Info2

With this second message we intend to clarify some aspects of Babels participation in WSF Caracas project.

1 – Logistical matters

2 – Political matters

At the moment, we cannot answer your emails, which is why we recommend you use the discussion forum if you have questions : Caracas discussion forum

1 – Logistical matters

For the moment (10th November 2005) we cannot say how logistical matters will be organized. Other message(s) will inform you about this as soon as possible. What we can tell you is what follows :

 Transport : transport costs will be covered (under some conditions, so do *NOT* book your ticket if you have not received prior instructions).
 Housing : interpreters selected by Babels will receive free accommodation (we still don’t know the details).
 Expenses : although they are not guaranteed, interpreters’ stay in Caracas, as regards their participation in the forum, should not cause them any expense.
 Dates for selection : we will try to select the first interpreters early December. We still don’t know how many interpreters will be selected.
  Dates of the forum : 24th to 29th January. This means that you should be available a day before. We still don’t know the dates you will be assigned to work in a booth.

2 – Political matters

 100% volunteers : Babels interpreters will work only with volunteer interpreters.
 Minority languages : our proposal is to have the participation of as many indigenous languages as possible, alongside languages that are usually represented (Spanish, English, French and Portuguese).
 Volunteers from the Americas and other continents : we would like to select a majority of volunteers from America as well as some volunteers from the other continents as this will be a Policentric *World* Social Forum.
 Professional interpreters and interpreters with less experience : as is our custom, Babels wishes to incorporate some volunteers with less experience who will work together with experienced and committed interpreters.
  Small rooms and big rooms : every event has the same right to have interpretation, without this entailing extra costs for the participants. Although not every event will have interpretation, Babels will make sure that small rooms will also have interpretation.

We would like to know your opinion about these issues. Please, use the discussion forum to add your comments or suggestions. "WSF Caracas 2006" is a collaborative project — if we (all of us) do not take part in its elaboration, Babels would be acting as a (free) service provider, Babels organizers as autocratic bosses and volunteers as slaves ;-)

Discussion forum : Caracas discussion forum

Thanks for participating !

In solidarity,

Babels work group for Caracas 2006