Spotlight on: Elizabeth – Women in Localization
August 20, 2020
As Women in Localization UK Sponsorship Manager & Global Sponsorship Liaison, Dot Dot Dot guardian Elizabeth tells of how this volunteering role enables her to take action on a global scale, working to bridge the gap for students to enter the localisation industry, whilst inspiring the next generation to pursue a career they’re passionate about.
“Women in Localization’s mission is to foster a global community for advancement of women and the localisation industry, through networking, education, career advancement, mentoring and recognition of accomplishments. The non-profit organisation has 24 chapters worldwide and grows each year. Local chapters typically hold quarterly events which develop technical and soft skills, as well as networking.
In summer 2018, I was invited by the Women in Localization UK chapter as a guest speaker on the topic of remote working. I shared the stage with a panel of industry experts, exploring insights, educating and supporting the localisation community. I felt honoured to be included in such an event – being asked to speak so early into my career (1 year to date).
I participated in subsequent events and joined the core team in Autumn 2018; my role focused on sponsorship – responsible for coordinating event sponsors. Topics have included Machine translation, Quality Management, including overcoming impostor syndrome, career development and mentoring. The UK chapter has been involved in academic events, bridging the gap for students to get into the industry. I found it incredibly difficult as a Graduate progressing from unpaid internships to a full time job. It’s truly rewarding to inspire the next generation to pursue a career that they’re passionate about. We run a mentorship scheme which volunteers are encouraged to join – providing further support to the community.
A year later, I was invited to join the Global Programs, as Sponsorship Liaison, bridging the gap between the local and global teams. I’ve found a grass-roots perspective helpful while being able to take action across a global level, and several other volunteers are in a similar position, which focuses our group on the pulse of the industry.
During the lockdown, Women in Localization has adapted – all events have moved online, with several each month from different chapters around the world. Recently the UK chapter had a virtual pub-quiz to bring some joy during these difficult times.
In my volunteering experience, I’ve made some lifelong friends, with selfless values and compassion, for which I’m incredibly grateful. The UK chapter has a diverse group of skilled, amazing volunteers that are simply brilliant. Always doing what they can to help others.
Anyone considering volunteering, or even undecided, should certainly give it a try. It has certainly changed my life for the better.”
To find out more about Women in Localization, search #WLUK and #WomeninL10n on Twitter, and follow the links below:
Women in Localization – UK Chapter
Women in Localization – Global
This story is part of our Summer Series collection. If you have your own story to tell or a project you’d like to shout about then please contact us at volunteeringstories@dotdotdotproperty.com. Read more volunteering stories from our guardians on our website, and stay up-to-date with the latest news from our Summer Series on Instagram.
10 easy volunteering options to get you started
February 17, 2020
One of the best parts about being a Dot Dot Dot property guardian (other than affordable housing in places like central London) is getting to give back to your community through regular volunteering work of your choice. Through volunteering, Dot Dot Dot property guardians are able to gain experience and meet new people, whilst helping make their communities safer and stronger. However, if you’ve never volunteered before you might be asking, “where do I start?”. If you’re unsure how to get started you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve compiled our top ten organisations where it’s never been easier for you to begin volunteering.
1.The Dragon Café based in Borough, London, offers an antidote to loneliness and isolation often felt by those who suffer from mental illness. They offer signposting and mental health support, as well as activities like Tai-Chi. Simply turn up on any Monday at 1pm and ask for Lu, who will tell you all you need to know about how you can help.
2. If you’re looking for a reason to ditch your gym membership, Good Gym has got you covered. Combining getting fit with doing good, it’s a great way to jumpstart your motivation for exercise whilst also contributing to your local community. Be it running to meet an older person for a weekly cup of tea and a catch-up, to running with a group to help out on community projects, there is a range of ‘missions’ in locations all over the UK that you can join. Simply fill out the application form here and get started within 2 weeks.
3. SANE provides ongoing emotional support and information to people experiencing difficult circumstances or more serious mental health issues. Their helpline, text care and support forum services are provided by volunteers who undergo a training programme to acquire the right skills and knowledge to support those who turn to SANE for help. Find out ways that you could volunteer here.
