Ideas for Developing Bilingualism in Voluntary and Community Organisations

Bliain / Year 1

Prepare LOGOS, Letterheads and Address bilingually on your groups stationary

Use bilingual signs

Find out the language skills of your volunteers / workers in conversing, understanding, reading and writing Irish.

Make use of Áth Buí le Gaeilge free community translation service

Support the efforts of some staff or volunteers to learn or use Irish in your organisation. Arrange Irish classes for some members.
 

Bliain / Year 2

Create the position of Oifigeach Gaeilge / Irish Language Officer
Or much better still -
Create the post of vice secretary for person with bilingual skills

Advertise the next event bilingually (in local and Irish language media)

Include some bilingual items in your Newsletter

Put a bilingual message on phone answering machine

Ask Áth Buí le Gaeilge to translate your groups most commonly used phrases / forms / signs / brochure / web site / speech / adverts / posters etc.
 

Bliain / Year 3

Produce the agenda for meetings bilingually

If you employ staff, advertise the next vacant position bilingually

Produce bilingual stickers, badges for your next publicity campaign

Discuss and adopt a simple but realistic Irish language Policy- 10 point plan.

Invite the public to use either language in dealings with your group - Fáilte roimh Gaeilge agus Béarla

Inform service users/members of your organisation of language choice

 

Bliain / Year 4

Use a bilingual as spokesperson or have two persons in this position

Answer the phone bilingually

Plan your next publication bilingually and budget accordingly when applying for funds

Publish your next Press release and /or Annual report bilingually

Revue and publish your Irish Language Policy

Respond to Irish medium enquiries in Irish
Fáilte roimh Gaeilge agus Béarla
Hold your next AGM with simultaneous translation facilities