From the Executive Director
Walter Bacak, CAE
walter@atanet.org
The profession is facing some challenges. Marketplace pressures to increased regulatory activities are affecting independent contractors. ATA can help. Don’t go it alone.
The new year means it’s time to renew your ATA membership. Membership renewal notices have been mailed. You can also renew online: http://www.atanet.org/membership/renew.php.
In the past year, ATA has stepped up its member benefits, webinars, and advocacy efforts. ATA now offers exclusive discounts on over a half dozen of the most popular tools. The savings alone will go a long way toward covering your ATA membership. In 2019, ATA started offering a free monthly webinar to all ATA members. (The featured webinar is highlighted in Newsbriefs.) On the advocacy side, ATA is teaming up with other organizations to protect the interests of translators and interpreters. (See President Ted Wozniak’s column for more information.) By being an ATA member, you benefit from strength in numbers. ATA members can do more together than a person off on their own.
ATA membership is an investment in yourself. You’ll cover your ATA dues by getting just one job from your member-exclusive profile in the ATA Directory of Translators and Interpreters. Over 60% of the membership reports getting a job from their online directory listing.
As part of that investment, ATA offers access to resources and colleagues that can help you become a better translator and interpreter. As an ATA member, you have access to membership in any and all of ATA’s 22 divisions. ATA divisions offer specialized information and networking connections. The ATA Chronicle provides a wealth of knowledge, including additional links to reliable resources for an even greater breadth and depth of information. Newsbriefs, ATA’s semi-monthly e-newsletter, provides timely media features and news related to the Association. And, ATA webinars bring a variety of affordable learning opportunities to you.
Speaking of learning opportunities, ATA membership gives you the discounted registration rate on the premier professional development and networking opportunity in the profession, ATA’s Annual Conference. Join ATA and save on your conference registration—the savings alone just about cover your membership dues.
The benefits add up to a positive value proposition. Renewing your membership is a smart business decision and an investment in yourself. If you have any questions about your membership and the benefits available to you, please contact Trish Boward, ATA membership assistant, at Trish@atanet.org 703-683-6100, ext. 3001.
Thank you for your support and membership in 2019. We look forward to serving you in 2020!