Press Room

ATA Pro Bono Project 2006

Getting the Word Out

A pro bono project is an astonishingly significant undertaking that brings a large number of people together with the aim of doing their absolute best work for nothing more, or less, than a good cause.

The beneficiary of ATA's 2006 pro bono project was the City of New Orleans. Working with the Office of Homeland Security, volunteers translated, edited, laid out, and provided camera-ready electronic copy for hurricane preparedness brochures -- five in Spanish and six in Vietnamese. In addition, three televised public service announcements were translated into Vietnamese, two into Spanish. The project not only highlighted the critical role that translators and interpreters play in a disaster but also gave the ATA volunteers an opportunity to make a difference. Media coverage of the project included The Times-Picayune, ABC News (WGNO Channel 26), and NBC News (WDSU Channel 6).

Kirk Anderson
2006 Pro Bono Project Coordinator
paellero@aol.com