4 StreetLink helps members of the public to link people sleeping rough to local services that can give them support. Their London-based volunteers direct vulnerable people away from sleeping rough and instead point them towards appropriate organisations that have the resources to help. They are always in need of volunteers to help during the daytime, evening or weekends. To join their team and help combat homelessness, email volunteer@streetlink.org.uk.
5. Until there is a cure, Dementia Adventure is finding ways to live better with dementia. The charity dedicates their time to supporting people with dementia to get outdoors, connect with nature, themselves and their community, and retain a sense of adventure in their lives. As a volunteer, you can support their Dementia Holidays, become a Community Ambassador or Community Fundraiser.
6. Volunteering with Missing Maps means you can help to inform and maximise the relief efforts of organisations such as The Red Cross who work tirelessly to provide aid. Volunteers use satellite images and a drawing tool to mark up buildings, rivers and roads in remote areas that may have escaped previous mapping. Recent initiatives include the Nepalese earthquake and the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
7. Thames 21 is committed to cleaning up London’s 400-mile network of waterways. Through huge cleanup events and community engagement, they are working towards the improved condition of rivers and canals for people and wildlife alike. If you are looking to make an impact on your local environment, the project has a huge calendar of events that you can view here. For the majority of the events, there’s no need to book; all that’s required is that you come prepared for the weather!
8. With 39 community eating projects running across the country, Foodcycle is creating a network of social eating cafes that offer a free hot meal and flowing conversation. If being part of your community is important to you, get involved with food collection, cooking meals or hosting at the projects by filling out a simple volunteering form here.
9. Silver Line utilises telephone befriending by way of a 30-minute weekly call, to provide friendship and support to anyone over the age of 65 who experiences feelings of loneliness. By volunteering as a telephone friend, you will be matched to an older person based on your own profile of interests in order to ensure genuine and lasting friendships. To help tackle isolation in communities, complete an application form and return to volunteering@thesilverline.org.uk.
10. The Big Issue Foundation’s core philosophy to ending poverty and exclusion for good is to help people help themselves – vendors use their own funds to buy magazines to sell at their own profit or loss. By extension, The Big Issue Foundation connects vendors with the services and support they need, enabling them to build their futures. Sign up here to volunteer to change lives.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out do-it.org or WhatCharity to narrow down your search in London and the UK.
To find out more about how volunteering and guardianship go together, check out our community website page or read some more of our property guardians volunteering stories here.
HOMES UK 2019, talks the Dot Dot Dot team is excited about
November 22, 2019
This year’s HOMES UK conference is fast approaching. The event kicks off on Wednesday 27th November and runs for two days. With over 350 speakers across seven theatres covering topics from asset management, modern methods of construction and placemaking, there’s a session to meet everyone’s interests.
Several of our employees will be in attendance, so we caught up with them to find out which talks they’re most excited about and this is what they had to say.
Katharine Hibbert, Founder and Director
“I’ve bookmarked a few talks I’m interested in, particularly ‘Together not alone: The opportunities of intergenerational and co-living.’ Life can be lonely for everyone, young and old alike – research by the Campaign to End Loneliness shows that loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and more than 9m people in the UK – a fifth of the population – say they are always or often lonely.
Finding new and innovative ways to encourage people to live together can help with social isolation as well as addressing the housing crisis by making the best possible use of homes for those who need them – issues that are a focus for Dot Dot Dot, too. I’m keen to hear the panel’s ideas and advice.
Another session I’ll be attending is ‘Procurement and social value.’ Taking social value into account when making procurement decisions should be a no-brainer – working with businesses that try to make a positive difference through their work as well as delivering an excellent service or product creates better outcomes all round. Working out how to cement this aspect of decision-making in complex procurement processes is always a challenge, though – it will be interesting to hear new ideas and suggestions.”
Peter Brown, Chief Executive
“I’m looking forward to this year’s event especially the talks covering the housing crisis and homelessness. There will be many reasons for the housing crisis and increased homelessness, and therefore solutions will have to be manifold too. It will probably be unlikely that there will be one easy solution to fix the issue. Learning how the housing sector sees the challenge and the potential solutions, or routes to solutions, will be interesting.
