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RI RID ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

ri rid

Rhode Island Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
Adopted December 2001
Updated February 2006

Article I. NAME
The name of this corporation shall be the Rhode Island Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (Designated as RI RID).

Section 1. – Logo:
The official logo shall be an illustration of an anchor with handshape glyphs that spell out R-I-R-I-D embedded in a rope-shaped circle that contains the text, “RI Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf”.

Section 2. – Publications:
Rhode Island RID News is the official publication of RI RID. It shall be published no less than four times per year.
The RI RID Membership Directory shall be published annually.

Article II. OBJECTIVE
The principal objective of this organization is to initiate, sponsor, promote, and execute policies and activities that will further the profession of the interpretation of American Sign Language and English and the transliteration of English.

Section 1. – Goals:
RI RID shall strive to:
  1. Maintain and promote the RID Code of Professional Conduct for interpreters and transliterators.
  2. Support and encourage training and mentoring opportunities for interpreters and transliterators through cooperation with existing Interpreter Training Programs/Interpreter Preparation Programs.
  3. Act as the resource for education and information about the role of professional interpreters and transliterators.
  4. Promote education and awareness of the ADA and access to all service agencies in junction with the Rhode Island Association of the Deaf (RIAD) and the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RI CDHH).
  5. Maintain a current listing of RI RID’s licensed interpreters and transliterators by licensure category, and make this listing available upon request to appropriate persons and/or agencies.
  6. Support the activities of organizations of and for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, insofar as such activities are not in conflict with the organization’s goals and objectives.
  7. Advocate legislation that supports the rights and interests of interpreters and transliterators and people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
  8. Support and promote the NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification in an effort to enhance interpreter/transliterator services.
  9. Disseminate information to the membership in a timely manner.
  10. Raise funds to support the activities and objectives of RI RID.
Article III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. - Categories of Membership:
This organization shall have the following categories of non-transferable membership:
  1. Voting Members
    1. Certified Member
    2. Associate Member

  2. Non-Voting Members
    1. Supporting Member
    2. Student Member
    3. Organizational Member
    4. Senior Citizen Member
Section 2. – Eligibility:
  1. Certified Member: Any interpreter or transliterator of American Sign Language and/or English who is a Certified member of the RID/NAD and who holds a valid Rhode Island license to interpret/transliterate.
  2. Associate Member: Any interpreter or transliterator who is an Associate member of the RID and who holds a valid Rhode Island license to interpret/transliterate. An Associate Member may be pre-certified or screened.
  3. Supporting Member: Any non-certified individual who is not involved in the interpretation of American Sign Language and/or transliteration of English and has an interest in supporting the purposes and activities of this organization.
  4. Student Member: Any pre-certified individual currently enrolled in a course of study in the interpretation of American Sign Language and/or transliteration of English.
  5. Organizational Member: Any organization or institution with an interest in supporting the purposes and activities of this organization.
  6. Senior Citizen Member: Any person who is at least 62 years old and who has an interest in supporting the purposes and activities of RI RID.
  7. All RI RID members must agree in writing to abide by the RID Code of Professional Conduct.
Section 3. - Voting Rights and Requirements:
  1. In order to be a voting member of RI RID, a person must be a member in good standing and belong to a voting category.
  2. Each voting member of RI RID shall be entitled to one vote in meetings, referenda, and elections.
  3. In order to be considered a member in good standing, a person must attend at least two (2) General meetings per year during the past fiscal year, and their membership dues must be current.
  4. In order to be eligible to vote RI RID must receive a member’s dues by July 1st of the fiscal year in which the vote occurs.
  5. Any decisions made by the Board of Directors may be vetoed by a two-third majority vote of those members eligible to vote during a regular or special meeting of the membership.
Section 4. – Termination of Membership:
An individual’s membership in RI RID can be terminated for the following reasons:
  1. Suspension or expulsion as a result of National RID, an individual may reapply for membership to RI RID.
  2. Non-payment of dues beyond the sixty-day grace period. Upon payment of appropriate dues/fees, an individual’s membership may be reinstated.
  3. Upon finding cause a recommendation may be made to the RI RID Board of Directors. The individual’s membership may be suspended until such time that it shall be reinstated.
  4. Representation of RI RID without the knowledge and approval of the RI RID Board of Directors.
  5. Revocation of license by the State of Rhode Island Board of Examiners for Interpreters for the Deaf. Upon verification of a valid license by the State of Rhode Island Board of Examiners for Interpreters for the Deaf, an individual may reapply for membership to RI RID.
  6. Resignation.
Section 5. – Reinstatement:
  1. A suspended member may apply to be reinstated upon the recommendation of the RI RID Board of Directors.
  2. A former member who satisfies the requirements as outlined in the Rules and Regulations for Licensing Interpreters for the Deaf (R5-71-ID) under RI General Law 5-71 Intepreters for the Deaf may apply to be reinstated.
  3. Membership suspension or revocation may be appealed by following the guideleines set forth in the Rules and Regulations for Licensing Interpreters for the Deaf (R5-71-ID) under RI General Law 5-71 Interpreters for the Deaf.
Section 6. – Change in Membership Category:
A member who has a change in membership category will immediately be entitled to the privileges thereof. Beginning with the next fiscal year, all dues, fees, and assessments for that member shall be based on the new membership category.

