Image by Rochak Shukla on Freepik

Rising Voices note: Our monthly newsletter provides a summary of our recent blog posts about all aspects of digital inclusion including access to and adoption of digital tools, as well as different ways and opportunities for communities to fully participate online. Read here for previous editions of this newsletter.

Finally, we’ve made it to the month where we typically reflect a bit on what we’ve put behind us during the past year and plan a little for what we’d love to achieve in the year to come.  If you happen to be one of those language activists who are dedicated to safeguarding and/or promoting your languages, we've got something exciting for you!

Wikitongues is now taking applications for its 2023 Language Revitalization Accelerator, aiming to support revitalization projects at their early-stages.  Through this accelerator, you may receive grants, training, as well as an opportunity for networking with fellow language activists and linguists around the world. Further information can be found here [en] [es], if interested.

Application due: January 23, 2023 at 11:59pm (GMT)

Embarking on the IDIL2022–2032 journey with language activists from around the world, Rising Voices and partners are bringing to you another round of our rotating Twitter campaigns. Curious about indigenous, minority, endangered, or under-resourced languages, plus how the internet and technology play a role in their promotion and revitalization? Come follow us and hear what our guest hosts have to share!

@ActLenguas (Latin America)

• Kaimen Pabe [es] on translating digital activism momentum back into community work in order to promote náhuatl literacy of youngsters
• Elwin Huaman [es] on preserving knowledge in his mother tongue, Quechua, via digital tools and resources
• Celfa K'ujul (Celfa Iraida Sántiz Sántiz) [es] on a youth-focused project in bringing a Tzeltal digital magazine to life, easily accessible to Tzeltal and all
• CEPIADET A. C. [es] on strengthening the awareness and visibility of indigenous languages by way of creating and disseminating visual materials

In this issue, we’d like to highlight for you another reflective interview from the “Roipea taperaɨ” workshop on how megaprojects don’t always bring progress as promised, or as assumed, for the local communities  → ““The media talks about progress, but I haven't seen it,” says young Guaraní woman about the megaprojects in communities”

Meanwhile, we are pleased to introduce to you a new project of Rising Voices, named Digital Security + Language.  Through these posts, we wish to share with you perspectives from language activists as well as their communities on this important topic of digital security.  The first two posts in the series are:
→ “Digital safety matters…in our language: Recommendations from a Yorùbá digital activist in Nigeria” [en] [yo]
→ “Safety in Wayuunaiki: Information gaps and bridges towards digital safety strategies for Wayúu people” [en] [guc]

For Indigenous filmmakers based in Canada and the U.S.: If you ever have the dream of bringing your work to a global audience yet feel the need to sharpen your storytelling and technical skills to do so, the Sundance Institute’s 2023 Native Lab is just for you.  Application due: December 19, 2022  Note: Both feature film and episodic work are welcome

The 2023 CrossCulture Programme by the Institut Für Auslandsbeziehungen is now taking applications.  The focuses of the year are digital civil society and climate justice.  If you are working/volunteering for a civil society organization and are interested in strengthening your intercultural skills, while building new connections, you might find this worth your while.  Application due: December 22, 2022

For filmmakers aged 18 to 25: The 2023 Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellowship is open now!  If joining a cohort of 10 fellows for a grant plus one-year-long mentorship on filmmaking sounds like your thing, why not take a few moments to go over what it entails here?  Application due: February 14, 2023 at 11am (PST)  Note: All genres or topics are welcome

The Mayan Languages ​​Digital Activism Summit is happening next month!  There’s still time to sign up for its two-day long public conference component, where Mayan digital activists will be sharing their insights working to promote, preserve, and revitalize their language and culture in digital spaces.  Date: January 13–14, 2023 / Location: Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico  Note: Registration needed for this free event

Do you ever feel caught between letting youngsters enjoy the benefits of the internet and protecting them from the potential harms?  Digital Unite has put together a good bunch of useful guides to help you support your children in navigating the digital world.

• Accessible and inclusive digital solutions for girls with disabilities via UNICEF
• Legacy through the filmmaker’s lens: Insights from Mother Tongue directors via Folklife
• Connecting to the past and present through film: Insights from Mother Tongue directors via Folklife

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