UTRID Bylaws

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “UTRID”).

ARTICLE II: PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The principal office for the transaction of the business of the organization is located in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. The mailing address of UTRID will be:

5709 S. 1500 W.
Taylorsville, UT 84123

The Board of Directors may, at any time, or from time to time, change the location of the principal office.

ARTICLE III: PURPOSES

Section 1: Principal Purposes

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

This organization shall be affiliated with the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “RID”) and shall uphold the purposes and abide by the rules and procedures established for affiliated chapters of RID.

This organization will be maintained as a Non-Profit Organization.

Section 2: Objectives

The objectives of UTRID, with equal emphasis, shall be:

1. To support and promote the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct for interpreters and transliterators.
2. To promote and encourage diversity, camaraderie and respect within and between the populations of service providers and clientele.
3. To provide professional development opportunities for certified and pre-certified interpreters and transliterators.
4. To provide the public with information regarding interpreting and transliterating.
5. To support the activities of organizations of and for deaf persons, and of and for interpreters/transliterators/translators, insofar as such activities are not in conflict with the purposes of this organization.
6. To maintain and make available to members a list of the RID/UTRID members and their levels of certification.
7. To raise funds to support the purposes and activities of the organization.
8. To promote the training, certification, and use of certified deaf and hearing interpreters in the State of Utah.

Section 3: Properties/Grants

It shall be the right of UTRID to buy, lease, rent, or otherwise acquire, hold, use, sell, exchange, pledge, encumber, or otherwise dispose of any and all kind of property pertaining to the business of UTRID.

It is also the right of UTRID 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 the organization.

UTRID retains the right to enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts/grants of every kind for any lawful purpose and without limit on amount with any person, firm or corporation.

Section 4: Non-Profit Act

UTRID shall conduct its affairs, carry on its operations and exercise all of the powers conferred by the Non-Profit Corporation Act of the State of Utah, and in compliance with the requirements of the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Section 5: Non-Discrimination Clause

UTRID shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, or national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

This applies to all activities of the organization, including but not limited to employment, elections, meetings, workshops, and conventions.

The UTRID Board of Directors and Committee Chairpersons shall be aware of the policy and uphold it at all times.

Section 6: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of this organization shall be from July 1 to June 30.

ARTICLE IV: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Composition

1. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
2. The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two (2) to six (6) Members-at-Large (MALs), as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee.
3. At least one (1) MAL shall be a d/Deaf individual.

Section 2: Term of Office

1. Each term of office shall be twenty-two (22) to twenty-six (26) months, according to the scheduling of elections described in Article V, Section 1.
2. No officer shall hold the same office for more than three (3) consecutive terms. In addition, no officer shall serve more than four (4) consecutive terms on the Executive Board of Directors.
3. Terms of office shall commence at the conclusion of the meeting during which the individual is elected.
4. The outgoing President shall be named Past President and shall continue to serve in an advisory capacity for twelve (12) months without voting privileges. All other outgoing Board members shall serve an additional two (2) months during the transitional period without voting privileges.

Section 3: Qualifications

1. All Board candidates must be members in good standing of both RID and UTRID and have voting rights in each.
2. All candidates shall be nationally certified interpreters or working toward national certification or any deaf person involved in the field of interpreting services.
3. “Nationally certified” is defined as any service provider holding certification recognized by RID or the Testing, Evaluation & Certification Unit (Cued American English TSC).

Section 4: Duties

A. Directors

1. The Board shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of UTRID, including business meetings, training, financial transactions, and other duties.
2. If a vote is necessary for day-to-day operations, a simple majority of Directors in attendance shall determine the outcome.
3. The Board shall perform duties mandated by the voting membership.
4. The Board shall meet at least quarterly.
5. After an election, the outgoing Board shall meet with the incoming Board to orient new Board members.

B. President

1. The President shall provide general supervision and direction of the organization, preside over meetings, and perform such other powers and duties as may be assigned.
2. The President shall appoint Committee Chairpersons with Board approval.
3. The President shall share with the Treasurer the right to sign checks and warrants.
4. The President shall provide yearly reports to the membership concerning Board actions, financial status, committee activities, and other organizational activities.
5. The President shall represent UTRID at national and regional RID conferences, including applicable business and organizational meetings. UTRID shall reimburse or provide direct payment for the President’s transportation, registration, and accommodations, up to ten percent (10%) of the current account balance, with a maximum of $1,500.
6. The President shall submit the annual report and required documentation to the RID National Representative in accordance with Affiliate Chapter Requirements.

