My pledge is to always strive towards providing superior interpreting services between and among Deaf, deaf, hearing, hard-of-hearing and deaf-blind individuals. I will do this by keeping my interpreting practice state-of-the art with relevant research and studies in the field of linguistics and interpretation and contribute as a scholar and interpreter
I will maintain certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Inc. keeping my membership in good standing and follow all ethical codes and standards as set by this organization and beyond.
I will keep up-to-date with technological breakthroughs that may enhance interpretation and communication in general as well as accessibility.
I will continue to explore cultural competence and continue to hone my skills and question my place in the world as a member of a privileged class.
I will contribute to and keep up-to-date on the state of the art and industry in interpreting and interpreter education. During the times that I accept teaching assignments I will continue to work as an interpreter so I will not lose touch with the interpreting world that I am readying students for (see also “teaching mission statement”).
I will seek education for the rest of my career and the rest of my life in both professional and life skills to continue to gain professional and personal growth.
I will seek out mentors to foster my skills in a way that will make my learning environment safe for consumers – ensuring that my education never supersedes the most important goal – providing communication while interpreting, providing a safe learning environment while teaching, providing guidance according to goals of those being mentored, meeting the goals of workshops I am presenting (see also “mentoring mission statement”).
I will make myself available as a mentor to other interpreters in the areas I am qualified for (and new areas as my skills and experience make this appropriate). I will also make myself available to train people in the skill and art of mentoring.
I will continue to explore what it means to be a Deaf ally from Deaf people, continually reevaluating my role as interpreter, friend, hearing signer, and interpreter educator, adjusting this as new discoveries come to light and roles are no longer serving.
I will use my experience to be an educational and cultural resource for hearing consumers who are unfamiliar with deafness and Deaf culture when Deaf, deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing consumers cannot take on this role or would prefer me to and it is appropriate within the situation.
I will be ethical within all my business, educational, mentoring and other situations, always questioning and evaluating the best course of action. I will not however let the many possibilities keep me from making decisions.
When I am not able to interpret, mentor, teach, or provide other services for consumers who need it because others professionals are better suited to their needs I will refer them to trusted and vetted colleagues. I will maintain a list of these colleagues and refer to them for situations when I am not the best fit, and collaborate with them when this will best serve our consumers.
I will revisit this mission on a regular basis and update it as needed.