Bylaws

Updated September 2016.

This is the true and correct copy of the SaVRID Bylaws approved by the Board of Directors 9/16/2016.  

Introduction

Sacramento Valley Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (SaVRID), a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the professional development of interpreters and is an advocate for the interpreting profession. Founded as an affiliate chapter of the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) in 1977 SaVRID qualifies as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. SaVRID has supported the mission and philosophy of RID in upholding the national standard of quality for interpreters. The association encourages the growth and development of the profession and its members. SaVRID may remain intact so long as it complies with the provisions set forth by the RID.

Article I. Name

The name of this corporation shall be the Sacramento Valley Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (SaVRID).

Article II. Mission, Philosophy and Diversity Statements

Mission Statement:

Exchange ideas, opinions, and experiences concerning interpreting; Further the development of effective communication skills in interpreting; Strive for the attainment of the highest standards in these communicative skills; Act as a body to advance professional and ethical standards for interpreters; Advocate for professional recognition and treatment of interpreters; Uphold the communication rights of Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people.

Philosophy Statement:

The philosophy of SaVRID is that quality interpretation services will help to ensure effective communication between people who are Deaf or hard of hearing and people who are hearing. As a local professional association for interpreters SaVRID provides a forum to achieve its mission and encourages its members' pursuit of excellence.

Diversity Statement:

SaVRID embraces diversity as an integral part of the association. We welcome a wide range of abilities and perspectives including but not limited to language, culture, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, and socioeconomic status. SaVRID will actively foster an inclusive environment by encouraging, mentoring, and supporting diverse leaders and members within our profession. SaVRID is committed to maintaining an accessible, civil, and professional organization that adheres to RID’s and SaVRID’s Mission and Philosophy.

Article III. Principal Office

The principal office for the transaction of business of the corporation shall be fixed and located in Sacramento County, California. The Board of Directors may, from time to time, change the location of the principal office from one location to another within this County.

Article IV. Membership

Section 1. Definitions

1.1 An interpreter is an individual who holds any of several certifications recognized by the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Interpreters generally work primarily between ASL and English. They may transliterate which is working between English and a form of sign language that uses a more English-based word order. In addition they may specialize in other forms of interpreting such as oral and Deaf-blind. They may also be Deaf interpreters.

1.2 For the purposes of SaVRID, the use of the word ‘Deaf’ is intentionally inclusive and includes people who are culturally Deaf, deaf, Deaf-blind, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and late-deafened, regardless of language and communication preferences.

Section 2. Categories of Membership

2.1 This corporation shall have the following categories of non-transferable membership:

Certified, Associate, Student, Supporting, Organizational, and Honorary.

Section 3. Eligibility  

3.1 Certified Member – Any interpreter who holds valid certification accepted by the RID.

3.2 Associate Member – Any individual who actively engages in the work of interpretation, but who does not hold valid certification accepted by the RID.

3.3 Student Member – Any pre-certified individual currently enrolled in a course of study in an Interpreter Preparation Program.

3.4 Supporting Member – Any non-certified individual with an interest in supporting the purposes and activities of the corporation who does not meet eligibility requirements for Sections 3.1, 3.2, or 3.3 above.

3.5 Organizational – Any organization/institution/agency with an interest in supporting the purposes and activities of SaVRID. (See SaVRID’s Policy and Procedures Manual for detailed eligibility requirements.)

3.6 Honorary Member – Any individual making outstanding personal contributions in the interpreting profession and in the Deaf community is granted this honor by a majority vote of the general membership.

Section 4. Member in Good Standing

4.1 The definition of member in good standing shall be persons who have met all financial obligations to this corporation and who have otherwise met all of the requirements of membership set forth by this corporation.

Section 5. Voting Rights

5.1 Each member of this corporation must be a member in good standing of the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. before they are entitled to voting privileges at the affiliate level.

5.2 Each certified member of this corporation shall be entitled to one vote in meetings, referenda and elections. Voting pertaining to evaluations, certifications and standards/ethics may only be voted upon by certified members.

5.3 Each non-certified member of this corporation shall be entitled to one vote in meetings, referenda and elections with the exception of referenda pertaining to evaluations, certifications and standards/ethics.

5.4 Organizational level of membership is a non-voting category.

Section 6. Fiscal Year

6.1 The fiscal year of this corporation shall begin on the first day of July and end on the thirtieth day of June each year.

Section 7. Dues and Assessments

7.1 Dues shall become payable on the first day of July each fiscal year. The dues shall be equal for all members of a category, but different dues may be set for each category.

7.2 The Board of Directors shall not increase or decrease membership dues by more than ten percent without a majority vote of the voting members present at a general meeting.

7.3 Assessments may be levied on members by action of two-thirds of the voting members present at any meeting, provided that at least thirty days notice has been given.

Article V. Board of Directors

Section 1. Composition of Board of Directors

1.1 The Board of Directors shall be comprised of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four (4) Members-at-Large.

1.2 The immediate Past President may serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors for a term of one year. The Past President shall participate in an advisory capacity and coordinate transition activities during the installation of new officers.

Section 2. Powers and Limitations

2.1 All corporate 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 of authority to bind the corporation by any contract or engagement, 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.

2.2 The Board of Directors shall receive no compensation for their services as Board members.

2.3 The authority to expend corporation funds is vested with the Board of Directors. Requests for expense repayments or purchase/service orders must be completed in writing on the appropriate SaVRID forms. The President and at least one other Board member must sign the forms. Valid expense claims and receipts must accompany all submitted forms.

Section 3. Qualification of Board Members

3.1 Any member in good standing who is also a member in good standing of the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., shall be eligible for candidacy on the Board. Board candidates must have also demonstrated their interest in chapter activities by attending at least two general meetings during the previous fiscal year.

Section 4. Duties of Officers

4.1 President: The President shall have general supervision, direction, and control of the business and affairs of this corporation; represent the corporation in all appropriate activities, preside at meetings of the members and/or directors; appoint committees; and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the voting membership, the Board of Directors, or as required by law.

4.1.1 The President shall represent SaVRID at national and regional RID conferences, attending all applicable business and organizational meetings. To aid in this responsibility, SaVRID will book the President’s flights, hotel and early-bird registration, totaling up to 10% of the organization’s current general account balance by January of that year. With the approval of the Board of Directors, the President may appoint a member of SaVRID to these responsibilities in his/her stead.

4.2 Vice President: In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-President shall assume all duties of the President, and in so acting, shall have all the powers of the President. The Vice- President shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

4.3 Secretary: The Secretary shall keep record of attendance at meetings; supervise the keeping of all corporation records; serve notices as may be necessary or proper; and perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board of Directors.

4.4 Treasurer: The Treasurer shall receive and safely keep all funds of this corporation and deposit them in the bank(s) designated by action of the Board of Directors; disburse only on checks signed by the designated Board officer(s); keep records pertaining to the membership of this corporation; cooperate with board-approved auditor(s) and/or audit committee who are to perform, at least annually (auditor), and after each report to the Board or membership (audit committee), an audit of the financial records (bank statements, bills, receipts, etc.);  and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. 

4.5 Members-at-Large: The Member-at-Large must serve as chair of or liaison to at least one standing or special committee and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Terms of Office

5.1 President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve two-year terms and may hold the same office for no more than two consecutive terms.

5.2 Members-at-Large shall serve a one-year term and may serve for no more than 4 consecutive terms.

Section 6. Nominations and Elections

6.1 Election of President and Secretary shall take place in odd numbered years. Election of Vice President and Treasurer shall take place in even numbered years.

6.2 Nominations shall take place at the second to last general meeting of the fiscal year. Nominations will only be accepted from members in good standing of this corporation.

6.3 Election of Board members shall take place at the last general meeting of the fiscal year. The election is to be conducted by secret, written ballot.