C. Vice-President

1. In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President.
2. The Vice-President shall serve as Director of Committees and oversee all committees.
3. The Vice-President shall perform such other powers and duties as may be assigned.

D. Secretary

1. The Secretary shall keep a full and accurate record of Board and general membership meetings.
2. The Secretary shall keep the corporate seal and affix it as required, and shall provide notices as required.
3. The Secretary shall supervise organizational records.
4. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be assigned.

E. Treasurer

1. The Treasurer shall maintain financial records, provide financial reports to the President at least quarterly, maintain financial accounts, and authorize payments as appropriate.
2. The Treasurer shall assist with budget planning and financial forecasts.
3. The Treasurer shall provide a copy of the financial statement, certified by the Board or an independent auditor, to the President for inclusion in the Annual Report within thirty (30) days after the close of the fiscal year. Statements shall include sources of receipts and disbursements.
4. The Treasurer shall provide an annual financial report to the membership at the annual business meeting held between June 1 and August 30.
5. The Treasurer shall provide Form 990 to the President, RID Regional Representative, and RID national office by November 15 of each year.
6. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be assigned.

F. Members-at-Large

1. MALs shall act as liaisons from the membership to the Board, working directly with membership to assist with the coordination of activities and communications.
2. MALs shall serve as resource persons to the membership.
3. MALs shall perform other duties as prescribed by the Board.
4. MAL responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
   1. Student/Emerging Interpreter Involvement
   2. NAD/UAD Liaison
   3. Conference Planning
   4. Public Relations/Membership Outreach
   5. Professional Development
   6. Silent Weekend/Camp Planning
   7. Other responsibilities as determined by the Board

Section 5: Staggered Board Election Structure

To promote continuity within the Board of Directors, maintain consistency in Board responsibilities, reduce the disruption associated with replacing multiple Board positions simultaneously, and provide opportunities for fresh ideas and perspectives, Board positions shall be elected on a staggered schedule.

The election schedule shall be:

ODD-NUMBERED YEARS

• President
• Secretary
• MAL – Student/Emerging Interpreter Involvement
• MAL – Public Relations/Membership Outreach
• MAL – Silent Weekend/Camp Planner

EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS

• Vice-President
• Treasurer
• MAL – UAD Liaison
• MAL – Conference Planner
• MAL – Professional Development

The Conference Planner and Silent Weekend/Camp Planner are separate MAL responsibilities and shall remain assigned to opposite election cycles.

The election schedule and terms of service shall continue according to this staggered structure unless amended in accordance with Article IX.

ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS AND VOTING

Section 1: General

1. Voting may take place during business meetings and/or by mail or email referendum.
2. Board elections shall be held in coordination with the business meeting required under Article VIII, Section 2.
3. A valid election shall require ballots cast by twenty percent (20%) of the eligible voting membership.
4. A simple majority of ballots cast shall elect each position.
5. In the event of a tie, a runoff election shall be conducted, with ballots collected within fourteen (14) days.

Section 2: Vacancies

1. Vacancies may occur through death, resignation, or removal.
2. Resignation shall be submitted in written notice to the President or Secretary.
3. Reasons for removal shall include:
   1. Moving out of the State of Utah.
   2. Felony conviction.
   3. No longer maintaining RID membership.
   4. A formal grievance concerning Board activities that has been substantiated.
4. The Board shall appoint a person to fill a vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Section 3: Nominations

1. Any voting member in good standing may nominate a candidate.
2. A call for nominations describing the offices and nomination procedures shall be sent at least thirty (30) days prior to the business meeting of the election year.
3. Nominations may also be made from the floor.

ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES AND PROGRAMS

Section 1: Committees

1. By majority vote, the Board may establish committees necessary to conduct the business of UTRID.
2. The Board shall determine operating guidelines for committees, including objectives and timelines.
3. Committee members shall be in good standing with UTRID and RID and shall be approved by the Board.
4. Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the President with Board approval.
5. Committee Chairs and members shall serve for terms determined by the Board.

Section 2: Certification Maintenance Program

1. The Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) shall be coordinated through RID and Utah.
2. The director of the program shall be an approved RID CMP sponsor.
3. CMP sponsors shall follow the standards established by RID for CMP sponsors.

ARTICLE VII: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Categories

A. Individual Member

An Individual Member shall be a person who meets one or more of the following criteria:

1. Is actively involved in ASL-English interpreting or transliteration.
2. Is enrolled in a course of study involving interpreting, linguistics, ASL-English, or transliteration.
3. Supports the purposes and activities of UTRID without meeting the criteria listed above.

