ESTABLISHED  S ixty-five people from across the state attended a meeting on September 21, 1968, at the Seattle Speech and Hearing Center.  Meeting was organized by Mildred Johnson and Don Pettinghill, featuring the executive director of the RID, Al Pimentel.  Purpose: To discuss the national professional organization of interpreters and the prospect of establishing a state chapter in Washington.  Washington became one of ten states to have its own state chapter.

MISSION Their mission, “to educate, to support and to promote the certification of interpreters/transliterators and to provide information to the general public. The principal purposes of this corporation are to initiate, sponsor, promote and execute policies and activities that will further the profession of interpretation and transliteration.”

MILESTONES  The passage of the 1974 Interpreters in Court Act and the 1985 Revisions for Interpreters in the Legal Setting Act.  In June of 1974, WSRID hosted the RID National Convention in Seattle with 397 registrants.  The membership of WSRID voted to charge registration fees for workshops to PAY interpreters at WSRID meetings and workshops.  WSRID won the first RID National Chapter Award at the RID Convention in 1982.

DAWN McKENNA Current WSRID Treasurer  As ITP students, a few people have submitted membership applications and fees but have not heard back from WSRID. When should they expect to hear back from your organization and in what fashion?  “Usually it can take several weeks to process. They should hear from the membership chair upon receipt of their dues.” Contact information for membership chair, Christy Jobe, and others of significance will be handed out after this presentation.

DAWN McKENNA Current WSRID Treasurer  When and where will your 2010 Conference be held? What is the cost and will you always offer annual scholarships?  “TBD. If anyone is interested in being on the committee for the conference and having input on where it will be held, please contact Bob Huven.”

DAWN McKENNA Current WSRID Treasurer  What does it mean to be student director? What does this roll entail?  “This section is directly from our roles and responsibilities file…”  Maintain good community and public relations.  Serve as liaison to ITP students, maintaining contact and sending out annual (spring) solicitation announcements and requests for instructor recommendations for following year’s student director position.  Prepare for, attend, and participate in Board meetings.

DAWN McKENNA Current WSRID Treasurer REQUIREMENTS  Must have been a member of WSRID for at least 60 days.  Must have a recommendation from an ITP instructor.  Must be in the final year of interpreter training.  Must be able to participate in board meetings using sign language.

THERESA SMITH Interpreter and Author  Do you have any thoughts or insights on the original mission statement in comparison to today? Has it changed or evolved in any way you would be willing to share or discuss?  “The original tone was much different - much more familial… the proximate goals were professionalization of interpreting (gaining credibility as a profession), ‘just figuring it out’ – what does it mean to be a good interpreters, and third, socialization, mutual support and validation (much like gatherings of Deaf people themselves) – But the ultimate goal was access for Deaf people…”

THERESA SMITH Interpreter and Author  Do you have any thoughts or insights on the original mission statement in comparison to today? Has it changed or evolved in any way you would be willing to share or discuss?  “Today, WSRID seems much more focused on the immediate needs of interpreters themselves (not the broader focus on Deaf people) and specifically focused on interpreter’s short term goals i.e. workshops for CEUs.”

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS  LINKS YOU to the interpreting community  Mentorship Program (currently being established)  Scholarships  Workshops  An extensive lending library  Newsletter

HOW TO JOIN First Time Member Dues (1 st year only): Does not include eligibility to vote. Joining between January 1-June 30: $30.00 Joining between July 1-December 31: $20.00 * WSRID Meetings are open and you are welcome to attend. Dates and details are available on their website.