ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of the organization shall be El Paso Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; hereafter referred to as EPRID.  This is a non-profit organization.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSES

EPRID is not organized, nor shall it be operated, for pecuniary gain, profits, or dividends to its members, and is organized solely for non-profit purposes.

EPRID shall be affiliated as a Chapter of  the Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., hereafter known as TSID.  EPRID’s purposes shall be concurrent with those of TSID.  Primary emphasis of TSID is the development, strengthening, and enhancement of a network of professional interpreters.

1.      To promote the development and expansion of quality 

      interpreting/transliterating services available to persons D/deaf, Deaf-Blind, hard of hearing, and hearing;

2.      To encourage the recruitment and training of professionals in interpreting/transliterating for persons D/deaf, Deaf-Blind, hard of hearing, and hearing;

3.      To promote the highest standards in interpreting/transliterating for persons who are D/deaf, Deaf-Blind, hard of hearing, and hearing;

4.      To train and encourage those interested in learning to communicate with persons who are D/deaf, Deaf-Blind, hard of hearing, and/or hearing;

5.      To offer a forum for professional interpreters/transliterators for exchange of ideas, opinions, and information concering interpreting/transliterating;

6         To offer meetings where members can learn, upgrade skills, and participate in group activities;

7.  To support legislative interests and  

      concerns that affect EPRID, TSID, 

      and RID.

8         To utilize the InterpreTexan as a vehicle for dissemination and exchange of information; update of events; legislative and national information; special announcements; information regarding the happenings, workshops, and  meetings  to Local Chapters, TSID and RID.

ARTICLE III

CHAPTER RESPONSIBILITY TO TSID

As a local chapter of TSID, EPRID must meet the following responsibilities:

1         Adopt and follow the Local Chapter Constitution of TSID, or become in compliance with and follow the Local Chapter Constitution of TSID.

2         Participate in governing TSID by sending a voting representative to at least three (3) official meetings of the TSID board each year;

3         Coordinate local arrangements and/or support services for any professional development or classification of activities requested from TSID;

4         Contribute to the TSID communication network by listing activities and workshops open to the TSID General Membership with the Editor of the InterpreTexan for statewide dissemination.

            5    File a written Chapter Report and a Financial Report at each Annual Conference.

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERSHIP

EPRID shall consist of Certified, Associate, and Student members; and may also consist of Honorary, and/or Lifetime Members.

ARTICLE V

MEETINGS

General meetings of EPRID shall be held a minimum of three (3) times a calendar year.  Executive Board meetings shall be held at least four (4) times a calendar year.  Dates of these meetings shall be determined by the Executive Board.

8-01-07

            ARTICLE VI

EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board shall govern EPRID and shall consist of the following officers: President, Past President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Members at Large, and EPRID’s chapter Representative to the TSID’s Executive Board.  [At the discretion of EPRID’s membership, EPRID’s Executive Board may be expanded to include other members.]

ARTICLE VII

COMMITTEES

EPRID shall have a Bylaws Committee, Membership Committee, Website Committee, and other special committees as needed.  [The Executive Board and/or the President shall determine the need for and the size of Special Committees.]  The President and/or the Executive Board shall appoint the Chairperson of each committee.  In Addition, EPRID will have a student liason, an Educational Interpreter Liason, and a CDI Liason.

ARTICLE VIII

DISSOLUTION OF EPRID

In the event of dissolution of EPRID, all remaining assets, real and personal property of EPRID shall be transferred to TSID to be kept for a period of twenty-four (24) months in escrow to allow for possible reorganization.  If EPRID is not reorganized under these Constitution/Bylaws within twenty-four (24) months, all assets will become the permanent property of TSID.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENT

This Constitution may be amended or a new Constitution adopted by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present at any stated or called general meeting of EPRID, after fourteen (14) days of notification has been given to the membership.  Mail ballot votes may also be utilized as defined in Article VII of EPRID’s Bylaws.

 Revised 8-01-07