Region V Report Krystal Sanders, Region V Representative FROM THE BOARD Krystal Sanders, CDI Region V Representative
continue to foster spaces which support the ongoing potential for change in our field on a systemic and individual level. As President Jonathan Webb emphasized in his closing remarks “RID is US” and it is time to hold up the mirror and do the work. ORID has three out going board members, VP Samantha Serna-3 years served, MAL2 Laurielle Middleton-Aviles-4 years served, and Interim Secretary Sandy Pascual-1 year served. The two incoming board members are VP Josh Diaz and MAL2 Christina Healy. -Elise Mongeon, ORID President
I may be biased, but I will say it again and again: RID’s 2021 national conference was the best yet. We addressed audism head on; I have never seen this happen on a national level and I look forward to future discussions. Seeing the many great presenters and presentations in the conference took us on a journey inside our hearts, minds, and actions. The conference was a starting point for the members to know where they Southern California - SCRID can go from this point and beyond. Many SCRID members attended this year’s national conferThe RID national board that served from 2020 to 2021 was ence, made more accessible in many ways by its online structhe first of its kind. When we look at a diamond through its ture. We’ve heard wonderful feedback about the authenticity facets, you get different perspectives, each perspective as of the sessions, and their relevance in exploring the facets of beautiful. When you think about how diamonds are made, our own organization while seeking authentic healing from you’ll understand how this board succeeded. impacts of racism, audism, and other -isms. In bringing home this message, SCRID has begun hosting a talking circle/ Here are a smattering of gems from Region V: member forum as a space for members to gather and explore these issues within our own interpreting experiences and Oregon - ORID local organization. Our first meeting was powerful. How can The current ORID president was able to attend the 2021 it not be when we hear from our close peers that every teamed RID virtual conference and is bringing back the call to action assignment is a risk, not knowing how they will be treated by from the national level to the local Oregon affiliate chapter. their team?! We know we have a long way to go to create and Instead of shying away from the critical conversations which hold space in which all feel welcome and safe and look forward need to happen surrounding change and RID we intend to with anticipation to ongoing discussions and healing actions 20
VIEWS Volume 3 • Issue 38
