1. What is ATIF’s purpose?
Our purpose is to promote professional recognition and growth opportunities through educational and training initiatives geared to T&I professionals in the State of Florida. You can read more about it in our Bylaws.
2. What is in a name?
ATIF–Association of Translators and Interpreters of Florida, Inc.–is a brand new entity with its own registry with the Florida Department of State and the IRS. Two other entities in the same field with names similar to our previous name led us to make the change. What is behind the new name is the same integrity, commitment and desire to deliver the best support to T&I stakeholders in the State of Florida.
3. Can I still become a Charter Member?
Our special Charter Membership promotion ended on December 31, 2009.
4. How are you going to differentiate student members from proven professionals?
Students are offered only Associate level membership which has restricted benefits: Associate members will be featured in our Professional Directory under the “Associate” heading and they will not be able to vote. Our Bylaws provide for disciplinary action in the case of misuse of credentials.
5. What are my responsibilities as a Member of ATIF?
Your first responsibility is to yourself: Make sure we are delivering what you expect by reading our published materials and emails, and by familiarizing yourself with our Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.
Your second responsibility is to your clients: By keeping ATIF’s Board of Directors on their toes, you ensure that professionalism and quality are maintained in our membership enrollment, published material, educational programs, etc.
Your third responsibility is to ATIF itself: Your active participation in the organization, in our activities, volunteering at our programs, and sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues through our publications and presentations are important steps to making sure that ATIF will survive and thrive.
A volunteer association is only as strong as its members’ involvement.
6. What are ATIF’s responsibilities toward me?
ATIF will make every effort to assist our members in promoting our professions, keep our members informed of developments of interest, organize and promote educational and training opportunities, maintain membership standards that represent the interests of our members and the T&I industry sector so that membership in ATIF is a recognition of professionalism and adherence to quality standards.
7. What tools will ATIF use to carry out its goals?
Besides our blog, the use of a professional email-blast system, and a website (under development) we have created committees with specific objectives:
The Bylaws Committee, chaired by Gloria Nichols, was charged with drafting the bylaws around which our organization operates to furthe the goals and interests of Interpreters and Translators in Florida, so they can meet the demands of our expanding and overreaching market Though the Bylaws are already in force, they may be amended and the Chair will continue to monitor the interests of our membership and market development to make sure they always reflect ATIF’s goals.
The Membership Committee, chaired by Elena Sheverdinova, is charged with establishing the parameters and guidelines that will enable us to become a cohesive professional group of like-minded individuals, eager to assist our organization in its growth.
The Professional Development Committee, also chaired by Gloria Nichols, is charged with establishing relationships with institutions that can provide either space or opportunities for training; and with individuals who can provide the quality of training our deserving members demand. The Professional Development Committee shall bring to our members educational, training and networking opportunities aimed at improving their professional standing in the market place.
The PR and Communications Committee, chaired by Giovanna Lester, is charged with assisting our newly-incorporated organization project a professional and strong image to both end-users and providers of translation and interpreting services. This website, our blog with a calendar of events and other sections of interest, our email-blast system are some of the tools we plan to use. Other tools are Speaking Out, our newsletter, and press releases to promote events, we also plan to identify and participate in events that will assist in promoting our causes.
The Financial Committee is charged with fundraising activities, special events funding and sponsorship. The chair position is currently open.
8. How can I volunteer?
ATIF’s Board of Directors welcomes your comments, suggestions and offers of assistance. Send an email to board@atifonline.org and we will respond promptly. Make clear in the subject line of your email what event or publication you want to volunteer for; if you have a suggestion, be specific about the area it applies to (educational programs for interpreters, translators, both, services, etc.).
9. Can I be a Board candidate?
All Active members of ATIF can serve on the Board of Directors. We suggest that candidates familiarize themselves with the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order so that you know how meetings are conducted and the basic requirements of each position. It is imperative that all candidates be familiar with the ATIF Bylaws.
10. How can I communicate with fellow ATIF Members?
Our blog provides a forum and platform for colleagues to communicate with one another. You can also use our Professional Directory to locate colleagues.
11. Is ATIF an ATA Chapter?
ATIF was awarded Chapter status by the American Translators Association on November 2, 2011. If you are an ATA member and want to join the new Florida Chapter, click here to learn about the types of membership offered by ATIF.
Joining ATIF does not automatically make you an ATA member.
12. How can I become and ATIF member?
Membership in ATIF is granted to individuals and organizations who meet our Membership Criteria. Please visit our Membership page for detailed information.