I’m also looking forward to meeting with other organisations to chat about Dot Dot Dot’s unique approach to property guardianship. I’ll be around over the two days to chat about how we can convert empty assets from cost centres and security concerns into positive stories that add value to the neighbourhoods where they exist. If you would like to meet at the event, you can book a timeslot with me here.”
Omar Al-Amin, Business Development Manager
“As Dot Dot Dot works with clients when a property, building or site is transitioning from its past use to its future use, I’m interested to learn more from the session on ‘Ethical housing stock disposal – how housing providers and their partners can support and maintain great places for communities’. There is no way of getting around it, there will inevitably be transition and disruption to residents, local people and the neighbourhood. But how can we best minimise the disruption and develop innovative ideas to make the most of places going through transition? During these moments, how can we support and maintain communities?
Collaboration and partnership fits the Dot Dot Dot ethos and model, so I’ll also be attending the talks on partnerships. I’m interested to learn more about what the industry thinks is involved in effective and productive partnership building.”
Keep an eye out for the team at Homes UK and let us know if you’d like to meet up and chat about our unique approach to property guardianship. If you haven’t already got a ticket, they are available here. They’re free for public sector and not-for-profit employees.
This week’s top five volunteering opportunities
June 10, 2016
1.Cleaner, Greener Volunteering
Where: Bow Churchyard
When: June 18th – 10am – 12.30pm
Category: Gardening, Weeding, Clean-up
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
The Cleaner, Greener Volunteers are looking for people to help them prepare the churchyard for their Open Garden Squares session. This will involved weeding and dead heading. If you are interested or want to find out more, please contact Chris Gennings at christine.gennings@towerhamlets.gov.uk
2.Positive Steps Thamesmead
Where: Thamesmead
When: Various
Category: Community, Wellbeing, Signposting
Commitment Level: Ongoing
The Positive Steps Thamesmead project is a wellbeing and signposting service for local residents, based in several well-used community facilities across Thamesmead. The Advisors team speak to members of the public to assess their various needs and refer them to appropriate support services. At the moment they are looking for Team Leaders to assist in co-ordinating the project, Advisors to meet with the public at drop-in services and Administrative Volunteers. If you are interested in this, please contact Sarah Feleppa at email: sarah.feleppa@peabody.org.uk or phone: 020 3828 4936
3.The Mill
Where: 7-11 Coppermill Lane
When: Various
Category: Community, Events, Administration, Fundraising
Commitment Level: Ongoing
The Mill is a community space run for, and by the community. They rely on volunteers to keep the building open and are currently looking for fundraising volunteers, reception and front of house volunteers and event teams volunteers. If you are interested and want to find out more, fill out the volunteer form on their website or get in touch with Helen, the Volunteer Coordinator. Email: info@themill-coppermill.org or Phone: 020 85213211
4.Chance UK
Where: Around London
When: Various
Category: Community, Mentor, Young People
Commitment Level: Ongoing
As a Chance UK mentor you will be a role model for a child, helping them make positive changes in their behaviour. You will be matched with a child and will meet them once a week for 2-4 hours. If you are interested in this opportunity, you can find out more and apply here.
5.Active Bucks
Where: Around Buckinghamshire
When: Various
Category: Community, Active, Support
Commitment Level: Ongoing
Active Bucks are looking for people to act as Active Bucks Community Champions and help them support people to become more active, more often. Champions will represent local residents – understanding what would help them get more active. No previous regular physical activity is required, just enthusiasm. If you are interested, please contact Holly Skinner at holly.skinner@active-bucks.com
This week’s top 5 volunteering opportunities
May 30, 2016
The 1st-10th June is National Volunteers’ Week. Here are some opportunities to get you started:
1.Trust Thamesmead
Where: Various
When: Friday 3rd June
Category: Gardening, Arts, Befriending, Sports
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Volunteer at one of four local Thamesmead opportunities in gardening, arts and crafts, befriending and sports. Contact Sarah Feleppa for more information and to pick up a volunteer pass. Email: Sarah.feleppa@peabody.org.uk or call 020 3828 4936.
