Committees

NYC Metro RID has a number of committees in which community members can find resources for support as well as ways to participate and give back to the Deaf community. We have many committees that can only run with the support of our members.  If you see a committee you would like to join, contact the committee chair for more information.  If there is a committee you feel we should create, let us know at President@nycmetrorid.org.

Advertising
Our advertising team works hand in hand with 'Communications' in ensuring the membership and community are aware of events, workshop opportunities, and meetings hosted by NYC Metro RID or any other Deaf community organization, ally, or affiliate.

Advertising@nycmetrorid.org

Bylaws
The Bylaws Committee advises the membership of the NYC Metro RID about our governing documents and decision making about Chapter business. 

Scope of Work:

The Bylaws Committee members are charged with the following tasks:

• To assist the membership in the oversight of the NYC Metro RID bylaws, as needed. 
• To assist the membership in maintaining compliance with the national RID bylaws. 
• To be an active resource in the development of or revisions to the affiliate chapter bylaws and standing rules. 
• To collect and review all proposed and passed motions to ensure they are not in conflict with the NYC Metro RID bylaws or the national RID bylaws. 

Bylaws@nycmetrorid.org

Certification Maintenance Program
NYC Metro RID is an Approved Sponsor of RID CEUs; our Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) committee oversees the administration of continuing education units (CEUs). This includes approving CEUs for NYC Metro RID-sponsored activities, such as workshops, as well as approving outside activities for members: PINRA, independent studies and academic coursework. CMP committee members are available to assist members design independent studies, determine what activities can qualify for CEUs and complete necessary paperwork. 

Together the Professional Development Committee (PDC) and the CMP committee determine the number of CEUs to be earned in a NYC Metro RID sponsored activity. Attendees need only to sign the CEU form and list their RID number at the activity to earn CEUs. Upon completion of the event, the CMP committee will report the CEUs earned to national RID. Attendees will receive a certification of completion as proof of their attendance and the CEUs earned. For more information regarding NYC Metro RID sponsored initiated activities, see the Professional Development Committee

PDC@nycmetrorid.org

Types of Activities We Sponsor:

• NYC Metro RID Sponsored Initiated Activities (PDC)
• Participant Initiated Non-RID Activities (PINRA)
• Academic Coursework
• Independent Studies

For more information, click here to see national RID's website, or email the CMP committee chair at CMP@nycmetrorid.org

Communications

The Committee works with the Directors at Large to communicate with our membership and the community through our Advertising, MetroNews, RIDBits, and website teams to support member engagement.

Scope of Work:

The Communications Committee have been charged with the task of:

• Corresponding with membership and keeping members updated with the happenings of NYC Metro RID Board of Directors & Committees, via email, mail, website and social media. 
• Update our email lists with current members in good standing. 

Connection Network

The NYC Metro RID is committed to fostering positive relationships between interpreters in our community. Our new "Connection Network'' will pair certified and non-certified interpreters on a semesterly cycle based on interest and shared goals. This program is completely free of charge and available to NYC Metro RID members in good standing!

Scope of Work:

The Connection Network Committee has been charged with the task of:

• Connecting members who are certified and non-certified interpreters utilizing a “big brother/big sister” format in an effort to create more networking opportunities, and provide opportunities for interpreters to grow professionally and improve interpreting skill sets. 

• Collect information from interested members such as contact information, certifications, and areas of interest for focus.

• Pair up certified and non-certified interpreters based on shared goals for a cycle of approximately 15 weeks for a suggested minimum 12 hour commitment.

Co Chairs: 

• Andria Alefhi 

• Liz Lauria 

• (Mentorship)

Committee Members: 

• Meagan Utsey (Outreach)

Elections

The Elections committee is responsible for scheduling, announcing, and hosting the annual board elections.  

Scope of Work:

The Elections committee have been charged with the following tasks:

• Develops schedule, and hosts, annual elections
• Works with the Communications Committee to engage voting members
• Work with the Membership Committee to verify the each member's eligibility to vote with accordance set by our Bylaws.
• Count ballots received and report results to the Board of Directors, membership and their electorate. 

Emergency Fund
NYC Metro RID cares deeply about its membership. We feel that the field of interpreting should not only be committed to our work, but each other. In keeping with this spirit, and recognizing that we are all part of a greater community, we wish to offer an Emergency Fund for our interpreter members who find themselves faced with a crisis and in need of some modest financial support. 