6.4 Election to any office shall be made by a simple majority vote of those voting members present at the meeting.

6.5 Installation of new Board members shall take place at this meeting, and the new Board members shall commence their service at the conclusion of the meeting.

6.6 Procedures governing nominations are outlined in the SaVRID Policies and Procedures Manual.

Section 7. Vacancies

7.1 Vacancies of the Board of Directors are created upon the death, resignation, disqualification, or removal due to legal action or for-cause against any director.

7.2 Removal due to legal action or for-cause shall be defined as a director who fails to meet their position responsibilities or who does not act in the best interest of the corporation. Removal from the Board requires a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors in a closed session. The individual and the Board shall be notified of such a closed session and the specific purpose no less than two weeks before the meeting is to take place.

7.3 A vacancy occurring 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. If the unexpired term is more than one year, a special election will be held at the next general meeting when the vacancy will be filled by a majority vote of the membership.

Section 8. Meetings

8.1 Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least on a quarterly basis at such time and place as designated by the President. Written notice of such meetings shall be provided to the membership at least thirty days in advance.

8.2 Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or by any two directors, with a majority vote of approval by the Board, at least seven days in advance.

8.3 Regular or special meetings by electronic conferencing may be held so long as all directors participating in the meeting can communicate with one another.

8.4 Attendance at meetings is expected of directors. Absences, which are not reported to the secretary prior to the meeting, are considered unexcused. Board members are allowed two unexcused absences of all meetings of the Board and general membership. The third unexcused absence will result in automatic expulsion from the Board.

Section 9. Voting Rights.

9.1 With the exception of the Past President, who is a non-voting member, each director shall be entitled to one vote.

Section 10. Quorum

10.1 For business to be conducted and actions to be taken a majority of the Board of Directors must be present.

Article VI. Meetings of Members

Section I. General Meetings

Meetings of the general membership of this corporation shall be held at least four times during the fiscal year with the last meeting of the fiscal year reserved for election of Board members. Time and place of meetings will be designated by the Board of Directors with advance written notice to be provided to the membership.

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the members of this corporation may be called at any time by the President, by the Board of Directors, or by written petition sent to the Board of Directors from a minimum of ten percent of the voting members. Written notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be given at least thirty days prior to the meeting.

Section 3. Communication at General Meetings

Business Meetings: The Business of SaVRID and RID will be conducted in a visual language to the greatest extent possible. Members who request voice interpretation with a two week notice or members that request assistance with a signed report/ comment will be provided accommodations by request.

Silent Networking Time: The language during Silent Networking is sign language. This is an informal opportunity for members and guests to reconnect, share food, and professionally network.

Insights: The presentation language will remain the decision of the presenter(s). All presentations in spoken English will be interpreted/ transliterated. For presentations in ASL/visual language, the Board’s decision on accommodations will be guided by the target audience, the gravity of the information, and the nature of the request(s) for access.

Section 4. Quorum

A quorum to conduct business at meetings of the membership shall consist of no less than 30 voting members

Article VII. Committees

Section 1. Committees

1.1 The President shall establish, subject to confirmation by the Board of Directors, committees – including standing, special, and/or ad hoc – immediately after election.

1.2 For each committee, the President shall designate a member of the Board of Directors to serve as either chair or as a liaison.

Article VIII. Amendment of Bylaws

The Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at a meeting announced for that purpose. However, any amendment, which would materially and adversely affect the rights of a specific category, must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the members voting from that affected category. Amendments take effect upon adoption.

Article IX. Inspection Rights

A copy of this corporation’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws shall be open to inspection by the members of this corporation. Inspection can also be made of the books or minutes of proceedings upon written request to the Board of Directors with a fourteen-day notice. Purpose of inspection shall be reasonably related to such person’s interest as a member.

Article X. Non-Discrimination Policy

SaVRID shall not discriminate in matters of membership on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, hearing status, national origin, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Article XI. Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rule of Order shall govern this corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and consistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order this corporation may adopt.