Affiliate Chapters: Are They Meeting Community Needs? Mish Ktejik
Trust and the Relationship with Interpreting as a Profession
Alyssa Alpers
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President | Dr. Jesús Rēmigiō, PsyD, MBA, CDI
Vice President | Shonna Magee, MRC, CI & CT, NIC Master, OTC
Secretary | Andrea K Smith, MA, CI & CT, NIC, SC:L
Treasurer | Kate O’Regan, MA, NIC
Member-at-Large | Mona Mehrpour, NIC
Deaf Member-at-Large | Glenna Cooper
Region I Representative | Christina Stevens, NIC
Region II Representative | M. Antwan Campbell, MPA, Ed:K-12
Region III Representative | Vacant
Region IV Representative | Jessica Eubank, NIC
Region V Representative | Rachel Kleist, CDI
HEADQUARTERS STAFF
Chief Executive Officer | Star Grieser, MS, CDI, ICE-CCP
Director of Member Services | Ryan Butts
Member Services Manager | Kayla Marshall, M.Ed., NIC
Member Services Specialist | Vicky Whitty
CMP Manager | Ashley Holladay
CMP Specialist | Emily Stairs Abenchuchan, NIC
Certification Manager | Catie Colamonico
Certification Specialist | Jess Kaady
Communications Director | S. Jordan Wright, PhD
OUR TEAM CONTENTS
Communications Manager | Jenelle Bloom
Publications Coordinator | Brooke Roberts
EPS Manager | Tressela Bateson, MA
EPS Specialist | Martha Wolcott
Director of Government Affairs | Neal Tucker
Director of Finance and Accounting | Jennifer Apple
Finance and Accounting Manager | Kristyne Reeds
Staff Accountant | Bradley Johnson
Human Resources Manager | Cassie Robles Sol
Affiliate Chapter Liaison | Dr. Carolyn Ball, CI & CT, NIC
CASLI Director of Testing | Sean Furman
CASLI Testing Manager | Amie Smith Santiago, MS, NIC
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REFLECTING ON A JOURNEY: LESSONS AND GROWTH AT THE HELM
Ritchie
Bryant | Outgoing RID President CDI, CLIP-R
As I reflect on the past three years of my presidency at Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the journey we have undertaken as a community. When I first stepped into this role, our organization was navigating uncharted waters, facing challenges that could have easily shaken our foundation. Yet, it was through our collective resilience and unwavering commitment that we were able not only to overcome these challenges but also to emerge stronger than ever.
When I assumed the presidency, RID was in a precarious position following the en masse resignation of the board. This abrupt and unexpected change left many feeling uncertain about the future of our organization. My immediate focus was on stabilizing the ship and ensuring that RID could continue to fulfill its mission. Through the hard work and dedication of many, we were able to induct a new, fully formed board of directors, bringing stability and renewed energy to our organization. This was not an easy task, but it was a necessary one, achieved through the collaborative spirit that defines our community.
As we look ahead to the 2025 national conference, themed “Now What? En Avant! Onward!””—I am excited about the direction in which our organization is headed. We are poised to become an even more professional and effective organization, ready to address the changing needs of our field. The groundwork we have laid over the past three years has prepared us for this moment, and I am confident that RID is ready to embrace the future with determination and purpose.
However, as we move forward, we must be willing to think creatively and embrace innovative solutions that challenge traditional views of how RID should function. CEO Star Grieser and I have consistently recognized that RID serves
as a guiding light, not only for sign language interpreters but also for non-signing interpreting associations worldwide. Our vast membership and resources position us to significantly influence and support interpreting associations across the spectrum, whether they focus on spoken or signed languages. A colleague from a spoken language association recently shared with Grieser that RID is, in fact, the largest interpreting association globally—a fact that might seem surprising, but it’s undeniably true.
Yet, we’ve often been limited by narrow interpretations of what it means to be a “member-driven organization.” Without confronting these issues head-on and engaging in necessary, sometimes uncomfortable conversations, RID risks remaining stuck, unable to achieve the larger goals our members rightfully expect from us. To move forward, we need to think bigger—not get bogged down by minor details or split hairs over issues that don’t contribute to RID’s mission and vision. As members, we must challenge ourselves to see the big picture of how our interpreting profession can be elevated through professional participation in our organization and through amplifying best practices, ethical integrity, competence, and accountability to our employers, colleagues, and consumers.
As my tenure as President comes to a close, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served this incredible community. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and laid the foundation for a brighter future. I have no doubt that RID will continue to thrive, guided by the principles of professionalism, respect, and community that have brought us this far. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your unwavering commitment to our shared mission. Together, we will continue to move “En Avant!” toward a future filled with promise and possibility.
CEO’S REPORT
Star Grieser | RID CEO MA, CDI, ICE-CCP
As summer wanes, and the oppressive heat of summer gives way to a season of cooler mornings and crisp air carrying the promise of autumn, while a new academic year signals new beginnings, and most importantly, a new incoming executive committee of the RID Board of Directors for the 2024-2027 term. They were sworn in at the virtual open board meeting on September 4th and will have their first extended board retreat in October, where opportunities for becoming acquainted, establishing a collective vision and work culture, and - most importantly - refining our strategic priorities for the next three years.
First, recognition for our previous and outgoing board members of this past 2021-2024 executive board term is in order: Phyllis “Dora” Rifkin was elected as our first Deaf Member at Large and started her term, alongside Traci Ison, elected Member at Large in the August 2021 special election. Dora and Traci were committed to recruiting for, reviving and promoting RIDs member sections, an enduring
influence that will continue for terms to come. Brenda Dencer was also elected in the August 2021 special elections as RID’s secretary. She has served on RID board’s in the past and has supported RID for decades and continues to be an active proponent of the ASL interpreting profession. Jason Hurdich, also elected in August of 2021 as Region II Representative and later as Secretary of the board, was steadfast in his support of my role as CEO, and unwavering in his commitment to board service while assisting RID as an organization make progress towards healing and recovery.
Last, but certainly not least, I am profoundly thankful to outgoing Board President Ritchie Bryant for his unwavering support, exceptional leadership, and invaluable mentorship at a time when I was coming in as a new CEO to lead this organization as it moved from a state of disruption to a calmer one of restoration and renewal. His steadfast guidance and partnership have been instrumental in my success in navigating the complexities at the helm of
RID. Ritchie’s commitment to excellence and his ability to lead with both strength and compassion have made a significant and lasting impact.I am deeply appreciative of his contributions and the positive influence he continues to have on me personally. As he concludes his term, I wish him all the success with his future endeavors in his next chapter. Ritchie will be greatly missed by all of us on the board and at Headquarters.
I’m also very grateful for those who are serving a second executive term in 2024 to 2027. Dr. Jesus Remigio, our new incoming President of the Board is a kind and compassionate man: two traits that make for an exemplary leader. I look forward to working alongside him in communication and implementing the vision for a more expansive and dynamic RID that serves our members, our profession, and the public by promoting and advocating for qualified and effective interpreters in all spaces where intersectional diverse Deaf lives are impacted. Kate O’Regan, our charismatic and keen treasurer will be continuing her charge of bringing lasting financial vitality to RID. Deaf Member at Large, Glenna Cooper, appointed in July of 2022, whose ideas, enthusiasm and dedication clearly stem from a genuine care for the organization, the membership, our consumers, and the community. These three will serve alongside our region representatives who are entering year two of their 2023 to 2026 Region Representatives Board term: Christina Stevens (Region I), Antwan Campbell (Region II), Jessica Eubank (Region IV), and Rachel Kleist (Region V). We also owe a debt of gratitude to region representatives from last term - 2021 to 2023 - for their willingness to step up and join us leading this organization. Thank you Shawn Vriezen (Region III), Justin “Bucky” Buckhold (Region IV), and Jeremy “Q” Quiroga (Region V).
Now, in September of 2024, we welcome three new members of the board: our new Vice President Shonna Magee has passion for excellence, integrity, and accountability within the organization and within the ASL interpret-
ing community. New Secretary, Andrea Smith, whose worldly and institutional knowledge of the interpreting profession, of RID’s history and culture, and of governance and certification is uncanny and entirely remarkable. Our new Member at Large, Mona Mehrpour’s infectious enthusiasm, boundless curiosity, and acute sense of purpose in work is absolutely inspiring. I look forward to seeing what we will all achieve together!
This fall, our focus turns to orientation for our new board members and calibrating them for our continued work in major projects such as planning for our 2025 Conference which will take place from July 31 to August 4, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our conference theme “Now what? En Avant: Forward!” - also Minneapolis’ city motto - signals that we are embarking on a new trajectory for RID that is both forward-moving and upward, guiding our organization into a new era characterized by enhanced leadership, professionalism, accountability, inclusion, value, relevance, and excellence. This path benefits not only our RID members but also extends to all stakeholders, practitioners, and service providers within the American Sign Language Interpreting Profession. This theme serves to also represent the work we seek to accomplish in the coming years. Projects like our ASL Interpreting Industry Census and Summit will launch this October, the release of new “white papers” or more commonly known as RID’s Standard Practice Papers, which will be rebranded as our Professional Practice Papers will start being released this fall, and we will continue our ongoing work towards transformation of the organization to align with certification industry best practices. We have already started more initiatives to enhance our member engagement, community outreach and consumer education reflecting our dedication to advancing the field and serving our diverse community. I am personally very excited about this upcoming new season. It will be a busy period, but - I am confident - a highly productive one in which we achieve a great deal.
Region II
M. Antwan Campbell, MPA, Ed:K-12 Region II Representative
Hello RID, I am M. Antwan Campbell, your Region II Representative.
I am really excited to give our Region II Conference report. Our conference was held on June 2122 and it was a huge success! We made a profit from this conference which helped build our Region II account. We had a lot of really great presenters and topics at the conference, but it would not have been a success without our sponsors and all of you who participated and supported the conference. I would also like to recognize the Region II AC presidents who helped, as well as a HUGE shout out to the NCRID board who served as our host for this conference. We had representation from 27 states across the US. We were able to give a donation to HEARD. Again to all of the presenters and supporters who came to the Region II Conference, I want to say THANK YOU!!!
Jessica Eubank, NIC Region IV Representative
Region IV
Hello everyone, I am Jessica Eubank, your Region IV rep! We are currently in the midst of conference season in the Region, and while there is not a Region IV conference in 2024, we have had a few fantastic conferences recently occur and are looking forward to several more.
I had the pleasure of recently attending the OKRID biennial conference “Come Grow with Us”. It was my first time visiting Oklahoma and I had a wonderful time meeting OKRID members and learning more about the community there, as well as enhancing my own professional development. I was also able to provide a report on the current RID events during the membership meeting. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the OKRID board and members for your warm welcome, and to everyone who was involved in the planning - congratulations on a successful conference! For more information about the conference please see the OKRID update below
Colorado Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (CRID)
CRID will host a Diamond Jubilee Conference from October 25th to 27th, 2024 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. For more information: https://coloradorid.org/annual-conference
Iowa State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ISRID)
Iowa State RID will have a fall conference in Iowa City, IA on October 5-6, 2024. Focusing on interpreting for CDIs and those interested in CASLI, BEI and EIPA, there will be dual tracks including an evening event with the Deaf community. Save the date, there will be more info to come!
Nebraska Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (neRID)
Mark your calendars! In October 2024 neRID will begin hosting virtual bimonthly mini-workshops for interpreters. More information will be shared on how to register and attend closer to October
Oklahoma Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (OKRID)
OKRID hosted our biennial conference “Come Grow with Us” in Tulsa on June 20-22. We had 134 attendees and offered 20 hours of professional development over the three days. Our silent auction proceeds, which fund our scholarships, raised $2000. We are already excited for the next one in 2026!
An Open Conversation with/for Allies – a Summary
Wanya Jefferson (he/him)
Wanya Jefferson (he/him). Name sign is the letter “W” to my mouth as if to sign “smile” because I smile a lot! I’m a thirty year old, Black, Queer, King that originally hails from Salem County, New Jersey but now is based out of Rochester, NY.
I originally relocated to Rochester, NY after getting accepted into the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for Software Engineering, but swifty realized that wasn’t the right path for me. After learning some American Sign Language (ASL) and learning more about the Interpreting Field, I switched my major and graduated from RIT in 2017. The rest, as they say, is history.
Nikki Cherry, M.Ed., NIC (they/them)
Nikki Cherry, M.Ed., NIC (they/them) currently resides in NW Arkansas, is a freelance interpreter who works primarily with Deaf Professionals in research and science fields, and owns an agency called Specialized Interpreting Services (SIS). The primary goals of SIS and Nikki are to recruit highly qualified BIPOC interpreters to work in any/all settings, and to provide access in settings that are historically overlooked or ignored. Nikki is on a continuous learning journey as they seek to mentor others and strive to help our field become more inclusive and accepting.
We had the honor of leading an open conversation for allies, specifically giving space to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) interpreters, at the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Conference in 2023. Thank you to each Black person, Indigenous person, and person of color that bravely stood and shared experiences, opinions, thoughts, and suggestions. Our very sincere apologies for not ensuring an even safer environment. We have learned from this experience and vow to do better in the future with our approach and workshop description, so everyone is aware of the format and goals of our time together. While we had the best of intentions in hosting this type of space, we – Nikki and Wanya – recognize fully that impact is more important and that we must do better in the future.
We promised to share a summary of what was discussed and are doing so here. This is in no particular order, as it is not the authors’ place to decide an order, and at the end we will share current research or discourse out and available regarding this topic so you can learn more from experts doing this vital work. We decided to keep this in a list format but expand on some items that have sub-themes and need more than one line for clarity.
1. “Give us our identities. See us as a whole person.”
2. “We’re here all year, not only the month of February.”
3. Everyone brings trauma with them; it is impossible to be neutral.
4. Agencies need to stop acting clueless.
5. Pay disparities and not being “allowed” to talk about pay is a serious problem.
- Mentors don’t teach negotiation skills
- We need to talk about the money
6. Transparency is needed in all areas, and there is a severe lack of it everywhere.
7. “We are always questioned about certification and qualification. We must prove our worth in the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) and everywhere when out of the ITP. Don’t question my ABILITY to be here.”
8. Many do not put a picture on their profile to avoid discrimination.
9. There is a need for more BIPOC mentors and professors, and more support for those folks as well as for the mentees. Stop telling BIPOC interpreters they can’t or won’t make it for white supremacy reasons versus actual skill reasons.
10. “We want to be ourselves and ALL that includes, and have pride in that.”
11. White folks should not compliment to bring attention or act like they are ‘in the group’.
12. Be respectful. Let BIPOC folks have the chance to give input on all topics.
13. Need ITP at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). Howard University named as preference. Hampton University has ASL classes, so could begin there as a partnership with Gallaudet or NTID or other ITP.
- Needs monetary support
- Needs Black professors
- Needs University buy-in
- Needs administrative support
- Needs NBDA, NTID, Gallaudet, RID, NAD, etc to come together and demand next ITP be housed at HBCU
- Additionally, could have a program at Gallaudet for BIPOC Deaf Interpreters
14. There is a need to start exposing BIPOC students in high school, or before, letting them know interpreting is a career option.
- Need ASL classes in HS
- Create and send pamphlet of interpreting information to HSs and HBCUs
15. National Interpreter Certification (NIC) exam needs to have BIPOC representation in every part of the test, including CDI test:
- in the raters
- in the development team
- in the rater trainers
16. Severe need for a community of BIPOC interpreters. NAOBI-DC is growing again – where are the others?
17. Increased opportunities to work with people who are safe and supportive. There needs to be a good network to find those people. Invite people to events and help them network. Don’t make them ‘sink or swim’!
18. Money is a barrier.
- Bachelor’s degree now required for certification; many BIPOC interpreters cannot afford that level of education
- The cost of the NIC is prohibitive
19. Positive intentions REQUIRE ACTION.
20. REFER THE JOBS. Who people/agencies recruit and hire is important and matters.
21. RID needs a written goal for increasing BIPOC representation and opportunities, and dismantling barriers.
- Create a working group?
22. Policies on professionalism need to be changed for better inclusivity. Involve those from BIPOC communities to assist with those changes.
23. Stop info gatekeeping.
24. Stop with the TOKENISM.
25. Don’t make assumptions based on a name or a look.
26. BIPOC interpreters do not NEED white interpreters to succeed. White interpreters might be helpful from time to time, but get out of the way and let BIPOC folks have the stage. Or - at minimum - share it equally.
27. Pay BIPOC interpreters what they are worth. Pay them for - their time
- their energy
- their expertise
- their patience with you who is non-BIPOC
28. Work daily to change the systems we operate within in big and small ways, but ALL ways.
29. Understand that ‘fitting in’ is different than ‘belonging.’
30. Keep making opportunities to have these conversations, while doing the work on your own to strengthen your inner fragility.
Please see (not an exhaustive list; a place to begin):
Myers and Lawyer: https://myersandlawyer.com ~ “Black, Indigenous, People of Color: The BIPOC Interpreter Experience with Tokenism and Weaponization.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACERGp15h8M ~ “From Marginalized to Empowered: Black Male Sign Language Interpreters.” https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=3YiYRPVggyU
Dr. Joseph C Hill, “BIPOC Interpreting Resources.” https://www.josephchill.com/bipoc-interpret ing-resources
Roman, Jonathan, “The Origin of Knowledge and Interest in Interpreting: Mapping Out White and BIPOC Interpreters Experiences in Rochester, NY” (2022). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from https://repository.rit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=12426&context=theses
If you are interested in being an active part of finding solutions, email BIPOCsuccessefforts@gmail.com with the subject line “I Want In!” and we will get you connected. BIPOC folks interested in being a NIC rater, apply here: https://www.casli.org/rater_application/
Affiliate Chapters: Are They Meeting Community Needs?
Mish Ktejik, EdD, NIC, SC:L, OHCI
Mish began interpreting in 2004 as a student interpreter in Milwaukee, WI, under the watchful eye of the Deaf community. She graduated from Gallaudet University in 2009 with MA degrees in Linguistics and Interpretation. She holds an Ed.D in Leadership with a focus of Second Language instruction. Her dissertation explored the leadership experience of RID Affiliate Chapter board members.
Mish is currently the department chair for the ASL/ English Interpreting Program at Portland Community College and teaches courses on ethics, interpreting processes, business practices, and the profession of interpreting. She’s previously served as a board of director for RID, ORID treasurer, and chair for ORID and PCRID committees. She spends her free time reading and cuddling with kittens. She is passionate about life long learning, teaching, and having a positive impact on communities.
Affiliate Chapters (ACs) have been cornerstones of sign language interpreting communities across the nation for over 50 years. They’re centralized hubs for resources, events, training, and volunteer opportunities. But are they meeting community needs? Or is it time for a new era of ACs?
In many ways, ACs “raised” me. Long before I understood the purposes of ACs, I volunteered for Wisconsin RID as an interpreter training program (ITP) student rep. It was the beginning of a long, beneficial relationship with RID and its Affiliate Chapters. When I entered the field as a recent graduate, Illinois RID and later Potomac Chapter RID supported me, giving me a sense of connection and community as I moved between the midwest and the east coast.
I spent years serving on committees, learning about bylaws and workshops and everything in between. My time on AC committees inspired me to serve on the national board as a Region V Rep and then on Oregon RID’s board as Treasurer. I learned how to dissect spreadsheets, host regional and national conferences, and how volunteer-led nonprofits work. The experiences absolutely made me a better person, as well as a better interpreter and educator.
At the same time, I started questioning the purpose of ACs. The same ‘hot topics’ were discussed year after year with no forward movement. Collected annual dues disappeared into inactivity.
Volunteers were a revolving door. ACs seemed cumbersome and barely stable while community groups seemed more successful when they did not work under the limitations of an AC.
I noticed informal groups often received more engagement from the community than a formal AC meeting. There were monthly Terp Talks hosted by one or two people, regular meetings of freelancers, and study groups hosted by recent graduates preparing for CASLI exams. These groups were quick to adapt to community feedback. The unofficial leaders handed off duties or pivoted priorities as needed, without a months-long process of an election or bylaws change.
This disconnect between the community and ACs was reinforced when I read RID’s Strategic Recommendations for ACs, published in May 2023. The report spoke of an identity crisis amongst ACs fueled by the lack of clarity, communition, and mutual support. Across the nation, the ACs were in a state of stagnation or decline, with only 16 of the 49 ACs considered “healthy” (Grieser & Ball, 2023).
As an active member of ACs, I wanted to understand what was happening. Why were these long-standing community organizations struggling? When it came time to choose a topic for my dissertation, it was natural for me to look at ACs. I spent a year researching nonprofits in general and, in the summer of 2023, interviewed AC board leaders about their experiences as volunteers in RID’s Affiliate Chapters.
First, I had to understand what Affiliate Chapters are. I learned that at the most basic definition, “affiliate chapters” is an oxymoron. RID Strategic Recommendations for RID AC Relations (Grieser & Ball, 2023) provide a clear explanation of the differences between chapters and affiliates. “Chapters” are organizations who are a part of the national organization - one structure, one tax ID, one mission all directly guided by the parent organization. Although 36 ACs use RID’s tax ID, these “chapters” operate independently from RID. “Affiliates” are separate legal entities with their own governing board, tax ID, bank accounts, and mission. Affiliates may have formal, documented agreements with other organizations for mutual support, and are completely independent from each other.
Simply put, RID’s Affiliate Chapters are neither chapters nor affiliates. Confusing, right? These blurred boundaries cause a lack of clarity around the roles and responsibilities between the ACs and RID (Grieser & Ball, 2023).
To further the confusion, RID operates both as a membership organization and as a headquarters for 49 ACs, dividing its limited resources. Typically a national nonprofit organization focuses on supporting chapters as organizational members, while chapters focus on individual members (BoardSource, 2010). The dual function of the national organization further compli-
cates the already murky relationship between RID and its ACs.
In my quest to learn more about the Affiliate-Chapters-which-are-not-affiliates-or-chapters, I sent emails to every AC asking to interview the volunteer leaders who are at the heart of these organizations. I was thrilled to find many people willing to tell me their stories.
The AC leaders shared the connections and disconnections they felt within the ACs. The bond between each individual and their community volunteerism was evident. Many felt called to serve the community and saw the role as an extension of their personality or identity. They brought their whole self, their beliefs, and their social identities with them as they volunteered. For them, it was personal.
To the people I interviewed, fulfilling the status quo was not enough. Volunteer leaders were hungry for positive community impact and saw ACs as potential agents of change. They wanted ACs to meet community needs better, serve as tools for social justice, and foster the next generation of interpreters.
With this level of passion driving the wheel, we assume AC leaders could only succeed in their goals. And yet, volunteer leaders quickly learned that while ACs seemed like potential agents of change, the organizations themselves were also barriers.
Every couple of years, sometimes even annually, each of the 49 Affiliate Chapters welcomes new board members. These volunteers are largely unaware of what is in store for them. There is minimal training at best, a lack of support or oversight, and no succession plan. They spend their term figuring out how to run a nonprofit organization from A to Z. They learn bylaws, run meetings, balance the books, support committees, collect dues, send out newsletters, and comply with RID and state regulations. The behind the scenes duties can be overwhelming.
It is no wonder that many volunteers burn out. Unfortunately, burn out has a domino effect. Some people ghost. Others become disillusioned and frustrated. People leave depleted, unable to support the next board. And then it starts all over again, with the next board left to figure it all out from scratch.
In this endless cycle of turnover, community needs are put on hold as the demands of running nonprofit organizations take precedence. As I spoke with board members throughout the summer, I felt inspired by their dedication and disheartened by their experiences. I heard the same stories over and over. Despite the passion and caring that fuel AC leaders, ACs are built in a way that fails to meet the community needs.
What we’re doing is not working.
I say “we” purposefully because the state of ACs involves every RID member. Whether you are active in your local AC or not, whether your AC is “healthy” or not, it exists to meet the needs of a community you are a part of. As community-run organizations, this is entirely a “we” conversation.
Our ACs are in a state of crisis. Even as our profession grows, only 3 of the 49 ACs report growing membership. In 2022, only 15 had a full Board of Directors and only 16 ACs were considered “healthy.” Our volunteer leaders are burnt out, overwhelmed, and questioning the validity of Affiliate Chapters.
This is not unique to RID’s ACs. Nationwide, nonprofit organizations are run by untrained volunteer leaders with no oversight, resulting in mismanagement and misconduct (Molk & Sokol, 2021). Cultural values have shifted towards individualism (Hansen & Slagsvold, 2020) while globalization and rapid technological advances occur. Nonprofits have been slow to adapt, clinging to inefficient practices of the past (Bruneel et al., 2020). They are also completely dependent on volunteers to run, causing difficulties and destabilization in the organizations (Lhotka, 2020).
The time and energy needed to run a nonprofit is demanding. Running 49 nonprofits simultaneously is detrimental to our volunteers and our communities. As one board member explained to me, “I’d rather invest in the community. I’d rather be creative in the ways that we can show up in the community. Instead, I have to spend six hours on a Saturday with my Vice President, figuring out how to do these taxes.”
In my own experience as a volunteer, I felt the same way. Honestly, I love the behind the scenes stuff. Spreadsheets satisfy my inner nerd.
I happily helped host conferences and rewrite the AC Handbook, adding untold hours to my regular volunteer duties. But these tasks were only fulfilling when they directly benefited the community. So many of my volunteer duties felt like spinning wheels in mud. A lot of effort with no movement.
The community-driven passion felt by the AC leaders is not enough to sustain these nonprofit organizations. We as a community have to do a deep dive into our ACs and redesign them into sustainable, community-focused chapters.
A paradigm shift is long overdue. Our Affiliate Chapters emerged half a century ago in an era of snail mail and long distance phone call charges. The national RID was in its infancy and having independently-run, local chapters was a necessity. The world has changed and, like other nonprofit organizations across the nation, RID and its ACs need to adapt.
RID’s Strategic Recommendations for Affiliate Chapters are a good place to start. But it’s not enough. We have 49 Affiliate Chapters across the nation struggling to keep their operational wheels turning at the sake of community engagement. It is time to pool our resources, consolidate operations, and create a nationwide network of support.
In order to tap into the full potential of ACs, we have to shift towards a more modern design. The traditional model we have used for decades has become a cumbersome drain on our communities. The good news is that nonprofit organizations like ACs can be nontraditional. They can be designed to fit our needs, rather than the current practice of sacrificing community needs to serve an outdated structure.
For example, ACs could pool resources and share operational duties. This could happen through informal partnerships between ACs or on a larger scale such as reorganizing the network of ACs as a whole.
Nonprofit organizations can be designed with boards within boards, with each board focusing on their own duties or geographical area. For example, a national governance board of directors, regional managing boards, and local
community boards can all exist within the same nonprofit (and even have their own bylaws and funds!).
Consolidating AC duties would give local boards freedom to meet membership needs. Regional boards could focus on the chapters’ operations and provide much needed support to local boards. Volunteers would no longer need to exhaust themselves juggling both operations and community engagement. However, restructuring ACs on a national level takes a larger conversation and cannot be accomplished quickly.
In the meantime, there are steps ACs can take to run more efficiently and relieve some of the burden on volunteer leaders:
Explore non-hierarchical boards by removing specific roles with the exception of a chair who will call meetings to order
Adopt shared leadership practices where volunteers divide duties based on personal strengths, not positions
Allow for rotating responsibilities and flexible workload to match volunteer capacity and unexpected life happenings
Eliminate stagnant standing committees and recruit volunteers for specific short-term projects or events
Simplify bylaws to the bare necessities and create a Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM) which can be updated without a lengthy voting process
Most importantly, develop practices that renew the lifeblood of your organization. Encourage volunteer leaders to maintain healthy boundaries with their volunteer duties. A new philosophy of Service Leadership has emerged in the nonprofit world. Rather than giving unendingly for the higher good, this new approach measures success by improvements in other people, society, and oneself
Volunteers who feel renewed and rewarded at the end of a term are more likely to continue engaging in the organization (Huang et al., 2020). So celebrate your volunteers and their accomplishments publicly! Appreciation builds a sense of community and connection.
ACs were once the center of local interpreting communities and can be again. This next era of ACs may bring large scale changes but it can only happen if we’re willing to try new approaches. Shared operations, non-traditional nonprofit structures, and shifting away from the familiar may seem overwhelming at first. But by exploring these possibilities together, we can bring the heart of our organizations back to the community.
Hansen, T., & Slagsvold, B. (2020). An “army of volunteers”? Engagement, motivation, and barriers to volunteering among the baby boomers. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 63(4), 335-353. https://doi.org/10.1080 /01634372.2020.1758269
Huang, Y., Bortree, D. S., Yang, F., & Wang, R. (2020). Encouraging volunteering in nonprofit organizations: The role of organizational inclusion and volunteer need satisfaction. Journal of Nonprofit & Public Sector Marketing, 32(2), 147-165. https://doi.org/10.1080/1 0495142.2019.1589624
References
BoardSource. (2010). The handbook of non profit governance (Vol. 20). John Wiley & Sons.
Bruneel, J., Clarysse, B., Staessens, M., & Weemaes, S. (2020). Breaking with the past: The need for innovation in the governance of nonprofit social enterprises. Academy of Management Perspectives, 34(2), 209-225. Grieser, S., & Ball, C. (2023). Revitalizing our network strategic recommendations for RID’s Affiliate Chapter relations. Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
Lhotka, F. (2020). What motivates volunteers to assume governance responsibilities? A study of volunteer motivation in Mendoza, Argentina [Master’s Thesis, University of Victoria]. University of Victoria.
Molk, P., & Sokol, D. D. (2021). The challenges of nonprofit governance. Boston College Review, 62(5), 1497. https://lawdigitalcommons. bc.edu/bclr/vol62/iss5/2
Trust and the Relationship with Interpreting as a Profession
Alyssa Alpers, Western Oregon University
Alyssa Alpers is a Master of Interpreting Studies: Theory student at Western Oregon University. She currently is working to gain experience and knowledge as a working ASL-English interpreter in post-secondary, theater, and community settings. In addition to her work as an interpreter and a student, Alyssa also works in the DeafBlind community as a co-navigator where she continues to better her skills in co-navigating and improve her use of Protactile Language. In the future, Alyssa hopes to become a certified, experienced, culturally knowledgeable and trustworthy interpreter who serves both the Deaf and DeafBlind communities.impact on communities.
Abstract
An essential component of a well-oiled interpreter and consumer team is the consumer ’s ability to trust the interpreter. It is important that the interpreter works to gain the trust of the consumer for an effective and functional interpretation; it is crucial that the interpreter values that trust and maintains it. Consumers often need to judge and determine whether they can trust an interpreter in a short time frame. Through various literary sources, this article works to put forth and describe the literature that exists surrounding trust relationships. In addition, this article concludes what makes an interpreter trusting and how interpreters can develop skills to become a trusted, knowledgeable interpreter.
Keywords: swift, reciprocal, trust, interpreters, deaf, indexes of trustworthiness
Introduction
When someone thinks about the best moments of a person’s life, like giving birth to their child, getting married, or getting a promotion at work, most people wish to have their loved ones and friends near to celebrate. The same can be suggested for the lowest moments of a person’s life, like burying a loved one or getting let go from their job, most people wish to have their loved ones and friends near to lean on. For the Deaf1 community, these highs and lows of life, have a tendency to include an interpreter to facilitate the communication between the parties who do not share the same language.
In order to accurately facilitate communication, the relationship between the interpreter and consumer must portray trust from the consumer. In order to do that, interpreters must navigate and understand how to accurately and appropriately create trusting relationships with consumers. As a result, interpreters must become knowledgeable about the types of trust relationships that exist and learn how to develop tools to become trustworthy interpreters.
Literature Review
There are two major kinds of trust that Deaf consumers and interpreters display, the first is reciprocal trust and it can be described as a relationship of trust that has been built over time through continued interaction, a formation of familiarity, and shared experience (Reinhardt, 2021). The second type of trust, swift trust, is temporary and developed between the consumer and interpreter at a faster rate and is built on a mutual schema of worldview and knowledge of specific interpreted interactions (Reinhardt, 2021). According to Napier et al. (2020), Sin and Jones (2013, as cited by Napier et al.) there are common traits among interpreters qualifying them as trustworthy that consumers look for when developing both reciprocal and swift trust relationships. These traits consist of accuracy, respectability, benevolence, competency, and the ability to be in control, and are called the “indexes of trustworthiness”.
The indexes of trustworthiness are helpful for consumers to judge an interpreter’s ability to represent them in an accurate way (Napier et
al., 2020). However, in most cases, trust given by a Deaf consumer is conditional and subjective. Across the community there are a variety of different qualities, abilities, and traits that consumers look for in an interpreter to be able to trust them (Edwards et al., 2006). There is also an emphasis on relationship and human connection being mitigating factors of trustworthiness (Reinhardt, 2021).
Reinhardt (2021) offered varying strategies to give interpreters the tools they need to navigate and build swift trust relationships with consumers (Reinhardt, 2021). The results of Reinhardt’s (2021) study showed only half of the participants in her study succeeded in forming swift trust relationships, even though most of the interpreters reported that they thought they were successful in finding common ground. As a result, Reinhardt (2021) first recommended that interpreters, especially in instances of high stakes, should initiate a preparation meeting before the interpreted event to discuss the event and form a connection. In addition, Reinhardt (2021) also recommended that interpreters should learn to recognize the different types of trust and work to develop skills and qualities in the indexes of trustworthiness (Napier et al., 2020). Lastly, Reinhardt (2021) described the results of her study showing when interpreters and Deaf consumers took a few minutes before an event to make a connection, a swift trust relationship started to form.
There has been a continuous “erosion of trust” between interpreters and the Deaf community as a result of mistrust and the power imbalance in interpreted interactions (Foster, 2018). Foster (2018) recommended that interpreters work to confront their privilege in order to build reciprocal trust relationships with members of the Deaf community. In addition, Foster (2018) stated that interpreters can incorporate listening with intent, develop humility and responsibility, and grow from mistakes.
To continue to work to build reciprocal relationships with consumers, Butler (2016) explained interpreters need to understand the weight of working as an interpreter and that interpreters should hold their title with honor. Butler (2016)
1 For this Action Research Project, the term Deaf is comprehensive and includes; d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled individuals.
stated that the behaviors that interpreters exhibit both in an interpreted space and outside in day-to-day life, will ultimately shine a light on the interpreter’s integrity and trustworthiness. Interpreters, in order to become more trustworthy, should display a degree of professionalism (Butler, 2016). Butler (2016) listed four suggestions that could help ensure that interpreters stay professional and become more trustworthy. First, Butler (2016) suggested that interpreters should be considerate of their actions and cognizant of their behavior on social media. Second, Butler (2016) recommended that interpreters be wary of “intergroup bias” and unconscious behaviors that work to group people together to place blame (Butler, 2016). The third and fourth suggestions focused on developing humility and empathy as an interpreter and putting thoughts into actions that are positive in nature. In closing, Butler (2016) stated “being worthy of trust boils down to one simple choice: committing to a higher standard of professionalism.”
Discussion
As indicated above, swift trust and reciprocal trust relationships differ in how they develop in many ways, but both types of trust relationships rely on the indexes of trustworthiness (Napier et al., 2020) if the relationships of trust are going to continue. It can be deduced that in order to become a more trustworthy interpreter, it is critical that novice and experienced interprets alike work to build the indexes of trustworthiness (accuracy, respectability, benevolence, and competency) (Napier et al., 2020) within themselves and their practice.
While both trust relationships rely on similar foundations, they differ in how they are achieved; however, a possible question to be considered is whether swift trust relationships form into reciprocal trust relationships. As mentioned above, Reinhardt (2021) found that the participants of her study were more likely to form swift trust relationships if they were able to connect with one another before the interpretation started. This shows that a connection was made on either schema of world-
view or knowledge about the specific interpreted interaction (Reinhardt, 2021).
If there was indeed a swift trust relationship formed, there must have been an initial good first impression made by the consumer. This is further supported by Human et al. (2012) who discovered that in order to continue relationships after the initial meeting, first impressions need to be accurate. This can apply to interpreter and consumer relationships, if the interpreter evokes an accurate first impression by displaying humility as well as accuracy and honesty about their skills. It is possible that swift trust relationships can develop into reciprocal trust relationships.
As a novice interpreter who is beginning to enter the interpreting profession, I plan to use this information on swift and reciprocal trust relationships and the recommendations to enhance my practice and become a more trustworthy interpreter. I am in the process of developing my orientation preceding interpreted interactions (Jones, 2019) with the goal in mind of portraying an accurate first impression in order to create a swift trust relationship. Since swift trust relies on a mutual schema of worldview and shared knowledge of the interpreted interaction, my concern is that I will have trouble forming swift trust because I do not yet have much experience of real-world interpreted interactions. I hope to continue to build and develop the indexes of trustworthiness (Napier et al., 2020) through becoming familiar with my interpreting process, reflecting honestly, and experiencing a wide variety of interpreted interactions. After having gained experience in the interpreting field, I hope to have created a reputation as a trustworthy and professional interpreter. In addition, I hope to create more relationships with Deaf consumers in the area that I am interpreting. My assumption is the more relationships I make and the longer I continue to practice interpreting, I will have more reciprocal trust relationships.
In regard to the interpreting profession as a whole, Reinhardt (2021) explained the poten-
tial effects of interpreters understanding swift and reciprocal trust relationships and how to build them. Reinhardt (2021) described that on a macro-level, Deaf consumers’ perspectives on interpreters might become more positive and, in addition, choose to find common ground and cultivate more discussions. In addition, when interpreters hold the indexes of trustworthiness (Napier et. al., 2020) and have mutual schemas with Deaf consumers regarding trust, interpreting as a profession can become more Deaf-centered.
Conclusion
The tools and information reported in this article are recommended for interpreters, in general. For future research, I would like to see how swift and reciprocal trust relationships relate to culturally responsive interpreting. I am curious to know if swift trust relationships are indeed developed more quickly if the consumer and interpreter share similar cultural experiences and backgrounds. As stated by Napier et al. (2020) in regard to interpreting as a profession and working with Deaf interpreters “we mediate language, culture, and identities” (2021, p. 90).
Overall, swift trust and reciprocal trust relationships are integral to interpreting as a profession. In addition, the development of understanding the different types of relationships that exist and developing traits that will aid in the creation of those relationships are essential to interpreter education. Through research and experience, interpreters can create a toolbox to effectively create trusted relationships within the Deaf community. When more interpreters are equipped with these concepts of trust, the potential for Deaf community members to have access to trusted interpreters for intimate moments in their lives increases.
References
Butler, W. (2016). Building Trust: Accepting the Mantle of Sign Language Interpreter. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=_lX4HVqMpCM.
Edwards, A., C., & Temple, B. (2006). Interpreting Trust: Abstract and Personal Trust for People who Need Interpreters to Access Services. Sociological Research Online, 11(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.5153/ sro.1077
Foster, M. (2018, October 2). Erosion of Trust: Sign Language Interpreters and Hearing Privilege. https://www.deafinterpreteracademy.com/uploads/1/2/1/5/121579022/erosion_of_trust.pdf
Human, L. J., Sandstrom, G. M., Biesanz, J. C., & Dunn, E. W. (2013). Accurate First Impressions Leave a Lasting Impression: The Long-Term Effects of Distinctive Self-Other Agreement on Relationship Development. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 4(4), 395–402. https://doi. org/10.1177/1948550612463735
Jones, C. (2019) “Orientation to the Interpreted Interaction: An Examination of Consumer Perception,” Journal of Interpretation: Vol. 27: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Napier, J., Skinner, R., Young, A., & Oram, R. (2019). Mediating identities: Sign language interpreter perceptions on trust and representation. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice, 14(1), 75–95. https:// doi.org/10.1558/jalpp.36014
Reinhardt, L. R. (2021). Swift trust formation: Experiences of deaf consumers and Asl-English interpreters. ProQuest Dissertation Publishing.
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Our Mission
RID is the national certifying body of sign language interpreters and is a professional organization that fosters the growth of the profession and the professional growth of interpreting.
Our Vision
Diversity Statement
RID understands the necessity of multicultural awareness and sensitivity. Therefore, as an organization, we are committed to diversity both within the organization and within the profession of sign language interpreting.
Our Values
We envision qualified interpreters as partners in universal communication access and forward-thinking, effective communication solutions while honoring intersectional diverse spaces. The values statement encompasses what values are at the “heart” or center of our work. RID values:
• the intersectionality and diversity of the communities we serve.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB).
• the professional contribution of volunteer leadership.
• the adaptability, advancement and relevance of the interpreting profession.
• ethical practices in the field of sign language interpreting, and embraces the principle of “do no harm.”
• advocacy for the right to accessible, effective communication.
Our commitment to diversity reflects and stems from our understanding of present and future needs of both our organization and the profession. We recognize that in order to provide the best service as the national certifying body among signed and spoken language interpreters, we must draw from the widest variety of society with regards to diversity in order to provide support, equality of treatment, and respect among interpreters within the RID organization.
Therefore, RID defines diversity as differences which are appreciated, sought, and shaped in the form of the following categories: gender identity or expression, racial identity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, Deaf or hard of hearing status, disability status, age, geographic locale (rural vs. urban), sign language interpreting experience, certification status and level, and language bases (e.g., those who are native to or have acquired ASL and English, those who utilize a signed system, among those using spoken or signed languages) within both the profession of sign language interpreting and the RID organization.
To that end, we strive for diversity in every area of RID and its Headquarters. We know that the differences that exist among people represent a 21st century population and provide for innumerable resources within the sign language interpreting field.
Newly Certified Interpreters
Kaylin Myers Andryshak, NIC
Lisa Andujar Estrella, NIC
Karin Lin Butterworth, NIC
Farahiris Espinosa, NIC
Zachary T. Hardy, NIC
Shannan Harris, NIC
Alexandra Hayes-Rossiter, NIC
Sarah Kathryn LaMascus, NIC
Erik Lijah Lee, NIC
Allison Mary Merkle, NIC
Abigail Murray, NIC
Bethany Hope Pang, NIC
Daniel Randolph, NIC
Jennaca Saeva, NIC
Joshua Stresing, NIC
Elizabeth Whitlow, NIC
Caitlyn CJ Yohe, NIC
Region I Netherlands
Region II
Caitlyn Anderson, NIC
Ana Clark, NIC
Shauntel Creque-White, NIC
Haley Amanda Deen, NIC
Daniel J Devor, NIC
Alexis Lauryn Doan, NIC
Megan D Fogt, NIC
Janine Haldane, NIC
Mackenzie Harper, NIC
Lydia Estella Harris, NIC
Tauni Rae Judd, NIC
Chavis Laramie Tanner Lynn, NIC
Emily Maier, NIC
Sophia C Molitor, NIC
Amy Mullikin, NIC
Ryann Perkins, NIC
Jennifer Joy Riedel-Clark, NIC
Courtney Esther Slagle, NIC
Yesica Sobalvarro-Rodriguez, NIC
Sylvie Soulier, NIC
Lissa Zeviar, NIC International
Christy Thompson, NIC
Courtney Mae Warnock, NIC
Kristin Whyte, NIC
Mary Wight, NIC
Max Williamson, CDI
Andrew Xavier, NIC
Region III
Shawnese Allie, NIC
Danielle Justine Beckmann,
Megan Grace Boemmel,
Martin Fox Dale-Hench,
Danika Rose Duvall,
Daniel Englund, NIC
Rachel Elizabeth Gerrie,
Danielle D Helgeson, Zachery Shane Hodge, Kelsey Diana McKibbin,
Abraham O’Coffey,
Bethany Peacock, NIC
Kassandra Jordan Prentice,
Whitney Diane Sallee, K Crom Saunders, CDI
Abbigale May Stephan, Kylee Vik, NIC
Interpreters
Region IV Region V
NIC
Beckmann, NIC
Boemmel, NIC
Dale-Hench, CDI
Duvall, NIC
NIC
Gerrie, NIC
Helgeson, NIC
Hodge, NIC
McKibbin, NIC NIC
NIC
Prentice, NIC
Sallee, NIC
CDI
Stephan, NIC
Laura Alexandra Abadie, NIC
Christopher James Brooks, NIC
Elisabeth Gill, CDI
Bree Logan, CDI
Jessica Mott, NIC
Vivion Sloan, CDI
Emily Worthington Stiles, NIC
Danielle Terrio, NIC
Stephanie Amber Akapnitis, NIC
Arturo Javier Anchondo, NIC
Madison Birkenfeld, NIC
Marcella Blankenship, NIC
Amanda Bosworth, NIC
Kathryn Boyd, NIC
Caitlin Broad, NIC
Tara Lynn Casey, NIC
Samantha Diaz, NIC
Lisa Renee Dopf, NIC
Joseph V Featherstone, CDI
Katie Lisette Gonzalez, NIC
Anna Marie Gunderson, NIC
Sara Jane Hague, NIC
Amanda Kasih, NIC
Bonnie McGarrity, NIC
Ty McIntee, NIC
Anna M Michelbrink, NIC
Deborah An Miller, NIC
Kaitlyn Oldham, NIC
Jacob Oritt, NIC
Stephanie Pimsner, NIC
Bilqis Rashidi, NIC
John Roberts, NIC
Janae Brittany Roche, NIC
Jay N. Slater Scancella, NIC
Nicole Sotelo, NIC
Emily Thiel, NIC
Grace M Williams, NIC
Certification Maintenance Program
Here is a link, accessible to the community at large, that lists individuals whose certifications have been revoked due to non-compliance with the Certification Maintenance Program or by reasons stated in the RID PPM.
If an individual appears on the list, it means that consumers working with this interpreter may no longer be protected by the Ethical Practices System should an issue arise.
The published list is a “live” list, meaning that it will be updated if a certification is reinstated or revoked.
Additionally, you can find the list of certification reinstatement here.
The Certification Maintenance Program requirements are:
1 Maintain current RID membership by paying annual RID Certified Member dues.
2
Meet the CEU requirements:
• 8.0 total CEUs
• 6.0 Professional Studies (PS) CEUs
• A minimum of 1.0 of the 6.0 PS CEUs must be specifically in PPO training
• Up to 2.0 General Studies CEUs can count toward the certification maintenance requirement.
Should a member lose certification due to failure to pay membership costs or failure to comply with CEU requirements, that individual may submit a reinstatement request. The reinstatement form and policies are outlined here. You can find the list of certification reinstatement here.
3 Adhere to the RID Code of Professional Conduct and EPS Policy.
Voluntary Relinquishment of RID Certification(s)
RID Certified members who decide to voluntarily relinquish the RID certification(s) they currently hold are required to submit a completed, signed and notarized form. To learn more about the eligibility requirements or to submit your request to voluntarily relinquish the RID certification(s) you currently hold, click here. This form is required to be notarized.
Ethical Violations
Decision Date: 6/26/2024
Member Name: Heather Herzig
CPC Tenet Violations Found:
3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.
4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.
5. Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.
6. Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.
Sanction:
1. 10 hours of synchronous or in-person Professional Development related to a. Best practices for providing VRI from home, including the importance of a secure remote workplace, and b. Accountability and Decision Making (CEUS cannot be applied towards CMP cycle)
2. Provide a reflection paper demonstrating knowledge of best practices for remote interpreting, understanding the importance of taking accountability for one’s actions, and an articulated plan of action to avoid future violations.
Decision Date: 9/9/2024
Member Name: Barry Elkins
CPC Tenet Violations Found:
2. Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.
3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.
4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.
6. Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.
Sanction: Revocation of certification and membership. Revocation is permanent, and participation in CASLI exams is prohibited indefinitely.
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