Section 7. – Fees and Dues:
In order to remain in good standing, a member must pay annual dues by the first day of July of each fiscal year, in amounts to be fixed by the Board of Directors. Dues are in arrears as of September 1st of each fiscal year. The Board of Directors shall not increase or decrease membership dues by more than ten percent without a majority vote of its membership no less than six months prior to the beginning of the fiscal year. The dues shall be equal for all members of each category, but different dues may be set for each category. The Board of Directors may determine and assign the payment of a reasonable late fee and/or reinstatement fee.

Section 8. – Code of Professional Conduct: Individual members of RI RID, while interpreting, shall follow the Code of Professional Conduct established and implemented by the association and shall be subject to the Ethical Practices System.

Article IV. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. – Composition of Board of Directors:
The RI RID Board of Directors shall be comprised of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and two Members-at-Large. In addition, the immediate past President may serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board of Directors for one year.

Section 2. – Powers and Limitations:
  1. All Board Members shall have voting privileges during all meetings while they hold the position.
  2. All organizational powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors. Unless so authorized by the Board of Directors, no officer, agent or member shall have any power or authority to bind the organization by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in any amount. All charges, responsibilities, and membership directives shall persist until fulfilled regardless of any changes to the makeup of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. – Duties:
  1. General Duties
    1. Perform duties as prescribed by the voting membership, the Board of Directors, or as required by law.
    2. Approve the budget of the organization annually.
    3. Provide a comprehensive organization report no later than ninety days after the end of each fiscal year.
    4. Attend at least three (3) Board of Directors meetings per year to remain a Board member in good standing.

  2. Officers:
    1. President
    a. Represents the organization in all appropriate activities.
    b. Presides at meetings of the Members and Directors.
    c. Appoints committees.
    d. Has the authority to cosign checks with the Secretary/Treasurer or any other person designated through action of the Board of Directors.
    e. Provides at least semi-annually reports to the membership concerning business, Board of Directors activities, and financial status of the organization.

    2. Vice President
    In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-President shall assume all duties of the President.

    3. Secretary
    a. Keeps complete and accurate record of the proceedings of the Board of Directors.
    b. Supervises the keeping of all organization records.

    4. Treasurer
    a. Supervises the receipt and safe keeping of all organization funds.
    b. Has the authority to co-sign checks with the President or any other person designated through action of the Board of Directors.
    c. Provides financial reports at board meetings, general meetings, and at the convention.

    5. Members-at-Large
    Works with general membership and members interest to assist in the coordination of activities and communication with the membership and serve as membership coordinators.

    6. Immediate Past President
    May serve as a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Board of Directors for one term.
Section 4. – Qualifications:
All candidates for President and Vice-President shall have been Certified members of RID and RI RID in good standing for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately prior to candidacy. The Secretary and Treasurer shall have been a Certified or Associate member of RID and RI RID in good standing for at least two (2) consecutive years prior to candidacy. At least one Member-at-Large must be a deaf member, who may be a Supporting or Student member of RI RID. The other Member-at-Large may be from any of the membership categories. Members-at-Large shall have been members in good standing of RI RID for at least two consecutive years prior to candidacy.

Section 5. – Term of Office:
  1. Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Members-at-Large) shall serve two year terms. No officer shall hold the same office for more than two consecutive terms. Officers shall be elected by ballot and shall begin their terms thereafter, and no later than October 1st of the election year.
  2. The President and the two Members-at-Large shall be elected biennially during odd number years. The Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected biennially during even years.

