The continued growth and professionalization of the interpreting field is essential, and can be best achieved through interpreters supporting one another and expanding their knowledge and skills.

 

Educating ourselves about the laws, policies, and best practices that govern our work, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allows us to advocate for our clients and our profession more effectively.

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Recognizing and addressing horizontal violence - the conflicts and tensions that can arise between interpreters - is important for building a cohesive, collaborative community, and learning strategies for conflict resolution and fostering mutual understanding is vital.

 

Curating and disseminating resources related to skill development, self-care/development, or professional advocacy, and making them available to the broader interpreting community, strengthens the foundation of our field.

 

This spirit of collective knowledge-sharing empowers interpreters at all stages of their careers. Developing as allies to our peers, clients, and the Deaf community demonstrates a commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion that should underpin the interpreting profession, and this allyship should be reflected in our actions. By embracing continuous education, conflict resolution, resource sharing, and allyship - interpreters can nurture the positive growth and evolution of this vital work, as a strong, cohesive, and informed interpreting community benefits us all.