American Sign Language Teachers Association

Trix Bruce
Professional Development Chair
December 5, 2008

Being an ASLTA Board Member

Some American Sign Language Teachers’ Association members have asked me about what’s involved in board membership. I’m honored to be on the ASLTA board, and to serve as Professional Development Chair. I’m happy to have the opportunity to describe my experiences, and encourage you to join the board.

Five years ago, our former ASLTA president, Leslie Greer, asked me to be a part of this team. I was thrilled to join the board! I have very much enjoyed working with Tom Riggs, our previous vice president, and I’m looking forward to working with our current vice president, Larry Forestal.

Volunteering involves flying to board meetings, taking time to read through paperwork, answering questions, researching information, discussing issues, and making decisions on behalf of the organization. ASLTA board members don’t earn money going to conferences and board meetings; in fact, each board member is responsible to pay out of pocket for personal needs such as day care, meals and others.

As a board member, I keep track of earned clock hours, and retain copies of past flyers. A member asked me to review his workshop flyer, and I was glad to do this. I’m thrilled to share my professional skills and appreciate it when other board members do the same. I have learned a lot from my fellow board members! Each of us has a different perspective. We share responsibilities, make plans, and evaluate past projects and decisions. My volunteer work with ASLTA is very rewarding.

Yes, volunteering with the board does take time and effort. Board members have chosen to do this work because we know it will contribute to ASLTA’s strength and mission. Consider that most people find themselves in need at some point in their lives. Today you may be the person with the ability to help, but tomorrow you may be the recipient of someone else’s volunteer effort. We need each other!

Our former president, Leslie Greer, and our current president, Glenna Ashton, have dedicated a tremendous number of hours to this volunteer work. Their positions are challenging! They communicate with those on the upper levels of various organizations, work closely with other groups, and help ASLTA run smoothly.

Board member Keith Cagle handles evaluation processing. Bonnie Betti, our treasurer, keeps the books, recording money coming in and going out.

Dorothy Wilkins is ASLTA secretary, keeping an eye on every detail and writing out the meeting minutes. Pat Beech contributes as our chapter representative. There are several committees, each one working under a membership chair. In my position, I receive and send a lot of email, answer questions, and respond to requests about training and professional development. It’s amazing to see the line up of new committee members joining the ASLTA “family” to help run this great organization!

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each of our board members for their hard work, ideas, and volunteer service. It’s simply amazing that there has not been a “vacant” board position for a long time. We’ve had excellent participation, keeping ASLTA standing strong.

You will probably have some special reasons of your own to consider board membership. Once you’re on the job, you’ll know that your efforts are accomplishing something, your talents are appreciated, and you are making a difference.

Yes, it’s a challenge to put our time, ideas and work together to keep ASLTA thriving. But board membership is satisfying, allowing us to focus on what we love, assure progress for organizational goals, be part of a team, gain respect, and stand up to be counted.

TIPS 101 FOR EVENT PLANNERS AND PRESENTERS

Trix Bruce, Professional Development Chair
September 2009

How exciting that your chapter or organization wants to plan an event or create a workshop! As someone with years of experience with event planning and presenting, I’m more than happy to share suggestions. First, you'll need to focus on your goals and gather information. Ask yourself:

1) What kind of event or workshop do I want to provide?
2) How long would I like this event to run?
3) Is there an available meeting room?
4) What equipment and technology are available?
5) What facilities, equipment, technology, publicity, and other assistance can my organization provide?
6) When will this event be scheduled?

Naturally, various presenters will have different topics, styles, objectives and rates. Event planners and presenters should carefully consider whether a particular presenter is a good fit for an event, so that things will work out smoothly.

Ask potential presenters for:

1) A list of workshops/titles offered
2) Time estimates for length of workshops
3) Equipment and other necessary accommodations (LCD projector, laptop, etc.)
4) Rates, and
5) Scheduling availability.

Event planners must take their budgets into consideration and carefully control costs. Some presenters may adjust rates. Rather than asking presenters to “cut” their rates, it’s better to provide information about your budget. If you can hire one presenter to provide two or more workshops or performances, you may save on travel expenses, contracting for a minimum rate based on savings in flight costs. Be professional. If presenters’ rates do not fit your budget, don’t ask presenters to volunteer their time. Rather, see if there’s another local organization that will share costs. Perhaps both organizations can split traveling expenses.

Your organization can consider the presenters’ rates when setting registration and admission prices. You may also be able to raise funds by recruiting sponsors for your event. Local businesses may make donations (receiving tax write-offs for these charitable expenses), and some restaurants will offer gift cards that you can use in putting together a compensation package for presenters. Exhibitors may be willing to buy ads to be printed in a program book or on flyers. Exhibitors may also pay for verbal announcements about their products and services. Member discounts may be provided. Perhaps you can allow your committee members or top volunteers to receive free tickets to your event. Research costs and compare workshop charges. Calculate your budget based on how many participants would be needed to “break even”.

Sample list of presentation expenses:

1) Airline tickets
2) Hotel/lodging
3) Meals
4) Airport parking
5) Transportation to and from the airport
6) Rental car/fuel costs for picking up the presenter yourself
7) Tips
8) Copy/print expenses for handouts and flyers
9) Internet/phone fees
10) Luggage charges
11) Booking fees
12) Advance deposits
13) Unexpected circumstances (weather, hurricanes, accidents, etc.)
14) Refreshments for workshops
15) Other unforeseen/miscellaneous expenses

Some presenters will require deposits to cover airline expenses. Some won’t mind applying their honorarium to reasonable travel expenses. You can come up with fund-raising ideas such as writing grant applications, seeking donations for a silent auction, or finding sponsors. Determine to find ways to cover your expenses without being unprofessional by pressing presenters to cut their established rates.

In my work over the last ten years, I’ve seen organizations treat presenters with different degrees of courtesy. Some hosts are unwilling to handle the extra tasks required to bring in necessary funds. Don’t fall into this pattern. Rather, treat presenters respectfully. You may one day be a presenter, yourself!