Working on a FirstVoices project while physical distancing

Created by Bridget Chase (Unlicensed)
Apr 16, 2020
3 min read

As everyone is doing their part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 and stay healthy, the FirstVoices team wants to support language teams who are continuing to work from home on their FirstVoices projects.

Key information

The health and safety of community members is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your continued safety, we want to let you know that:

  • You are NOT expected to meet all of your deliverables set out in your project plan.
  • You have the ability to rewrite work plans and budgets and work with Kyra to make amendments.
  • Underspent funds will NOT affect your ability to get funding next year.
  • You can reallocate budget funds previously allocated to other things towards purchasing additional equipment.
  • Above all else, we want you to take whatever precautions necessary to stay safe and keep those around you safe as well.

File sharing during physical distancing

It is likely that you will need to share files using online platforms, since you will no longer be able to have in-person contact with your team members. The most important thing to note is that not all online file sharing services are equal, and it is important to consider both the cost and the data security levels of different services.

  • We recommend using your work email to send zipped folders with files back and forth. This is the safest and cheapest way to share files.
  • If you are sending files that are too large for email, and you have a licensed Microsoft Office Suite account, you can use Microsoft OneDrive. Click here for a guide on how to set up and use Microsoft OneDrive.
  • If these options don't work for you, there are other file sharing services available, both free and subscription-based. However, please take note that many of these services will use servers located in the United States. This means that your data will not be protected under the same Canadian data sovereignty and privacy laws. Click here for more information on Canadian vs American data privacy laws.

Sharing equipment is not recommended

We do not recommend sharing equipment with others outside your home. Not sharing equipment is the best way to protect you and those around you. If your team needs additional pieces of equipment to ensure you are not sharing equipment, you can reallocate budget funds to purchase what is necessary. Please follow up with us if you have questions or concerns.

Creative ways to continue working

While work involving multiple people in a shared space must be paused during this time, there are still ways to work together from a distance. The following are types of work that can still be done, and creative ways to continue working on your FirstVoices project.

  • Work with audio that has already been recorded to edit, segment and prepare entries for upload.
    • The FirstVoices development team is still available to process new batch uploads.
  • Add audio, images, literal translations, cultural notes, acknowledgements and categories to any existing FirstVoices entries that don't already have this information.
  • Go through the content on your archive and make a list of future words or phrases you feel could be added when recording. Consult the FirstVoices Swadesh list, Everyday Phrases list and Story and Conversation Topics list for ideas.

We are here to help. Please email us at hello@firstvoices.com to discuss ways to adjust your project during COVID-19, or to share your progress. We would love to hear from you!