Question time
Is there any payment involved in ProZ Pro Bono's work?
None at all. ProZ Pro Bono is 100% cashless. Our volunteers freely donate their time and skills, and we never ask any of our clients for payment in any form. The only thing we ask is that our translators are credited where appropriate, for example on published materials.
​
I'm a translator or interpreter. Do I need to be experienced to contribute?
We're happy to work with all willing volunteers. If you're right at the start of your career, we partner you with more experienced colleagues so that we can ensure professional quality for our clients, but apart from that, if you're eager to join, we're excited to have you on board. Be prepared to collaborate with others, and to receive feedback where appropriate. If you are experienced, you are also extremely welcome of course, and you can play a vital role in delivering quality work or supporting others.
​​
Do I have to be a paying member of ProZ.com to participate as a volunteer?
Not at all. We do encourage volunteers to look at the many benefits of membership but it's not a condition. Bear in mind that the entire program is supported by the paying contributions of members, so being a member is another way to contribute to the program's goals. As a volunteer, you will need a registered profile on the ProZ.com site, which will allow the systems we use for project notification and tracking, word counts, etc., to work.​
​
Is the program open all year round?
Yes! There are busy periods and less busy periods as in any professional cycle, but we're always here.
​
Is there a minimum monthly translation requirement?
No. The spirit of volunteering is about doing as much as you want, whenever you feel like it. There are no requirements of obligations, beyond the basic ground rules of professionalism such as communication and deadlines
. ​
How do we verify the legitimacy of partners to avoid potential misuse of translations for commercial purposes?
ProZ Pro Bono's director meets and speaks with all new partners, and the first question we ask on the Partner onboarding form is whether they are a non-profit. In the unlikely chance anyone slips through that process and proves to have commercial aims, we will of course stop working with them immediately.
​
What does the program do for volunteers? Is our work credited?
We are always happy to give social media reviews to translators, and recommendations to potential clients. Meanwhile, any translations that are published (books, films etc) always credit the translator. However, some of the work we do is for in-house documentation or forms, and clearly in such cases the translator is not mentioned.
​
Can I help in other ways if I have no time to translate?
There are many ways to help ProZ Pro Bono. By following us, sharing posts or even writing about it on social media, by helping us identify worthy non-profits in your area, and in a variety of other ways, including becoming an Ambassador, getting involved in admin tasks . Just drop us a line and tell us a little about yourself and we'll find a role for you.
​
Another way of helping ProZ Pro Bono is by donating. Donations are what help cover ProZ Pro Bono's operating costs and will enable the program to reach more and more organizations in need of the kind of assistance and support we provide. You can donate to keep ProZ Pro Bono going from the Support us page.