PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Rid President

Dear Members,

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the vibrant spirit of fall. As we transition back to our daily routines following the summer vacation season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our recent experience at the 2023 RID National Conference in Baltimore, held from July 26th to 30th, 2023. This event marked our first face-to-face meeting since 2019, and I’m pleased to report that it was a resounding success.

During the conference, I had the privilege of presenting the President’s report in our business meeting. In this report, we celebrated our shared accomplishments and candidly discussed the challenges we’ve faced. One key theme emerged: the knots that have hindered RID’s progress and, at times, negatively impacted our members and stakeholders.

One poignant example of this is the situation we find in our affiliated chapters. The relationship between affiliated chapters and RID has been somewhat confusing due to the challenge of clearly defining the differences between the two entities, as they each serve distinct but interconnected purposes. While both play vital roles within our organization, there has been a need to clarify and strengthen the delineation of responsibilities and objectives to ensure smoother collaboration and member satisfaction. It’s clear that we need to address these issues at their core before resorting to the band-aid solutions that have been used in the past.

To that end, I am excited to announce the launch of R3, also known as “The Year of Resolute Reform and Renewal.” As part of this initiative, we hosted a Community Forum where members shared their invaluable thoughts and suggestions on four critical topics:

1. Board Makeup

2. Leadership Development

3. Member Benefits Beyond Certification

4. Conference Format

Regarding Board Makeup, we are faced with the fundamental question of whether we should primarily have certified interpreters serving on the board or if we should also consider experts from various fields based on their skill sets. Additionally, we need a skill-based approach to better represent our diverse membership.

In terms of Leadership Development, we must deliberate on the type of leadership training that should be provided for our Affiliate Chapter (AC) and Member-At-Large (MAL) leaders. Equally important is the frequency of such training sessions to ensure that our leaders are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of their roles effectively.

When it comes to Member Benefits Beyond Certification, it is imperative that we understand the specific benefits our members are seeking beyond certification. What motivates our members to maintain their RID membership, and how can we tailor our offerings to meet their evolving needs? This insight will guide us in enhancing the overall membership experience.

Regarding Conference Format, we face significant questions. In a world with numerous Continuing Education Unit (CEU) opportunities, do we still need a one-week conference format? Should we consider separating the business meeting from the conference to make better use of our members’ time? During the recent forum, many members shared their valuable thoughts on these matters, and we have diligently documented their inputs. This information will serve as a crucial resource for the board’s review during our upcoming board meeting in October, and it will also be made accessible to the relevant committees for the purpose of revising our policies.

I am calling upon leaders and members alike to join committees dedicated to addressing these topics over the coming year. Together, we will focus on reducing bottlenecks, simplifying the workflow for policy approvals, enhancing the membership experience, and embedding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) principles across the board.

In the near future, we will release details about these committees and task forces, complete with revised Scopes of Work (SOWs). Your active participation and commitment to this process are essential as we embark on this journey of transformation and growth.

As we step into this season of reform and renewal, I am confident that together we can untangle the knots that have held us back and chart a course towards a brighter future for RID. Your dedication and input are invaluable, and I look forward to working hand in hand with each of you to make these necessary changes a reality.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Let’s make R3 a year of meaningful progress and positive change.