B. Organizational Member

An Organizational Member shall be an organization or institution that supports the purposes and activities of UTRID.

Section 2: Eligibility

Membership shall be open to any and all persons.

Section 3: Voting Rights

1. A voting member shall be entitled to make motions and cast one vote at meetings, referenda, and elections.
2. A voting member shall be defined as a current Individual UTRID member who also has voting rights in RID.
3. Organizational Members shall not have voting rights but may participate in discussion.

Section 4: Admission

1. Membership shall require completion of an application form.
2. Membership fees shall be paid annually as established by the Board.
3. Membership shall be granted upon completion of the application and payment of applicable dues.
4. The membership year shall be July 1 through June 30.

Section 5: Termination

Any Individual or Organizational Member may be terminated for:

1. Suspension or revocation by the RID Board.
2. Failure to pay membership dues by the end of the membership year.
3. Suspension or revocation of applicable state certification.

Section 6: Reinstatement

1. Upon notice of reinstatement of certification or membership from the National Certification Board, RID Grievance Committee, or local state body, a former member may apply for reinstatement.
2. Payment of lapsed dues shall result in reinstatement of membership.

Section 7: Dues

1. Dues shall be determined by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present at the initial organizational meeting.
2. The Board may not increase dues by more than ten percent (10%) without a majority membership vote at a business meeting or by mail/email.
3. Dues shall be equal within each membership category, although dues may differ between categories.
4. Members shall be notified at least ninety (90) days before changes in dues take effect.
5. The Board may establish pro-rated dues.

Section 8: Liabilities

No individual member shall be personally liable for the debts or obligations of UTRID. Creditors shall have recourse only to the assets of the organization.

ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS

Section 1: Board Meetings

1. The Board shall meet at least quarterly. Dates shall be established by the Executive Board.
2. Additional Board meetings may be called by the President or by two members of the Executive Board.

Section 2: Business Meetings

1. At least one annual business meeting shall be held between June 1 and August 30.
2. The purposes of the annual business meeting shall include presentation of annual reports and voting on matters requiring membership action.
3. All motions, except motions to amend the bylaws or dissolve the organization, shall pass by a simple majority of voting members present.
4. Additional business meetings may be held as needed by the Board.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

1. Proposed new bylaws or amendments shall be received by the Board prior to presentation to the membership. The Board shall ensure that proposed changes do not adversely affect the goals of UTRID or conflict with RID requirements.
2. Written notice of proposed new bylaws or amendments shall be mailed or emailed to members at least two (2) weeks prior to the vote. The full proposed document shall be made available on the UTRID website.
3. New bylaws, amendments, or repeal of bylaws shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of voting membership present or approval through a mail/email referendum.
4. Revisions required by RID shall be automatically incorporated without requiring a two-thirds (2/3) membership vote.
5. A copy of all approved amendments shall be forwarded to the RID Regional Representative and RID national office or other designated location.

ARTICLE X: DISSOLUTION

1. In the event of dissolution, the President shall forward the organization’s assets and records to the RID national office.
2. Dissolution may occur through:
   1. A two-thirds (2/3) membership vote.
   2. Non-recognition of UTRID’s affiliate status by RID for failure to comply with applicable requirements.

ARTICLE XI: SCHOLARSHIPS

A. Scholarships shall be offered during every fiscal year, July 1 through June 30, to eligible UTRID Members.

B. The total monetary value of scholarships awarded shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the current fiscal year’s funds. For example, if the organization has $30,000 in current fiscal year funds, the maximum total scholarship allocation shall be $3,000.

C. A scholarship subcommittee shall consist of at least three (3) and no more than five (5) individuals. At least one (1) member shall be from the UTRID Executive Board and at least one (1) member shall be Deaf.

D. Scholarships may be awarded for, but are not limited to:

1. RID Knowledge-Based Test expenses.
2. RID Performance Test expenses.
3. Conference fees.
4. Workshop fees.
5. Other professional development expenses.

E. Scholarship Requirements

1. The applicant must be a member in good standing of both UTRID and RID.
2. The applicant must be a resident of Utah.
3. Applications must be submitted by June 1 of the current fiscal year.
4. An individual may receive a scholarship once every fiscal year.
5. A recipient may be required to provide service to UTRID in exchange for the scholarship, based upon the request and circumstances. Examples may include attending a conference and providing a workshop, newsletter article, or similar contribution.
6. Individual scholarship requests shall be for amounts between $1 and $500.

ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT HISTORY

This consolidated version incorporates the following approved amendments: