Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the two organizations merging?
With this merger, the organizations will increase efficiencies and ensure that both organizations continue to offer high quality language services to the aid community. This merger allows for expansion of the services and products offered; ultimately with the ability to better serve the missions. More specifically, the merger gives Translators without Borders (TWB) access to The Rosetta Foundation’s community model and technology. It also gives TWB access to EU funding through the Irish registration. For Rosetta, the merger brings greater professionalization, sustainability and access to a broader partner audience.
Who is The Rosetta Foundation?
The Rosetta Foundation (TRF) is a non-profit organization based in Dublin, Ireland, registered as a charity with the Irish Revenue Commissioners, with an office maintained out of Dublin, courtesy of one of the organization’s sponsors, Simultrans.
What is TRF’s mission?
TRF has a similar mission as Translators without Borders: to eradicate the knowledge gap based on linguistic discrimination. The objectives of the organization as well as the TRF board’s philosophy are similar. With complementary strategic goals, integration of the two organizations will be fairly easy.
What does TRF do?
TRF services a very diverse pool of non-profit partners around the world and supports their missions – primarily their educational programs, campaigns, strategic communications, and advocacy. TRF works with translators through the Trommons platform, developed by the Localisation Research Centre at the University of Limerick (UL). This crowdsourcing system aims at matching content with volunteer skills and interests, and has fewer requirements than TWB for translators joining; anyone can sign up to be a translator. Most non-profit organizations are eligible for access to the platform; there is currently no formal subscription structure though donations are encouraged based on project tiers.
Will TRF become TWB or vice versa?
At this time, the two organization names will remain. Branding and positioning changes will be made over the next year.
When will the merger be completed?
Officially, the merger will be completed following board meetings and the development of a new TRF board, expected by the end of June 2017. For practical purposes, the TWB team has already begun assisting with TRF operations. The merger was announced publicly on 15 June 2017.
Are the Founders on the Board? Do you have a joint Board?
The founders are not on either board anymore. The boards will not be joint; there are separate boards for each organization. TRF will have a new board with the merger; Andrew Bredenkamp, board chair of TWB, is a member of both boards to ensure strategic synergy.
Will Kató and Trommons merge?
Not in the near future. TWB’s head of technology, Mirko Plitt, with support from Dr Alan Barrett, who is currently the technologist and developer for Trommons, will evaluate the way forward over the next six to 12 months.
Will the leadership teams change?
There are no changes in the TWB leadership team at this time. Olga Blasco of TRF will become a TRF board member on the new TRF board.
How does this merger impact partners?
At this time, there will be no change to TRF or TWB partners. Potential new partners will register through the TWB process; the application can be found here. Over time, partners will see efficiencies in technology and in community availability that will improve services.
How does this merger impact sponsors?
For now, sponsors will continue to sponsor the organization they wish to sponsor. Separate accounts and bookkeeping will be maintained.
I plan to organize a fundraiser for TWB/TRF, where will the funds raised go?
The funds will go toward whichever organization you choose.
Should partners currently negotiating a partnership with TWB hold off until they know more about what the merger means?
There will be no change in TWB’s partnership arrangements.
If I am a translator on TWB Kató /Workspace, can I also volunteer for TRF?
Yes, that is entirely possible and encouraged.
Who should I contact with a concern/query?
Queries can be addressed to [email protected] or [email protected] and will be answered as quickly as possible.
