Region V Report

Region V Report Mish Ktejik, Region V Representative

Mish Ktejik MA, NIC, SC:L Region V Representative

FROM THE BOARD

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/9KEXMWEV2Iw

Hello everyone!

My last report in the Spring VIEWs article largely focused on what was happening on a regional and national level, specifically discussing the cancellation of the Region V Workshop Series and RID’s new Emergency Access page. For this report, my last Region V Representative report, I will focus on the Affiliate Chapters in Region V. So much of the movement and changes that enhance our profession come from local initiatives led by chapter volunteers. Each and every volunteer is important. We honor your work and appreciate all the individuals that come together to collectively serve our communities.

My home chapter, OregonRID has adapted to the current virtual lifestyle exceptionally well. Through ORID, local ITP students have organized "Happy Hour" interpreter panels via zoom to maintain robust networking opportunities in the absence of monthly face-to-face gatherings. Virtual workshops focusing on BIPOC perspectives and a town hall to discuss potential changes for the national level of RID are currently being developed to keep members educated and engaged. AKRID is focusing on the growth of our chapter through member collaboration and involvement, while building a stronger foundation based on integrity and respect. Depending more on technology over the past several months has allowed AKRID to tap into our creative side on how to benefit our profession statewide. Hosting meetings and professional development remotely gives members in rural areas a way to stay connected, grow professionally and collaborate with other members. Their next professional development workshops will focus on Alaska Native cultural studies and Emergency Response interpreting.

To support their local ITOC community, SDCRID hosted a space for members to come together and discuss current issues. Out of that meeting, SDCRID facilitated a local fund to pay Black interpreters for the work they have been doing with the Black Lives Matter protests. The fund has raised over $2500 which is remarkable given the impact that COVID-19 has had on the amount of interpreting work available here.

SCRID has been actively advocating for the provision and consistent visibility of information as well as the need for qualified Deaf Interpreters to increase the effective reach of the broadcasts by interpreted news briefings, drafting and submitting letters to interpreters, agencies, and government, news and health officials. A statewide task force on Deaf Interpreters and Disaster Response Interpreting has been born from a collective effort

toward these goals. SCRID also continues to work toward an exemption for sign language interpreters and realtime captioners under the new law brought about by AB5, which is projected to drastically restrict the Independent Contractor option in our field.

SaVRID held a general meeting and elections on June 19th. Videos were shown at the beginning and end of the meeting in honor of Juneteenth. What a great example of a simple way to increase awareness using the platform of member meetings. SaVRID will be hosting a 3-part workshop series on white fragility with three co-presenters.

Other great work around the region is happening, such as NorCRID’s service on Disaster Response Interpreting Task Force, scheduling and fundraising for Black Lives Matter Protests. NevadaRID has been using the hot summer months to revise their bylaws and prepare for their annual business meeting. IdahoRID received a donation of $4,000 to purchase and distribute clear masks to the deaf and interpreting communities in Idaho to ease communication access during the COVID-19 pandemic. The work I see happening all across Region V - all done by volunteers - is inspiring! The Affiliate Chapters truly are the backbone of this organization and our incredible volunteers leaders are beyond amazing.

Four years ago, I became Region V Representative. I admit that at that time I knew very little about the region or about any chapters other than my own. Four years later, I can say one thing for sure: I love Region V. Its passion and commitment to our profession has fueled me in my volunteer work. It has been an honor to work with the Region V Presidents’ Council and Region V members. This has been a life changing experience for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Region V Rocks!

With deep appreciation, Mish Ktejik, MA, NIC, SC:L Region V Representative 5

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