2. The Wildlife Trusts
Where: Various
When: Various
Category: Conservation, Protection, Wildlife
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
The Wildlife Trust are looking for people to help them to protect local wildlife. They have a variety of volunteering options around the UK which range from community gardening to species surveying. To find out more and to register your interest, click here.
3. Kith and Kids
Where: Tottenham (then Camp is residential)
When: Camp is 21st to 28th August
Category: Disabilities, Learning Difficulties, Camp
Commitment Level: High
Kith and Kids are looking for volunteers to support their members who have learning disabilities to take part in fun activities on their residential camp. To find out more about this opportunity, see here.
4.Heather Lodge
Where: Tower Hamlets
When: Various
Category: Befriending, Mental Health
Commitment Level: Ongoing
Heather Lodge is a supported accommodation service for adults with Mental Health problems. They are looking for a volunteer befriender to offer emotional support to a service user through weekly visits. If this is something that appeals to you, find out more here.
5. The Streets
Where: Various
When: Various
Category: Music, Community, Events
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
The Streets is a dynamic programme aimed at bringing high quality music and performance to the boroughs of London. They are looking for a team of volunteers to engage in the local community through working in the boroughs involved in the activity. For more information and to register your interest, see here.
This week’s top 5 volunteering opportunities
May 20, 2016
1.Crisis
Where: Various
When: 9th June and 16th June
Category: Events, Fundraising, Homeless
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Crisis run a number of fundraising events throughout the year and would like volunteers to help out. At the moment they are looking for volunteers to help with the Crisis Square Mile Relay on the 9th June and the Crisis Square Mile Run on the 16th June. On both days they need route marshals and site stewards. Please contact smr@crisis.org.uk or call Kayleigh on 020 7036 2879 to sign up or find out more.
2.Spires – for homeless and disadvantaged people
Where: Streatham
When: Various
Category: Drop in, Homeless, Poverty, Befriending
Commitment Level: Ongoing
Spires work with homeless and disadvantaged people. Volunteers are needed during all the sessions – from open access drop in to Women’s Space at the centre. Particular roles are assigned on a daily basis, however tasks will be a mixture of befriending, serving food and helping clients complete forms. For more information and to register your interest, click here.
3.The Bike Project
Where: Denmark Hill
When: Thursdays 5pm-8pm
Category: Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Bikes, Befriending
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
The Bike Project are a charity who take in second hand bikes, fix them up and give them away for free to refugees and asylum seekers. This opportunity is for those interested in learning bike mechanical skills and helping those less fortunate. To apply, click here.
4.Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Where: SE1 0QL
When: Weekdays
Category: Admin, Minutes, Communication
Commitment Level: Ongoing commitment – 2 days per month
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has an opportunity available for a volunteer interested in helping to facilitate successful RNLI committee meetings by setting up meeting rooms and taking accurate minutes. To find out more, click here.
5. Spitalfields City Farm
Where: E1 5AR
When: Various
Category: Gardening, Community, Farming
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Spitalfields City Farm was originally set up by volunteers and still relies on volunteers today to help maintain the farm and gardens, look after the animals and assist in delivering projects. There are a variety of ways to get involved, to see them click here.
Spotlight on Alex
March 9, 2016
Alex has been living with us in High Wycombe since July 2015. In the past 7 months she has given over 100 hours of her time to the Alexander Jansons Foundation, which funds research into the causes, prevention and cures for Myocarditis.
Fundraiser: Santa Run
Alex has been key in planning, organising and running a variety of fundraising activities. This has included a Santa Run, live auctions and a comedy night.
In October, she was part of setting up a football club, White Hart FC, who play in support of the foundation. The team consists of friends of the Alexander Jansons, who died at the age of 18 from myocarditis. It was featured in the local Bucks Advertiser.
November brought a quiz night, with 120 people attending to be wined, dined and challenged with difficult quiz questions! They raised around £2000 and have had requests to host another next year.
