whether or not they speak the predominant local language?
- The ability to volunteer 8-10 hours per week, until Nov 3rd?
- Motivation, drive, and good personal organization skills?
- Do you have strong ties to any of the communities that speak the critical languages below*? (this last item is not required, but is a plus)
If yes, please apply and help Amplify Voices:
*Critical languages: The following languages are where we will focus most of our efforts in local outreach: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Serbo-Croatian, Tagalog, and Russian.
Updated: Oct 23 to add link to “How to Vote in Georgia”
Hello,
I would like to help with Spanish translations. What can I do to participate?
Many thanks
Thank you for dropping a line, David! If you’d like to help add or edit subtitles, you’ll need a (free) Amara account – once you’re signed in and confirm your email, you should be able to open one of the links to a video (above) and find the ‘Add/edit subtitles’ button – click this!
At the moment, it looks like Spanish subtitles are still in progress for the Connecticut video. You can try editing them to finish, but if someone else is actively editing them at that moment, you won’t be able to edit (won’t hurt to try though). We could also use help with review for any/all of the completed Spanish subtitles – any corrections or improvements would be appreciated.
The other two major ways to help are 1) spread the word about this effort on social media – I know Vietnamese is one language that has not been completed yet. 2) if you have more time and want to help reach out to organizations on the ground (in these states), please apply to be a Community Organizer (above).
Thanks again and we so appreciate your reaching out!
Hi, Dean!
I’ve just read your message and I’m interested in helping you as far as I can. I’m not sure how much time I’ll be able to devote to this activity, but anyways, I’d love to participate.
I’m an English/Spanish translator (Argentinian) helping TED so I think I can translate/transcribe or correct in both languages.
I’ve already had a volunteer account with Amara.
Awaiting for your comments,
Best wishes
Hi Maria, it’s nice to hear from you – really appreciate you getting in touch! If you’re unsure about the amount of time you can devote, maybe just taking a quick look at the existing Spanish subtitles on the videos above and, if you see anything that could be improved, make any corrections or revisions needed. One thing to note is that these videos function a bit more like a Wikipedia article (where anyone can contribute/correct/improve) – they don’t use the same workflow TED does, where a video is published and finalized. Hopefully that makes sense, but please let me know if you have other questions.
Can help with Hindi
We would really appreciate that, D!
Hello!
I have just stumbled upon this project on the website, and I’m very interested. It says that for the community organizer application, the volunteer position has a duration up until November 3rd. Would it be too late to join right now?
Thanks,
Joyce
Hi Joyce, please do apply – we are continuing to review applications on a rolling basis!
I can help with Arabic
That would be fantastic – thank you!
Hello! I just came across your website a few weeks ago. I finished a Spanish translation for How to Vote in Georgia. Hope to be able to help with more Spanish translations for any upcoming elections.
Hi there! Thank you for sharing! Maybe you would be interested in helping out our Amplifying Voices team or other volunteer teams!