WSRID BY-LAWS

The original By-Laws of WSRID were adopted in 1969. The By-Laws were revised to concur with Washington State Law in 1975 and incorporation status in the State of Washington was received.

Article I, Article II, Article III, Article IV, Article V, Article VI, Article VII,
Article VIII, Article IX, Article X, Article XI, Article XII, Article XIII

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of the corporation shall be:

WASHINGTON STATE REGISTRY OF INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF.

ARTICLE II

MISSION AND PURPOSE

Section 1. Mission

WSRID has the mission to educate, to support, and to promote the RID certification of interpreters/transliterators and to inform the general public about the interpreting/transliterating profession.

Section 2. Principal Purpose

The principal purposes of this corporation are to initiate, sponsor, promote and execute policies and activities that will further the profession of interpretation of American Sign Language and the transliteration of English.

Section 3. Objectives

A. To promote the RID code of ethics for interpreters and transliterators.

B. To provide for the professional development of certified and pre- certified interpreters and transliterators.

C. To provide the public with information regarding interpreting and transliterating.

D. To maintain and distribute to members a list of certified and pre- certified interpreters and transliterators.

E. To prepare and distribute professional publications regarding interpreting and transliterating.

F. To raise funds to support the purposes and activities of the corporation and to apply substantially all of the corporation's net revenue to these purposes.

G. To support the activities of organizations: of and for deaf persons, and of and for interpreters, transliterators and translators, insofar as such activities are not in conflict with the purposes of this corporation.

Section 4.

To buy, lease, rent, or otherwise acquire, hold, use, sell, exchange, pledge, encumber, or otherwise dispose of any and all kind of property, whether real, personal or mixed and to receive property by devise or bequest; to borrow money and to contract debts, to issue bonds, notes and other evidence of indebtedness, and secure them by any or all of the property of this corporation; to enter into, make, perform, and carry out contracts of every kind for any lawful purpose and without limit on amount with any person, firm, or corporation.

Section 5.

To conduct its affairs, carry on its operations and exercise all of the powers conferred by the Non-Profit Corporation Act of the State of Washington.

Section 6. Nondiscrimination Clause

WSRID does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran. This applies to all activities of the organization, including-but not limited to: employment, elections, meetings, workshops, and conferences. WSRID Officers, Executive Board members, and committee Chairpersons shall be aware of this policy and uphold it at all times.

ARTICLE III (top)

MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1. Categories of Membership

This corporation shall have the following categories of membership:

A. Voting Members
(1) Certified Member
(2) Associate Member
B. Nonvoting Members
(1) Students Member
(2) Supporting Member

Section 2. Eligibility

Membership is open to all persons - hearing, deaf and hard of hearing.

A. Certified Members: Any interpreter or transliterator of American Sign Language and/or English currently holding a valid certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.

B. Associate Members: (Non-certified) Any individual who is actively involved in the field of interpretation of American Sign Language and English and/or the transliteration of English, and is currently a member of RID.

C. Student Members: Any non-certified individual currently enrolled in a course of study in interpretation of American Sign Language and English and the transliteration of English. An instructor's signature is required to verify this status.

D. Supporting Members: Any individual with an interest in supporting the purposes and activities of the corporation, but who is not actively working as an interpreter in the state of Washington.

Section 3. Voting Rights

A. Each Certified Member of this corporation shall be entitled to make motions, and cast one vote in meetings, referenda, and elections.

B. Each Associate Member of this corporation shall be entitled to make motions and cast one vote in meetings, referenda and elections with the exception of referenda pertaining to evaluations, certifications and standards/ethics.

Section 4. Admission to Membership

Prospective members, or previous members whose membership has lapsed, shall apply for membership by filling out an application form. All applications for certified or associate membership shall be submitted to the Membership Coordinator no less than sixty (60) days prior to the general membership meeting and shall be accompanied by the dues in order to possess voting rights at that meeting.

Section 5. Termination of Membership

An individual's membership in the WSRID can be terminated for the following reasons: any certified member whose membership is suspended or revoked for cause by the RID Board of Directors upon recommendation of the National Certification and/or National Review Board of the RID will automatically be suspended or expelled from the WSRID until such time as membership can be reinstated.

