ITOC  REPORT 2003-2005 July 2005 RID- ITOC forum minutes to follow ITOC Communication Points of Contact: ·        Itoc1@yahoo.com          I manage this email/ most members new and old get information from this email account. ·        www.browngirlblue.com/itoc.html ·        itocsig@yahoogroups.com Emilia Lorenti, Bob LoParo, and I are moderators. Our goal is to get everyone to join to streamline information distribution.  It also has great features to save and share files, store photos, update calendar, etc. Go to yahoogroups search ITOCSIG. 2003-2005 REPORT Table of Contents: ·        Letter from your re-elected Chair ·        New Chair and Board ·        Webpage ·        Sponsored Region II Workshop ·        Spanish Language Policy ·        SIG- Member section Transition ·        Sent ITOC Rep to NAOBI ·        RID conference activity ·        New board 2005-2007 ·        Motion Letter from Re-elected Chair, Jeannette “JO” Ocampo Welch. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you again. I learned so much in the first two years and I am thrilled to have a chance to put the knowledge to work. If you would use this report hand in hand with the minutes from the RID meeting, that would be greatly appreciated. Time did not allow for the attention to detail that I wished we could have together. I am excited about the members of our new Board. Already we are getting our communication system in place and hope to bring more to our ITOC members very soon. ITOC members in the mix: There were many of us in the RID mix at this last conference. You can find ITOC member Martin Hiralga- Bi-laws committee helping run the Motions meeting, Suzanne Garcia-Lightborn- Certification committee, Tara Arthur, VLI - Conference Interpreter Coordination, and others. Please send more names so that we can be aware of ITOC members at work in RID! SUMMER 2003 ·        Thrilled with the honor of being ITOC chair, I was handed the pile of papers that have followed Chair to Chair. This included an old membership list, minutes from meetings, memos, other papers, picture of the possible ITOC pin, and a few other things. This was a challenge to organize. I wanted to unify us. I had the email addresses (over 150) entered into itoc1@yahoo. com. I hoped to set up pages on my web site and would try to communicate with the membership. I worked closely with Hilda Colondres, Vice Chair to set up a plan and get information out. I contacted RID to get a clear sense of how to work with them and posted information as I got it. Fall 2003 ·        Web Pages- ITOC information can be found on my personal web site www.browngirlblue.com/ITOC.html .  I already owned this web site; there was no cost to ITOC.  However, because it is a personal web site, RID will not post the address in the VIEWS. I have posted : ·        current guidelines on how to work with RID ·         Letters from me, your ITOC chair ·        Spanish Language Policy Info and letters from Angela Jones, RID President ·        a few resources I will post:(Fall 2005) ·        this Report ·        Links to Region conferences Spring 2004 ·        Sponsored Region II workshop- $500 sponsored a workshop on Mentorship Hilda Colondres, ITOC Vice- Chair was the fabulous Interpreter Coordinator. It was a primarily Tri-Lingual Spanish team. Region II knows how to have a good time! Fall 2004 ·        Joaquin Riley Ocampo Welch was born. I mention this, not only out of mama pride, but also because this wonderful event falls during the beginning of some major discussions that started at this time. ·        ITOC Dinner sponsored by Boston University Center for Interpreter Education.  The 4th annual dinner linked with the New England Mentorship Conference hosted by Northeastern University. ·        Glenace Humphires is our SIG liaison.  She was appointed by the RID board and was new to the process as are we, the SIG groups, to having contact and communication to the RID Board. It has continued to improve and it bodes well for healthy communication from members to the RID Board. ·        Spanish Language Policy (SLP): ITOC was contacted by the Liaison in September and discussions began in Sept. about the SLP. At first, the policy required a minimum of 25 Spoken Spanish Language participants to register for the conference before Interpreter Services would be provided. In November, the policy was posted in the VIEWS. This incited a nationwide community response.  Starting with 3 ITOC members acting on their own behalf Suzanne Garcia-Lightborne, Emilia Lorenti, and Tony Barraza spoke with Angela Jones and as well, Tony Barraza began an online petition.  Letters were written to the RID President and Board expressing that the policy was not a policy that has the membership in mind. A work group was established with Tony Barraza- ITOC Representative, Angela Roth-Mano a Mano President, Ben Hall and Lucy James-conference core members, Suzanne Garcia-Lightborne-community leader and Geri Mu-CDLIC, to rework this policy into one that would better serve our Spanish Speaking members. The original goal was to rescind this policy. What came of this was: ·        The original policy was rescinded. ·        A new policy that will have a Tri-lingual Interpreter Coordinator hired at all conferences beginning with this most recent conference 2005 in San Antonio. ·        Angela Jones, RID President also wrote a letter of apology and came out to the ITOC forum to express her sincere apologies directly to our membership. ·        A stronger voice from our ITOC and RID members. ·        SIG- MS transition- This is a discussion that started years by the RID Board of Directors (BOD) in (1997).  There were many concerns about SIG activity that had drawn a lot of attention over the years. ·        What were the expectations? ·        If you paid money, what did you get in return? ·        Some SIGs are active, others are not as a result, monies sit and ·        accumulate over time. ·        To what end? ·        The RID office would hear from SIG members, but there was no real communication structure in place. In (2004), the RID BOD set up an adhoc work group comprised of Cheryl Moose-RID Secretary, Glenace Humphires- Region IV Rep/SIG Liaison  and Melissa Bowhay- RID Membership Services Coordinator.  They came up with a NEW plan called Member Sections (MS). A couple months before the RID conference, the SIG chairs had requested more information and a conference call to dialogue about the proposed changes. We were informed that, this new plan, had already been voted on by the Board. Our (SIG Chair) input has come in after the fact. However, it has been ensured that this is a ongoing discussion and that the SIG/MS leadership and members will be heard. SIG/MS Chairs working with the work group have had 2 conference calls since this had started. We are on board for change that will benefit the members. RID members should get quality service from the groups, however, there are some concerns that we have, especially regarding the financial matters. At the RID conference we all met for lunch. ITOC, CDP, Editor, Deaf Caucus, DB SIGs plus Glenace Humphries and Melissa Bowhay and Bruce King, current RID Treasurer.   *Still, the financial matters are at issue, so we have asked for more time to continue to discuss all of the changes and most importantly, input form our respective groups. The plan as I understand it at this time: The goals include: ·        giving RID members access to all MSs as a benefit of RID membership.   ·        streamlining the workload at the RID office ·        addressing the concerns of the SIG members who have been paying into the SIG funds, but had not been contacted in any way. ·        consideration to those groups that may not want to do much more than to meet every two years at conference. The plan includes benefits that have already been afforded to us for many years. (New/ additional components are in italics) ü        Your MS Chair can call/contact Melissa and receive a membership list, mailing labels, and account information at any point. ü        Reports, messages, and announcements from your SIG can be placed in the VIEWS. The new piece is that there will be a Member Section space dedicated for those submissions. ü        Every RID conference, MS can hold forums (meetings for the MS group). Interpreters, room, a/v, information published in the conference schedule are at no cost to the MS. This year an additional MS time was added. This was used as a social/ networking opportunity. Room was provided, but any interpreters, food, etc would come from the MS budget. New ü        A SIG/ MS liaison was appointed.  It is an additional task to the already seated RID board members. A direct link to the RID board! This is a HUGE improvement to the communication struggles that we have been experiencing.   ü        Pre-conference Workshop. MS can have a workshop in the day of the Opening Ceremonies.  This would be funded by RID.  There are 9 MS groups. Because of limited resources, they would have to take turns from year to year. Money Matters: This is where I and other MS chairs have MOST of our concerns. This is listed as it would happen in time. v        Dues will be eliminated. Rationale from the group: All RID members can have access to all MS at no cost to them.  As well, less work for the RID office staff to maintain the separate accounts. In DISCUSSION: For ITOC and other MS, this is one effective way to generate funds. By eliminating this, we would have nothing to cover any expenses. In the interest of funding workshops, sending representatives to conferences, possibly hosting a conference, 100% of the budget would have to be raised by the membership including postage, conference calls, etc. Presently, the dues contribution is minimal, but it allow MS to continue to work. One thought is having dues to be optional to each of the MS. v        Monies that are left in SIG/MS accounts will be reverted to the RID General Fund at the end of every fiscal year.   Rational from the RID office: less work from the office staff to maintain the separate accounts from Fiscal Year to Fiscal Year. In DISCUSSION: Not only ITOC, but for CDP and Editor that have a significant balance, or may have sponsorship or monies in excess Why would those monies disappear only to have to start again the next year for the MSs financial goals? v        Working from a zero balance. Rationale from RID Office: not sure exactly. I took a guess about non-profit status, but has not been clarified. In DISCUSSION: If we earn money, volunteer our time to raise funds, and have money on June 30th, why should we have to start over on July 1st. One thought is to develop a way for MS to have a financial plan for money from year to year. Therefore, money has a plan and purpose and perhaps be able to keep a balance from year to year. SIG/MS leadership recognizes that there needs to be change. RID office works hard not just for us, but for the 12,000 members it serves. RID has grown 300 percent in the last 8 years. Together, with your input, we can change this to make sense and be a benefit to all RID Members. Spring 2005 ·        Send ITOC representative to NAOBI. Report will follow. ·        ITOC pins.  Pins were handed out at conference. We will be sending pins out to current members by Spring 2006. They are beautiful.  We are not sure who the original artist is, but, KUDOS! Lovely work. Summer 2005 ·        RID conference. o        VIP reception. I was invited to a VIP reception by Glendia Boon. It was a lovely dinnertime affair. Board, presenters, sponsors, and other invited guests were present. o        SIG to MS meeting and forum. o        ITOC social. This was a first. We had 2 opportunities to meet. ITOC sponsored a Chocolate Dessert Buffet and welcomed 20 ITOC members to meet and mingle. o        ITOC forum. Included a condensed version of this report. Very well attended. New Board election. One motion. o        This Report.   THANK YOU and SK Thank you for your attention to a long report. Please feel free to ask for clarification. Any corrections will be posted on www.browngirlblue.com/ITOC.html If you have any comments or concerns about the items in this report, please let me know. Your voice is important to help change happen. I need to hear from each of you. Don’t forget, the ITOCSIG yahoo group is a great place to start a dialogue with other ITOC members. ---------------------MINUTES-------------------------------------- ITOC July 14th, 2005 *These minutes of the 2005 ITOC Meeting at RID Conference, San Antonio, TX are being posted with a second document, Jeannette Ocampo Welch, ITOC Chair’s Report for 2003-5.   Meeting called to order 4:00 p.m. Jeannette Ocampo Welch welcomed and thanked everyone in attendance. Thanked Ally (EdITOR Chair) for providing laptop use for the meeting. Thanked the RID board members that were present and Mano-a-Mano’s president Angela Roth for attending. Jeannette stated that the ITOC board that was elected in Chicago, RID 2003, had experienced some communication mishaps. Thanked Vice-Chair Hilda, who moved from Florida to California, for all of hard work and the pins that were available at the meeting. RID President Angela Jones and board representatives were present for a portion of the meeting. ITOC sponsored a workshop at the Region II conference in Puerto Rico. ITOC sent a representative to NAOBI. Pins were finally attained by Hilda. Pins were distributed to members at 1005 conference and will be mailed to members. Jeannette has a temporary web page on her personal web site set up for ITOC, www.browngirlblue.com/ITOC.htm . The site provides valuable information about ITOC, RID and other topics. Spanish Language Policy: RID made a policy in November 2004 stating that 25 members would have to request for Spanish interpreters to be provided. There was a response by the members and other interested individuals to the RID about their decision. After reconsideration the RID board amended the policy in which Spanish interpretation will be provided and coordinated at future RID conferences. Angela Jones expressed that this was a catalyst for other opportunities in our profession. She also commented that this was a learning experience for all parties involved. RID did express their apologies for the miscommunication in a letter to the membership. NEW BUSINESS History: There is a transition taking place for SIGs. SIGs will be phased into Member Sections. This was a result of the research from a task force that RID set up to evaluate lack of activity in SIGs. The taskforce consisted of Glenace Humphry, Cheryl Moose, Melissa Bowhay.  The recommendation from this taskforce was the development of a Member Section. The recommendation was accepted by the RID board with little input from the SIG leadership and members. Glenace Humphrey is the SIG liason. This change will provide a space in the RID Views for Member Sections, which will allow for information to be disseminated to all RID members. There will also be a guaranteed meeting space at conferences. Currently all paid members will get a Member Section handbook. The current dues are $5.00.  When the Member Section comes to effect there will be no membership dues anymore. Funds: The current balance is roughly $4,000.00. Monies have been from membership dues. Dues will be collected until 2006. The Member Section will have the opportunity to use these funds until 2009, when all remaining funds will go into RID’ s general funds. Daniel Birch expressed some concerns about this mandate. He stated that it seems that this mandate has been accepted. He said that RID has Rules and Policy procedures and a SIG can respond to RID concerning this mandate. He also stated his concern that without dues the SIG could not build funds to sponsor pre-conference events. Pre- conference offers training opportunities for everyone, both “color and non-color” members, to learn and share information as to no isolate the learning opportunities. Member Sections monies would be taken to a Zero balance at the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1st. The question was asked “Is changing the SIGs to Member Sections a done deal?” MOTION: Angela mad a motion which was seconded by Carmela,( ITOC member who came from South Africa) in that ITOC Member Section: 1-Get Member Section space in the RID Views 2- Have meeting space at conferences 3- Get a handbook with input from ITOC 4- Provide a website so RID does not gouge ITOC monies 5- Provide bulk mail so that members can have access by electronic means 6- That current and future funds continue in order to have control of ITOC funds 7- There be a no ZERO balance policy 8- That sufficient time be given for the transition into Member Section Carmela made a motion seconded by Angela Roth that donations made by members should stay on the membership form so that those who want to contribute may continue to do so. MOTION PASSED: Daniel Birch stated that there is a 10% administration fee for RID overhead for SIG operation.  It is unclear about how that has been administered of the years. Proposed Budget and Ideas: Website        $625.00 Mailing        $400.00 Set up at a Yahoo group Pay registration fees for participants to Mano-a-Mano, NAOBI, Asian Deaf Congress (name correct?) to the 2007 “National Deaf Conference”, IDC (Intertribal Deaf Congress?). Have Eboard meetings and a face-to-face meeting in midyear for discussion. The most cost effective methods would be taken. NO MOTION WAS MADE TO ACCECPT THIS BUDGET, INSTEAD, FURTHER DISCUSSION IS PLANNED ONLINE. MOTION TO ACCEPT NEW ITOC COUNCIL: ITOC Board 2005-2007 Nominations for the 2005-2007 ITOC board were taken. The nominees are follows: Chair-                        Jeannette “JO” Ocampo Welch Vice-Chair                Tony Barraza Secretary/Treasurer         Region I                         Region II                Jaime Coronado Region III                Bob Laparo Region IV                Israel Villalobos Region V                Hilda Colondres/Liz Crocker Member at Large (appointed by chair)        Jonathon Webb Editor( appointed by chair)                        La Tanya Jones MOTION TO ACCEPT NEW ITOC COUNCIL: PASSED Board was voted by the membership present. Someone asked if there a Rules of Operation chart. Angela Roth made a recommendation that those who serve and get information about others who would accept the duties to serve know that supporters are available. ITOC Service: There are different levels of service that members can be involved in. Local, regional, etc… RID Testing of CI and CT: Susan Lightborne provided some feedback on the situation. There is a long time response in getting results. The pool of raters as drastically been minimized. The funds for these rates has been exhausted. It cost $1000.00 to train each rater. Right now there are about 60 raters to be trained with an expectancy of only 30 who will pass to become raters. Someone in the audience said that there are only 5 raters left and that it will cost somewhere between $50,000 - $60,000 to train the raters.          Jeannette thanked everyone for coming in her closing comments and that her goal is to accomplish more than what was done in the past two years Meeting adjourned 5:30(ish)