Fundraiser: Sky Diving
She has also organised and supported charity runs. In October she encouraged another runner for the charity in the Great South Run who arrived at the finish line along with the athletes, not bad for his first time!
This year she will be looking at planning a trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 2017 to raise money for the Alexander Jansons Foundation.
The Alexander Janson Foundation has many more exciting events planned for 2016, including wine tasting, a bingo night and abseiling down the ArcelorMittal Orbit! They have committed to raise at least £1 million by the end of 2016 after a hugely successful 2015.
In her own words ‘there is a lot more organising happening, we have a very busy year ahead!’
Fundraiser: Stretcher Run
Get involved
- If you’re interested in volunteering and becoming a guardian with dot dot dot, apply here today
- Keep up to date with our news and our guardians’ volunteering experiences on Facebook and Twitter
This week’s Top 5 Volunteer Opportunities
January 16, 2015
1.The Vitality North London Half Marathon needs event volunteers
When: 15th March 2015
Where: Allianz Park, Greenlands Lane, Hendon, NW4 1RL
The North London Half Marathon is a brand new event which expects to see 10,000 runners, and they need your help with either course, venue, infrastructure or information marshal roles.
The race starts at Allianz Park in Barnet, taking a traffic free route all the way to Wembley Stadium where runners will run the length of the stadium. The race then comes to a celebratory stadium finish back at Allianz Park.
This is a great volunteering opportunity that supports runners who will be fundraising for local and national charities. There are group volunteer opportunities and a free breakfast and event t-shirt will be provided! Visit their website to apply.
2. Chinese New Year 2015 London Celebrations
When: Sunday 22nd February 2015
Where: 45 Gerrard Street, Chinatown, W1D 5QQ or Trafalgar Square, Westminster
London proudly offers the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia, showcasing a huge range of Chinese culture including lion dances, a parade led by The Lucky Money God and hundreds of performances. The London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) are looking for a variety of volunteers to help with this event.
Visit lccauk.com for volunteer roles ranging from back office support, to front of house event stewards. As well as being a part of a colourful and breath-taking event, volunteers will also be issued a certificate of appreciation for their efforts and opportunities to take part in future events.
3. Wide Horizons Pond Restoration Project
When: OngoingWhere: Wide Horizons Woodland Centre, Constitution Rise, Shooters Hill, SE18 1RS
Wide Horizons is committed to allowing children to experience the outdoors and adventure as part of their development.
They recently received funding to restore an on- site pond in a mature woodland in the heart of South East London. This opportunity would be great for anyone interested in ecological or forest management who would like some hands-on experience or anyone who loves being outdoors!
They need help with making the pond a vibrant and rich habitat and all ideas would be welcomed. Visit widehorizons.org.uk to learn more.
4. Shelter Box admin volunteers needed
When: Ongoing
Where: Canary Wharf
ShelterBox is a Cornwall-based charity that delivers emergency shelter and equipment to families who have lost everything in a disaster.
ShelterBox, the south west’s disaster relief charity with a fast growing international reputation, has had a toe-hold in London for some years. But now it has relocated and expanded its London presence with a new office suite in vibrant Canary Wharf. If you would like to get involved, email volunteering@shelterbox.org to apply.
5. Finsbury and Clerkenwell Volunteers – lunch club volunteers needed
When: 9.30-3pm
Where: Vibast Centre, 163 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NG
Finsbury and Clerkenwell Volunteers do a range of volunteering including weekly befriending visits, telephone counselling, assisted shopping trips, helping with practical tasks as well as running weekly lunch clubs. Main duties for lunch clubs include:
- Preparation of vegetables, fruit, etc.
- Assist in serving of food, under the direction of the cook
- Washing up and clean kitchen equipment, utensils, crockery and cutlery
- Socialising with clients
- Working alongside existing volunteers.
To sign up for this event, register through Hands on London or email mfcvolunteers@hotmail.com.
- Stay up to date with our news and subscribe to the Dot Dot Dot newsletter for updates from the team
- Fancy doing more volunteering in 2015? Get inspiration from our Guardians.