Section 6. Reinstatement

Upon notice of reinstatement of certification and/or membership from the National Certification Board and/or National Review Board to the National Office, a former certified member or member may apply for reinstatement.

Section 7. Change of Membership Category

A member must change category of membership when there is a change in membership eligibility upon or before expiration of current membership year. Furthermore, a new application must be filed along with payment of annual dues for the new category, within thirty (30) days of due date for annual dues.

Section 8. Dues

The dues shall be determined by a two-thirds majority vote of the regular members present at the meeting of the organization. A member's good standing shall be contingent upon payment of annual dues before December 31st of each year.

Section 9. Liabilities of Members

No individual who is now or who later becomes a member of this corporation shall be personally liable to its creditors for any indebtedness, or liability, and any and all creditors shall look only to the assets of this corporation for payment.

ARTICLE IV (top)

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. Number of Executive Board Members

The number of executive board members shall be twelve (12) unless and until the number of members is changed by amendment to these Bylaws.

Section 2. Composition of the Executive Board

The executive board shall be comprised of:
A. Officers
(1) President
(2) Vice-President
(3) Secretary
(4) Treasurer
(5) Immediate Past President (or Member-at-Large as described in Article IV, Section 6, C)

AND

B. Seven Directors

Section 3. Powers

Subject to the limitation of the Articles of Incorporation, other sections of the Bylaws and of Washington state law, all corporate powers of the corporation shall be exercised by or under the authority of and the business and affairs of the corporation shall be controlled by the executive board. Furthermore, the specific powers shall include:

A. To conduct, manage and control the financial affairs and business of the corporation (organization), and to make rules and regulations (policies) not inconsistent with law, the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws.

B. To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the corporation (organization) and for that purpose to cause to be executed name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecation, or other evidence of debts and securities.

Section 4. Duties

A. Officers
(1) President
(a) The President shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the corporation. S/he shall preside at all meetings of the members and/or Executive Board and shall have such other duties as may be prescribed, from time to time, by the Executive Board or the members.

(b) The President shall appoint committee liaisons as may be provided for in the Bylaws following the procedures in Article VII, Section 3 & 4; and may create such other committees as may be mandated by the membership or may be deemed necessary in promoting the purposes of the corporation.

(c) The president shall share with the Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer the right to sign checks and warrants for the withdrawal of corporate funds.

(d) The President shall represent the corporation in all activities except those expressly prohibited by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by the Bylaws.

(e) The President shall provide quarterly reports to the membership on the actions of the Executive Board, the financial status of the corporation, and activities of committee.

(f) The President shall appoint one member from the Executive Board to act as a liaison to each and every committee/special interest group.

(2) Vice-President

In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-President shall perform all duties of the President and in so acting shall have all the powers of the President. The Vice-President shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed, from time to time, by the Executive Board and/or mandated by the membership.

(3) Secretary

The Secretary shall keep a full and accurate record of the proceedings of the Executive Board, shall supervise the keeping of the records of the corporation and shall discharge such other duties of the office as prescribed by the Executive Board.

(4) Treasurer

The Treasurer shall supervise the receipt and safekeeping of all funds of the corporation and deposits that may be designated by the Executive Board. Those funds shall be paid out only on checks of the corporation signed by the President, Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer and by such officers as may be designated by the Executive Board as authorized to sign them.

(5) Member-at-Large

In the absence or disability of the President, and the Vice-President, the Member-at-Large shall perform all duties of the President, and in so acting shall have all the powers of the President, for a period not to exceed six (6) months during which time a special election for President, and Vice-President shall be held. The Member-at- Large shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed, from time to time, by the Executive Board and/or mandated by the membership.

B. Directors

(1) To perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, the Articles of Incorporation, by these Bylaws or by the mandate and direction of the voting membership of this corporation.

(2) To adopt, make and use a corporate seal, corporate logo; to prescribe the forms of membership cards.

(3) To supervise the chairpersons/coordinators of WSRID committees, who will in turn report to the Executive Board to ensure that their duties are performed properly. The purview of the Executive Board also extends Special Interest Groups.

(4) The Student Director has voting status on the board and is responsible for ensuring annual (Spring) solicitation letters and instructor recommendation forms are sent to ITPs.

Section 5. Terms of Office

The terms of office for all Executive Board members shall commence at the conclusion of the meeting during which they are elected.

A. Officers: Terms of office for President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President shall be for two (2) years. Elections will be held during even numbered years.

B. Directors (7): Three of the six directors shall be elected annually to a two-year term of office. Student director shall be elected annually to a one-year term of office.

C. No officer or director shall hold the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

D. In the event that there are no nominees or candidates for President or Vice-President, the general membership shall elect the number of Executive Board members necessary to satisfy the requirements of Article IV, Section 1. The newly-elected Executive Board shall have a minimum of three certified members, in accordance with Article IV, Section 6, Item A. From its membership, the Executive Board shall elect the President and Vice-President at its first meeting following the general election. This initial meeting shall take place no more than thirty days following the general election. Until the Executive Board election, the person assuming the position of Immediate Past President shall serve in the capacity as President.

E. In the event that no ITP students meet the required criteria for the position, the student director position will go vacant until the following general election.

Section 6. Qualifications

All candidates for Executive Board shall have been voting members in good standing for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately prior to candidacy, with the exception of the Student Director. Candidates for the Student Director position must be a member in good standing for sixty (60) days prior to election.

A. Nominees for the positions of President, Vice-President and Member-at- Large shall be certified members. Nominees for Positions of secretary and treasurer shall be certified or associate members.

B. Nominees for positions as directors shall be certified or associate members, with the exception of the Student Director who shall be in the category of student member.

C. The position of Member-at-Large shall go automatically to the immediate past President of the corporation. Should the immediate past President decline or be unavailable, the position shall go automatically to the immediate past Vice-President. Should the immediate past Vice-President decline or be unavailable for the position, it shall be opened up for nomination and election within six (6) months of vacancy. Candidates for the Member-at-Large position shall fulfill the same requirements as all candidates for Officers of the corporation.

D. Membership shall promote the election of at least one (1) deaf or hard of hearing member to the Executive Board.

E. Membership shall promote the election of at least one (1) Associate member and one (1) Student member to the Executive Board.

F. The Student Director must meet the following criteria:
· Be in their final year of an interpreter training program
· Have a letter of recommendation filled out and signed by an ITP instructor
· Be able to participate in meetings using sign language
· Be a WSRID member for a minimum of 60 days prior to election

Section 7. Nominations

A. Any voting member in good standing may nominate candidates for office.

B. A call for nominations, stating and describing the offices open for election and the nominations and elections procedures shall be postmarked to the membership four (4) months prior to the general election meeting of any election year. Nominations will be announced to the membership by the Nominations Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to the election.

C. Nominations may be accepted from the floor.

Section 8. Elections

A. All elections shall be determined by majority vote of those eligible and voting.

B. All elections shall be handled by the Nominations, Elections and Referenda Committee.

C. Election results shall be published in the next newsletter.

Section 9. Vacancies

Vacancies of the Executive Board shall exist upon the death, resignation or removal of any director or officer.

A. Resignation: any Executive Board member may resign upon giving written notice to the President and the Secretary.

B. Removal of Executive Board Members.

(1). Removal Due to Legal Action: the Executive Board may declare vacant the office of any Board member who has been declared of unsound mind by a final order of court or convicted of a felony.

(2). Removal for Cause: a move for removal of any Executive Board member may be brought by the Executive Board or by a majority of the voting membership only after it has been established that s/he has not been acting in good faith in the fulfillment of the duties inherent in the office. A three-quarters (3/4) majority vote of the Executive Board is required for a resolution for removal, during a meeting in which reasonable notice of action has been given to the interested party. Following resolution for removal by either the Executive Board or the voting membership, an ad hoc review committee, mutually acceptable to the parties, shall be appointed by the board and shall be responsible for carrying out a formal review of cause. At the review meeting, interested parties have the right to counsel.

C. Officers: a decision for removal by the review committee and by the Executive Board must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the membership, eligible and voting.

