Region I Report Jason Farr, Region I Representative FROM THE BOARD Jason Farr, NIC Region I Representative Region I Leadership has selected Massachusetts RID as the host for the Region I Conference in 2022 who will be working alongside our Conference Planning Committee. More information to be shared soon! I would like to thank those leaders whose terms have recently concluded, as they warmly welcome new community leaders. For New York City Metro RID, this includes Erika Murray of NYC Metro RID, who will be replaced by newly elected President Tim Smith. Over in Central New York RID, I would like to especially thank Board members Trish Schwartz and Grace Cogan for their unwavering support during a challenging two years, and welcome President Brenda Lee Brown. Heading up north to Maine, after four terms President Meryl Troop has passed to the baton to new Executive Team members Tristen Evah Hellewell and Tristen Downey. Beyond elections, there are even more exciting things happening in Region I Affiliate Chapters. Genesee Valley Region RID’s (GVRRID) in depth “Get to Know Stuff” workshop series is starting up again, providing attendees with an opportunity to look behind the scenes on various topics and develop a greater understanding to help enhance interpreting. PARID, MassRID, and I co-hosted a workshop this past May titled “What Does it Take to Show Up?” focusing on Asian and Pacific Islander (API/ AAPI) ASL Interpreters while exploring ways we can support other API in our profession. We also explored what it looks like 10
VIEWS Volume 3 • Issue 38
when our allies support AAPI inclusion and anti-racism work within their own local and cultural communities. To support their local community during the pandemic, I would like to recognize New Hampshire RID for their partnership with Greater Nashua Mental Health as they offered COVID relief support, including sharing information regarding vaccinations. Of course this update would not be complete without also recognizing Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire RID’s support for the recently held World Refugee Day. A few weeks ago, we wrapped up the RID 2021 National Conference where we gained such a wealth of practical information. In particular, my biggest takeaways from this conference would be five points, evolving around the question “who is RID?” RID is each of us: Individual members, the Board of Directors, Committees, Councils, Task Forces, and Affiliate Chapters. RID is what we want it to be: Collectively we have created RID: standards, qualifications, positions. RID is what we allow it to be: What behaviors are acceptable, and what behaviors deserve to be called out? RID is what it is when we show up, and it is what it is when we don’t: What does that mean to show up for others, and what do you need to unpack in order to be able to show up? WE are what makes RID. As my time ends as Region I Representative this Aug 31, 2021, I want to share some goals and hopes I would like to see continue
