somos 🚀

how to build a language teaching business beyond 1-on-1 classes 💰 are you working endless hours but not seeing your earnings reflect the effort you put in? tired of competing to offer the lowest prices in a crowded market? do rigid platform rules and high commissions make it hard to build a business on your own terms? you're not alone. many online language teachers are facing the same challenges—low pay, burnout, and a lack of control over their businesses. it doesn’t have to be this way. let's explore why a focus on 1-on-1 classes could be holding you back, and how you can build a thriving, more balanced teaching business away from traditional language learning marketplaces. https://lnkd.in/eVqM-PMs

one of the core goals at somos 🚀 has always been to make it fairer and more sustainable for language teachers to build their businesses online. when i first started talking to teachers working on traditional language learning marketplaces, a common theme that came up was not having "enough" students. but the more time i’ve spent on this project, the clearer it’s become: a marketplace model that revolves around 1:1 teaching is rarely able to deliver “enough” students. when it does, it’s usually by driving down the value of 1:1 sessions so much that teachers end up facing long hours and burnout. 1:1 classes can be great, but we believe there’s room for more options... → they're only one way to teach, and only one way to learn. → it makes little sense for experienced teachers to be selling a premium service (a 1:1 session) for just a few dollars an hour. that’s why at somos, we’re building a platform where teachers can look beyond relying solely on low-cost 1:1 classes. with tools for offering group language clubs, digital products, and community spaces, teachers can diversify their income and engage students in ways that go beyond traditional marketplaces. we believe 1:1 time should be a teacher’s most valuable asset—not the only option. if you’re ready to explore new ways to build a sustainable, balanced teaching business, check out our latest blog for ideas on moving beyond the 1:1 model 👇🏾

I recently heard about these really interesting initiatives which may interest language teachers, translators and others. Somos is an ethical (yes!) platform for online language teachers, founded by Khawar Malik. From the website: "we're a social enterprise on a mission to create a first of its kind platform co-owned by language teachers... " Take a look! https://somos.education/ The second is the Coalition for Language Rights. I don't know much about this coalition, but on this page you can see how you can get involved with them: https://lnkd.in/dJeGn8zU (I learnt about them from the Somos website).

we support this call from Conversation Over Borders for a new, dignified approach to housing refugees & asylum seekers. let’s help people rebuild their lives. #SafeHomesNotHotels

📣 Conversation Over Borders are recruiting a board of trustees! this is an amazing opportunity to join an incredible org doing critical grassroots community work. details below 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

Dr. Abduweli Ayup recently won the Global Coalition for Language Rights (GCLR)' first annual Language Rights Defenders award! 🏆 Abduweli Ayup is a Uyghur activist, poet, and linguist who has consistently fought to protect and promote the Uyghur language both in China and within the Uyghur diaspora around the world. to kick off the week, we're sharing Abduweli Ayup's interview with the GCLR about his work. he shares insights on: → the background on what the Uyghurs have been experiencing including mass arrests and forced assimilation → the relationship between violence & linguistic assimilation → his activism and the the critical role of language in democracy, cultural preservation, and human dignity. you can also learn about the real-life impact of some of his work, including Bergen University's decision to cancel their contract with a Chinese solar company linked to forced Uyghur labor following his campaign. 🔗 read the full interview (and find links to learn more about his work) here: https://lnkd.in/eHJzaSZB let us know what you think! #LanguageRights #Uyghur #NoJusticeWithoutLanguageRights #Languages #LanguageRightsAreHumanRights

if you’re fortunate enough to have a pro-worker, pro-climate, anti-genocide candidate that doesn’t hate migrants to vote for tomorrow, i hope you go for it. for every other day, there’s this 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

edit: had added some additional appeals below. i don't have much constructive to say about what's happening in Rafah other than if you're in a position to support any of the Palestinian-led initiatives or appeals below, please do. community building for a liberated Palestine: → somos is a proud member of BuildPalestine's community "Under The Olive Tree" - a worldwide network dedicated to social innovation in Palestine. → if you're looking to connect with grassroots projects in Palestine, you can support their mission of getting to 1,000 members by the end of 2024 for $12/month: https://lnkd.in/gq7Aa9gU fundraising appeals you can support if you're able to: 1) Hanna's cousin Ehab is still raising to evacuate his family: https://lnkd.in/eZQJvRrp 2) Sabrin Kabariti🇵🇸🍉: https://lnkd.in/etvnDQ3i? 3) Fadwa AL-Qawas: https://lnkd.in/eEN_sdXx 4) IBRAHIM ALTALAA: https://lnkd.in/e6D9VviW 5) Wisam Abualnaja 🐢: https://lnkd.in/escNC3PB? 6) Amna Al Shiekh Ali: → gofundme: https://lnkd.in/e5Q6u6Pp → linkedin group for updates: https://lnkd.in/eyP7pP7R 7) Dr.Mohammed Altalla: → gofundme: https://lnkd.in/eFQExTcs → instagram for updates: https://lnkd.in/e3yeSUS7 8) Ahmed Ramadan raising to help 4 year old Mira reunite with her Grandma Sabah: https://lnkd.in/en4Y26HM 9) Rawan Abualaish 🍉: https://lnkd.in/eTiC8Hmh

Do you want to challenge hateful language about migrants and refugees? Are you ready to have the conversations that truly matter? We've crafted a free guide to equip you with the skills and knowledge on how to have meaningful and persuasive conversations about migration with your friends and family. Let's build the movement for migrant rights, one conversation at a time. 📝Sign up for the essential guide to changing minds on migration:

📣 We are seeking a passionate and committed Latin American woman to join us as Chairwoman of our diverse and friendly Board of Trustees. Please have a look at our current vacancy and help us spread the word with your contacts and networks. You can find the full job description here: https://lnkd.in/drttFqtN Chairwoman - LAWRS: Voluntary, up to 5 hours per week Salary: unpaid role, expenses paid Location: Hybrid work (monthly Board meetings are currently being held remotely) 🔵 How to apply: If you are interested, please send an up-to-date copy of your CV and a statement - with no more than a page - responding to the questions below: 1. What motivates you to become the new chairwoman of LAWRS? 2. What other experience or skills do you feel you can offer? Please send both CV and statement in word format to recruitment@lawrs.org.uk If you have questions and want to learn more about the role and responsibilities, you can have a chat with Vanessa Robinson (current Chairwoman of LAWRS) at vanasena@gmail.com. This post is open to Latin American women only* in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and LBTQ+ candidates as they are currently underrepresented within the team. *women who identify as Latin Americans (1st and 2nd generation) and speak Spanish and/or Brazilian Portuguese Closing date for applications: Sunday 30th May 2024