D. To Fill a Vacancy: any vacancy occurring on the Executive Board and any executive board membership to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of Executive Board members shall be filled as follows:

(1) Candidate(s) shall be nominated as per Article IV, Section 7.

(2) If the unexpired portion of the term is not more than one (1) year, the candidate(s) shall be elected by a majority vote of the remaining Executive Board members.

(3). If the unexpired portion of the term is more than one (1) year, a special election shall be held within six (6) months of the vacancy occurring. The candidate(s) shall be elected by a majority vote of those eligible and voting from among the general membership.

Section 10. Regular Meetings

Meetings of the Executive Board shall be held on a quarterly basis at such time as shall from time to time be fixed by the Executive Board. Such meetings may be held at any place designated by the Executive Board.

Section 11. Special Meetings

These may be called by the President or by any two (2) Executive Board members, with a majority vote of approval by the Executive Board, and such meetings shall be held at the place designated by the person or persons calling the meeting.

Section 12. Meetings by Telephone

Any meeting, regular or special, may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment, so long as all Executive Board members participating in the meeting can communicate with one another, and all such members shall be deemed to be present in person at such meetings.

Section 13. Quorum

A majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board.

ARTICLE V (top)

MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

Section 1. Annual Conference

The general membership meeting shall be held once yearly in conjunction with in-depth skill upgrading workshops.

Section 2. Meetings

The meeting date shall be set by the Executive Board at least six (6) months in advance. Notice of the meetings shall be mailed at least sixty (60) days in advance.

Section 3. Special Meetings

Special meetings shall be called by the President or at the written request of one-quarter (25%) of the Regular membership. Notification shall be mailed out at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the meeting.

Section 4. Quorums

A quorum for all meetings of the membership shall be one-half (50%) of the voting members registered for that meeting. Registration is defined as having picked up their voting cards prior to the business meeting.

Section 5. Conduct of Meetings

Unless otherwise provided for by the membership, all meetings shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order (Revised). Prior to each general membership meeting, the President shall appoint a parliamentarian.

ARTICLE VI (top)

MAIL REFERENDUM

Motions may be voted on by the membership by mail referendum in the following manner:

A. Mail referenda may be drafted and submitted by the Executive Board or by written petition of not less than ten percent (10%) of the voting members of the corporation, sent to the Executive Board.

B. Written notice of the referendum, stating and describing all motions, procedures and deadlines for voting and including action to be taken upon passage or failure of the referendum, shall be provided to all voting members by the Nominations, Elections and Referenda Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to the referendum deadline.

C. Results of mail referenda shall be determined by majority vote of at least 25% of the voting membership eligible and voting.

D. Results of mail referenda shall be disseminated to the membership in the next newsletter.

ARTICLE VII (top)

COMMITTEES

Section 1. Type and Composition of Committees

The corporation may have Ad Hoc Committees which shall be composed of at least three (3) voting members.

Section 2. Appointments

Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the President, upon taking office, shall appoint Chairpersons of all committees to serve a two (2) year term. Appointments shall be approved by the Executive Board. Furthermore, the President shall designate a member of the Executive Board to serve as a liaison to each committee. The President may authorize committee chairpersons to select members of their respective committees.

Section 3. Committees

Through Bylaws revision, the membership shall have the right to establish any standing committee deemed necessary to carry out the objectives of the corporation as set forth in these Bylaws. Procedures for individual committees shall be developed by the committee and reviewed by the Executive Board and be voted upon by the members.

Section 4. Ongoing Functions of the Organization

Ongoing functions of the organization shall be performed by the coordinators, who will be appointed by the President and serve at the discretion of the board. Coordinators shall have the right and responsibility to select other members to assist them as needed. They shall develop and follow guidelines which shall be kept on file by the coordinator and reviewed by the Executive Board. The following coordinators shall be appointed:
· Publications/Newsletter
· Membership
· Conference
· Nominations, Elections and Referenda
· Budget/CMP
Coordinators of new functions shall be added when additional tasks are identified by the Executive Board as needing to be performed on an ongoing basis.

