Human machine (stoptomove, public domain)

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.

Happy New Year, dear readers!

In the first issue of the year, we want to share with you an open call for applications to participate in the 3rd LITHME Training School, taking place early June. If you are interested in joining fellow linguists, language researchers, and tech developers to explore how to best address the challenges brought about by the human-machine era, this might be an invaluable opportunity for you.

For additional information on the program and its selection process, please visit the official site. Application due: January 15, 2023

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)

• Vics Laga [es] on visual projects that utilize photographs and illustrations to reinforce the presence of the Zapotec language since young age

In this issue, we are pleased to bring to you an interview with Adrián López Angulo, one of the media coordinators of Colmena, on this open source media platform born as a response to the double crisis of COVID-19 and disinformation → “Colmena: an open source media platform connecting Indigenous and rural communities”

Meanwhile, we have six more Digital Security + Language stories for you, each highlighting the perspective of a language activist — from the Angika, Gîkûyû, isiZulu, Sesotho, Torwali, and Twi languages, respectively — on digital safety for their community.

For those who are dedicated to environmental reporting: Earth Journalism Network wants to support your work in strengthening public awareness of environmental issues and amplifying marginalized voices in the media across the Asia-Pacific region. Further details to its 2023 Asia-Pacific Media Grants can be found here. Application due: January 31, 2023 at 11:59pm (UTC -1)

For those who are working on a documentary project, along with a Dutch minority co-producer: You might be eligible for a grant via the NFF + IBF Co-production Scheme. For additional details, please visit their website. Application due: February 20, 2023

Independent filmmakers interested in exploring “the intrinsic link between science and culture” via feature-length documentary projects, on the other hand, may find the Sandbox Fund a valuable supporter to their work. Further details on this funding opportunity can be found here. Application due: April 3, 2023

A reminder for new media storytellers and filmmakers with a social justice focus: JustFilms by the Ford Foundation is open for inquiries all year round. Wherever you are in the world, it might be worth your while to learn more about this grant opportunity for your documentary projects.

Another funding initiative that accepts applications on a rolling basis is the Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists. While it prioritizes reporting projects on “underreported stories of global importance,” there are no limitations in regard to the media formats. Funding for professional development opportunities may also be considered (details here).

Meanwhile, the UNESCO ICT in Education Prize is calling for nominations. The theme of this edition is on “the use of public platforms to ensure inclusive access to digital education content,” especially for communities that are most marginalized. More on its details can be found here. Nomination due: January 23, 2023 at midnight (CET)

The Pizzigati Prize for Software in the Public Interest is also open for applications now. If you have the same aspirations as the late Antonio “Tony” Pizzigati in doing what you are good at for a better world together, why not let them support you further in this shared commitment? Prize details can be found here. Application due: February 22, 2023

• Why accessible video games matter via InclusionHub 
• 10 Insights from the Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2022 via ICTworks

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