Section 6. – Elections and Vacancies:
  1. Elections:
    1. Voting shall be done by separate, secret ballot.
    2. A single candidate running for office may be elected by acclamation.
    3. Two or more months prior to elections, the President may call for an appointment of the nominations committee. This committee shall develop a slate of candidates for the election, and present it to the membership no less than thirty days prior to the election.

  2. Vacancies:
    Vacancies of the Board of Directors are created upon the death, resignation, or removal due to legal action or for cause against any Director.
    1. Removal of Directors: The Board of Directors may declare vacant any office for which the Director has been removed due to legal action or for cause as detailed in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
    2. Resignation of Directors: Board members may resign by giving written notice to the President and Secretary/Treasurer.
    3. Appointment to fill a vacancy: Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors with less than one year remaining in the term may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Board of Directors. A director appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed for the unexpired term of their predecessor’s office. If the unexpired term is more than one year, a special election must be held within six months of the vacancy.

Section 7. – Meetings of Directors:
  1. The Board of Directors shall meet no less than two times per year.
  2. Special Meetings: the President or any two Directors may call Special meetings with a majority vote of approval by the Board of Directors.
  3. Meetings by Electronic Conference: Any meeting, regular or special, may be held by electronic conference or similar communication equipment, so long as all of the Directors participating in the meeting can communicate with each other.

Section 8. – Quorum
A majority of the Board of Directors is required to attend in order to constitute a quorum.

Article V. COMMITTEES
Upon approval by the Board of Directors, the President shall appoint any committees (standing, special, and/or adhoc). Committees shall be composed of at least three voting members who are in good standing to serve for a specified term. Any vacancies in the membership of any committee that are filled will follow the same procedure. Furthermore, for each committee the President shall designate a member of the Board of Directors to serve as a non-voting member. A majority of the entire committee constitutes a quorum.

Article VI. MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS

Section 1. - General Meetings:
The time and place of general membership meetings will be designated by the Board of Directors with a written notice of such to be given to the membership at least one month prior to the meeting. General meetings shall be conducted no less than four times per fiscal year.

Section 2. – Special Meetings:
The Board of Directors may call special meetings at any time. Written notice of the time and place shall be given to the membership at least twenty-one days prior to the meeting.

Section 3. – Emergency Meetings:
If the President or the majority of the Board of Directors so determines the need, an emergency meeting of the organization may occur. Written or other notice such as electronic mail shall be given no less than five days prior to the meeting.

Section 4. – Quorums:
A quorum to conduct business at general, special, or emergency meetings or at the Convention shall be at least fifty-one percent of the voting membership.

Section 5. – Conventions:
General membership meetings and special meetings shall constitute the major forums for the conducting of business. The RI RID shall hold a biennial convention, which may replace the general membership meeting, on odd numbered years beginning in 1999.

A convention committee shall determine the location of this meeting no less than six months prior to its date. The convention committee shall determine its activities with the approval of the Board. A final and financial report shall be submitted to the Board within two months following the adjournment of the convention.

Article VII. INSPECTION RIGHTS AND ORGANIZATION SEAL
A copy of the organization’s Bylaws as amended to date shall be open to inspection by the members of the organization. Inspection can also be made of minutes of proceedings of the members or of the Board or committees, upon written request to the organization by the member, and with a ten-business day notice for a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interests as a member. The RI RID logo may be used by the organization for official and/or approved purposes only. An individual member may not use the logo for their personal use.

Article VIII. FISCAL YEAR OF THE ORGANIZATION
Fiscal year of the organization shall begin on the first day of July and end on the thirtieth day of June of each year.

Article IX. AMENDMENT OF THE BYLAWS
The Bylaws may be amended or repealed by approval of two-thirds majority of the voting members of the organization, eligible and voting during a regular or special meeting of the membership, with sixty days prior notice. However, any amendment that would materially and adversely affect the rights of a specific category must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the members voting form that affected category.

Article X. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The RI RID shall not discriminate in matters of certification, testing or membership on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, hearing status, national origin, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Article XI. DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION
The Organization may be dissolved upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors and by a two-thirds vote of those voting members still in existence at the time of dissolution. In the case of dissolution, all net funds and assets left after paying the organization’s liabilities shall be given to an organization for interpreters that are determined by the membership.

Article XII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable and consistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order the organization may adopt.

END

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