ARTICLE VIII (top)

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Section 1. Initiation

A. Any member of the organization may submit a petition bearing the signature of at least ten (10) members to the Executive Board for the establishment of a Special Interest Group.

B. A Special Interest Group shall be defined as any group of WSRID members with common goals and interests consistent with the purposes of the organization.

C. The petition shall include a statement of purpose, functions relevant to its special interest, goals and objectives and conditions for membership.

Section 2. Establishment of a Special Interest Group

A. A simple majority of the Executive Board voting on the petition shall be sufficient to establish a Special Interest Group of WSRID.

B. In the event that the Executive Board shall deny the petition for establishment of a Special Interest Group, the petitioners may request that a referendum be conducted among the membership.

Section 3. Structure

A. The Special Interest Group shall have a Chairperson elected by its membership for a two (2) year term.

B. The Special Interest Group may elect additional officers as deemed necessary.

C. The Special Interest Group may establish committees as necessary.

D. Revision of purpose, goals and objectives, and conditions for membership are subject to approval by the Executive Board.

Section 4. Membership

A. Membership in Special Interest Groups shall be open to all members of the organization who meet the requirements for membership as established.

B. Membership in WSRID shall be required for membership in a Special Interest Group.

C. At the time of establishment, the total membership of the organization shall be notified and invited to participate.

D. Members of the organization may belong to more than one Special Interest Group.

Section 5. Special Interest Group Representation

A. The Special Interest Group shall prepare reports of activities and/or recommendations for the general membership through the organization newsletter. Formal reports shall be presented to the Executive Board at the business meetings of the organization during committee reports.

B. The Special Interest Group shall have the power to propose motions for consideration by the voting membership. Such motions shall have been endorsed by a majority of the Special Interest Group.

Section 6. Dissolution

A. The Special Interest Group may be dissolved by a vote of its members or the membership of the organization upon recommendation of the Executive Board.

B. The Special Interest Group may be dissolved by the Executive Board if the Special Interest Group membership consists of less than five (5) WSRID members.

C. Any funds held or managed by the Special Interest Group shall, upon dissolution, automatically return to the WSRID General Fund.

ARTICLE IX (top)

OFFICES

The principal office of the Washington State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf shall be in Seattle, Washington. The corporation may have such other office or offices within or without the State Washington as the Executive Board may determine or as the affairs of the corporation may require from time to time, including a change in the location of the principal office.

ARTICLE X (top)

BOOKS AND RECORDS

Washington State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf shall keep correct and complete books and records of accounts and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of the Executive Board and the committees having an authority of Executive Board and shall keep at its registered or principal office a record giving the names and addresses of the Executive Board members. All books and records of the Washington State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf may be inspected by any Executive Board member or member of his/her agent or attorney for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.

ARTICLE XI (top)

AMENDMENTS

Amendments to the Bylaws shall be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership at any annual meeting. Any proposed additions or amendments to the Bylaws must be submitted in writing to the Secretary forty-five (45) days prior to voting on proposed changes. Notice must be given to all voting members at least thirty (30) days in advance.

ARTICLE XII (top)

ADOPTION

Pursuant to the authority granted by the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws are agreed to and adopted by the undersigned members of the Commission on this 1st day of November, 1975.

Judie Husted
Clyde R. Ketchum
Kathren J. Carlstrom
Marilyn Minkin
Estelle L. Provow
Terrence A. Carroll

ARTICLE XIII (top)

DISSOLUTION PROCEDURE

In the event of the dissolution of this organization, all remaining assets, real and personal property of whatever nature, shall be transferred to the headquarters of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 333 Commerce Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

DATED:
Revisions Approved by the Membership, July 19, 1986
Revisions Approved by the Membership, June 27, 1987
Revisions Approved by the Membership, June 17, 1988
Revisions Approved by the Membership, June 16, 1989
Revisions Approved by the Membership, June 30, 1991
Revisions Approved by the Membership, July 10, 1993
Revisions Approved by the Membership, October 15, 1995
Revisions Approved by the Membership, October 22, 1998
Revisions Approved by the Membership, October 22, 2000
Revisions Approved by the Membership, September 16, 2001