PRESIDENT’S REPORT ETHICS AND LEADERSHIP: A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE RID BOARD PRESIDENT

Ritchie Bryant | RID President CDI, CLIP-R

ASL Video: https://youtu.be/xv6dxxlZOE4?si=i0RHy4-Z9_YoIi16

Ethics is the cornerstone of effective leadership. It is the moral compass that guides leaders in making decisions that are not only legally compliant but also socially responsible. As RID President, I hold the view that ethical leadership is paramount in our mission to foster the growth of the profession and the professional growth of interpreting.

Leadership, at its core, is about influence. The way a leader behaves, the decisions they make, and the policies they implement have a profound impact on the culture and integrity of the organization. Ethical leaders understand that their actions set a precedent. They are role models who inspire trust and confidence through transparency, accountability, and fairness. In the context of the RID Board, the importance of ethical leadership is magnified as we are entrusted with the responsibility of promoting and advocating for qualified and effective interpreters in all spaces where intersectional diverse Deaf lives are impacted.

Ethical leadership is also about inclusivity and respect for diversity. It is about recognizing the inherent worth of every individual and ensuring that our practices reflect this belief. As leaders, we must be vigilant against biases and strive to create equitable opportunities for all members of our community. It is critical to remain committed to upholding ethical standards and fostering environments that honor the trust placed in us by the diverse intersectional communities we serve.

Throughout my tenure as President of RID, I have remained committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics in leadership. It is a commitment to doing what is right, not what is easy. It is a pledge to lead by example and to ensure that our organization remains a beacon of integrity and excellence in the interpreting profession.

I invite all members of RID and the broader interpreting community to join me in this endeavor. Together, we can ensure that ethics remain at the forefront of our leadership and that our collective efforts contribute to a more just and equitable society.