1. Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

2.  Membership Levels, 2012 – 2016 to Date 2

3.  Survey available from October 18 through November 15, 2015  Sent to all Individual and Lifetime members  85 responses (38% response rate) 3

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7.  Comments  “It could have gotten me more clients when I was a freelancer.”  “I appreciate the diverse events but as a Long Islander it is a bit harder for me to join them.”  The “speed dating” event was excellent, and I really enjoy meeting other translators and learning from them just by chatting.”  “I find that, consistent with the name, the NYCT caters to translators, although [recently] it has had meetings that focus on interpreting. It is still not enough, especially since a large number of members are interpreters.”  “Great events. Got a client via the directory.” 7

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10.  Comments  “I get discouraged because I live far from NYC and the meetings are at night … “  “Great improvement over meetings in the past!”  “One of the main things I’m looking for is some sort of social networking component with professional colleagues. And given the timing of the room rental, everyone disappears the second the program is over, or at least that was the case at the few regular meetings I’ve attended … the meetings felt very perfunctory.”  “There could be more opportunities to network with LSPs.” 10

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13.  Comments and Suggestions, 2016 Events  “Prep class for national certificate exams (i.e., CCHI, National Board of Medical Interpreters. What and how to study.”  “I use CAT tools, but am certain that I am not utilizing all of the benefits and features, simply because I do not have the time to learn them. It would be great to have a workshop on common tools like WordFast, Trados, etc.—just Tips and Tricks.”  “How to create your own website.”  “Medical translation and interpretation would be great.”  “I feel like the ATA and its chapters should stay away from machine translation. MT is being developed to replace us. I don’t feel like the associations that represent us and care about us should be getting involved with MT in any way, shape, or form.... “ 13

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16.  Comments  “[Social media presence] could be more effective.”  “I really like the new web page.”  “I wish the NYCT were on Twitter, but I realize that might take up more volunteer time, and might not be easy to do.”  “It’s OK, but could be more effective in promoting the NYCT.” 16

17.  If you could make your experience as an NYCT member better in just one way, what would it be?  “Expand the Circle to include more interpreters.”  “More contact with other NYCT members.”  “More contact with language service providers.”  “Consider having meetings on weekend mornings.”  “Please address the real current issues faced by translators (higher demands with lower remuneration)…. I am concerned about the degradation of our working conditions and the way our profession is viewed.”  “More clients consulting our online member directory.” 17

18.  Anything else to say?  “I would be glad to see a list of open volunteer positions and perhaps pick one to serve the association back.”  “It is great that this association exists for New York translators.”  “Please keep organizing the networking events.”  “I joined the NYCT primarily to connect with other translators and learn more / keep up-to-date on developments in the profession, specifically in my specialization (finance). I consider membership in professional organizations vital to my skills and wellbeing as a translator since as a freelancer I spend so much time working alone.” 18

19.  Recommendations for 2016  Increase networking  Increase visibility of online member directory  Make meetings and events more accessible to members living outside the five boroughs  Increase corporate membership  Offer events focusing on the practical (mechanics of freelance business; CAT)  Offer events focusing on newer trends (transcreation) 19