This committee defines Emergency as "an unexpected crisis which impinges on the interpreter's ability to meet financial obligations". This could be a sudden mental or physical illness of someone in your family (your child, partner, or yourself); or some other event which impinges on the ability to meet obligations. This is NOT an income replacement fund. This is a financial obligation assist. 

The applicant must be a Certified or Associate member of NYC Metro RID to qualify for consideration. A $1,000 annual cap per applicant has been established for this fund. 

Fundraising
The Fundraising Committee is responsible for overseeing the organization's overall fundraising and, in particular, the fundraising done by the board. 

Scope of work:

The Fundraising Committee have been charged with the following tasks:

• To work with the board to establish a fundraising plan that incorporates a series of appropriate vehicles, such as special events, direct mail, product sales, etc. 
• To work with fundraising committee members in their efforts to raise money. 
• To take the lead in certain types of outreach efforts. 
• To be responsible for the involvement of all board members in fundraising. 
• To monitor fundraising efforts to be sure that ethical practices are in place, that donors are acknowledged appropriately, and that fundraising efforts are cost-effective. 

Government Affairs
Our Government Affairs committee is working with local & state Deaf organizations, other interpreting organizations, members of the legal and social services communities in effort to ensure quality interpreting services and Deaf consumer empowerment. 

Scope of Work:

The Government Affairs Committee members are charged with the following tasks:

• To lobby for policies within NYC government to support Deaf persons access to effective communication with NYC government agencies. 
• To further interpreters interests by developing relationships with NYC government and advocacy organizations to address issues such as quality assurance in interpreting services. Deaf consumer empowerment, standard business practices in our profession and other issues as determined by Committee members. 
• To provide information to policymakers and advocates about regulation and legislation that relate to ASL interpreting services. 

Questions? Contact GAC@nycmetrorid.org

Membership

The Membership Committee records and keeps the NYC Metro RID membership up-to-date.

Scope of Work:

The Membership Directory Committee has been charged with the following tasks:

• Receive and store membership applications
• Communicate with Treasurer for member's proof of payment

Chair: Bram Weiser
Committee Members:

Questions? Contact Membership@nycmetrorid.org

Mentorship
The Mentorship Committee works to provide novice interpreters who are Associate Members of NYC Metro RID with the support of seasoned interpreters in a safe environment and continuing education opportunities, in effort to help develop the interpreting skills of those interpreters entering the field. 

Scope of Work:

The Mentorship Committee members have been charged with the following tasks:

• Provide a forum for novice interpreters to share and discuss experiences in a thoughtful critical manner
• Enable novice interpreters to practice interpreting skills and tools of self-reflection to improve their process and abilities
• Engage with Certified Interpreters to discuss ethical scenarios and business practices and to hone skills
• Participate in mini-workshops on specific topics related to interpreting given by Certified Interpreters

Chair: 
Committee Members:

Questions? Contact Mentorship@nycmetrorid.org

* For Certified Interpreters if you are interested in serving as a guest mentor for one 2-hour session, please contact Mentorship@nycmetrorid.org

Outreach
The Outreach Committee works to develop and coordinate activities that create,  promote, and strengthen partnerships with interpreters and Deaf community members within NYC.

Scope of Work:

The Outreach Committee is charged with the following tasks:

• To assist in the development of strategies and activities that promote involvement and provide support to the interpreting and Deaf communities in NYC.

• To communicate, engage with, and encourage interpreting students and community interpreters to join the NYC Metro RID Affiliate Chapter.

Co-Chairs: Meagan Utsey

Committee Members:

Questions? Contact Outreach@nycmetrorid.org

Professional Development
The Professional Development committee works with the NYC Metro RID Board of Directors to create an educational program for all interpreters within the NYC Metro area.

Scope of Work:

The Professional Development Committee members are charged with the following tasks:

• To seek out instructors and workshops that have applicability to our work as interpreters within NYC
• To organize on both the front and back ends to host the workshop (logistics, advertising, registration, funds, etc.)
• To communicate with members as well as the Board of Directors and determine areas of need

Co-Chairs: Liz Lauria 

Committee Members:

Questions? Contact PDC@nycmetrorid.org

Website Management
The Website Management committee is responsible for updating and maintaining content on our website (www.nycmetrorid.org), including our online registry of members. 

Scope of work:

The Website Management Committee is charged with the following tasks:

• To update the website calendar to include all Chapter and community events, in coordination with the Communications Committee
• To update the membership directory in connection with the Membership Committee and the Directors at Large
• To maintain all website functions, edits, and updates
• To offer website assistance to members upon request
• To upload all material deemed necessary by the board of directors or membership, in accordance with our advertising policy