I wasn't able to provide a report in the last newsletter due to medical concerns, so I wanted to take this opportunity to update you.  Going way back to January:  we had a very full agenda at the January Board meeting, but tabled a good portion of it to conclude during the April meeting (see minutes for details).  We were not able to hold that meeting due to a lack of quorum and the July meeting was rescheduled for the same reasons.

We are are back on track with that Board meeting rescheduled for Saturday, August 22nd 1998 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm in Council Bluffs in the first floor board room at Mercy Hospital.  Members are invited to attend.

Some of the issues discussed then and others that will be on the agenda next month include looking at evaluating and possibly getting CMP sponsorship status, reviewing and re-evaluating committees, their structure and functions.

Another item I'd like to see addressed is reviewing and possibly implementing the concept of a contract for Board members.  As you are aware we have had a turn over in Board representatives for a variety of reasons.  I think educating members about the positions and what their duties will entail is certainly part of the solution to that concern.

If you have something you would like to see addressed, please forward it to me or another Board member.  It helps to have the concept in written form with a rationale for the idea (where applicable) to provide a starting point for discussion as well as to expedite the process.

I'd like to see membership more involved in this capacity. We, the membership need to begin dialog on the many changes that are bound to take effect down the pike.  An initiative is being launched by the Iowa Association of the Deaf (IAD) to move towards a more centrally located office/center providing comprehensive services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons in Iowa.  ISRID has been invited to participate in this project.  As I learn more on this topic, it will be forthcoming.

Another issue I see us facing in the future is state credentialing of some kind.  More states are moving in this direction, and Iowa has certainly had some pieces of Legislation introduced relating to this.  So far, nothing substantial has been mandated, but it would behoove us as professionals to be forward-thinking and have a plan established that could be presented to the Legislature when this issue arises again....and I assure you, it will!  Just want to put those ideas out there for you to ponder.

On July 1st we began a new fiscal year.  You should have received a membership renewal packet by now.  If you haven't, please contact Sharon Terry immediately so you can get that renewal processed!  Membership lapses after July 31st at which time voting privileges, running for Board positions and receipt of the newsletter will cease.  I'd like to encourage you to renew before this deadline to ensure continuation of membership benefits.  If you haven't joined RID in the past, now would be a great time to enjoy the benefits of national membership too!  The special interest groups (SIGs) are becoming more active, especially in the Educational interpreter specialty.  

I have found the recent issues of the VIEWS  to be very informative on a variety of topics and in some cases, have been able to apply the knowledge in daily work situations.  Upcoming issues will focus on the following:

July 1998 Legal Interpreting

March 1999 Educational Interpreting

Aug/Sept 1998 Legislation Related to Interpreting

April 1999 Medical Interpreting

Oct. 1998 Life-Long Learning

May 1999 Managing of Interpreting Services

Nov. 1998 Annual Report/Open Topics

June 1999 Technology

Dec. 1998 The Business of Interpreting

July 1999 International Languages

Jan. 1999 Ethics of Interpreters

Aug/Sept 1999 Legislation

Feb. 1999 Career Ladders/Pay Scales

At the regional level, plans are in full swing for the Region IV Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 29-August 1.  (By the time you read this, we may already be in Arkansas!)  A pre-conference workshop for CDI training is being offered, and the deadline has been extended.  For more information about the conference and training, contact Ray James or Carolyn Jolley at 501-569-3169.  Carolyn can also be reached at home 501-225-0098.

We are in need of donated items for the silent auction and some smaller items to include in the 400+ goody bags.

The item(s) would need to depict or represent Iowa in some way. If you would like to help with this project please let me know right away!  Lastly, there are a few people attending the conference who are looking for roommates to share expenses. Contact Linda Stauffer by email at lkstauffer@sigma.ualr.edu or by phone at 501-569-3169(w) or 501-224-7009(h) if you are in the same position.  Hope to see some of you there!

Don't forget to mark your calendars now for the annual ISRID Fall Conference October 9 & 10, 1998 at the Holiday Inn Airport - Des Moines. Information on the Board/Membership meetings and professional development tracks will be posted soon.

Elections will take place at this time and you should be receiving nominations very shortly.  Please give some consideration to running for office or working on a committee.  Our limitations are the same.....time and resources.  With more people taking on a productive role, those limitations seem less of an obstacle!

In closing, I'd like to invite you to participate more fully in ISRID.  This is your  organization.  With numbers there is diversity and strength!  We need to continue building on this foundation and be the premiere resource to the community on interpreting.  I believe we can accomplish that and much more as we move towards the year 2000!  It's not that far away!

Kim N. Kischer-Larson
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