As a language interpreter, translator, or both, you know that the work that you do is important and meaningful. You make it possible for people to communicate across language barriers, likely making a profound impact on the lives of people. To further support your journey as a language professional, have you considered learning about the many different associations for language interpreters?

Noticed that I did not even say you have to join. There is tremendous benefit in either joining or simply checking out what language interpreter and translator associations have to offer. Many times, you are not required to become a member to attend programs. Frequently, these associations offer free and low-cost meetings, workshops, and events. The workshops can be a source of continuing education units (CEUs) if you are a certified interpreter or translator. Attending events and meetings is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field and improve your skills.

Other ways to support your professional development are to serve on a committee or become part of the board of directors. You may want to aspire to present a workshop at a conference.

One of the biggest benefits of becoming part of a professional association is the opportunity to network with other language professionals. This can be a great way to learn about new opportunities, share ideas, and get support from your colleagues. I will highlight the best experiences I have had so far.

National Language Service Corps (NLSC)

I will start by highlighting a professional organization that is free to join and offers benefits such as free language testing. NLSC offers free Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). I have been a member of the NLCS, Mid-Atlantic Region since 2011. The NLSC is a congressionally authorized program of the U.S. Department of Defense that provides language and cultural support to U.S. government agencies. Members are highly skilled language professionals who connect, share, and grow through networking, training, and testing opportunities.

To become a member of the NLSC, you must apply and meet the criteria and requirements. Once you are a member, you will be assigned to a region. These regional groups meet in person or online. During the NLSC general meetings and regional meetings, you will meet other professionals with various backgrounds as language professionals. These networking and meeting events have been some of the most memorable for me in terms of the information offered and the people that I have met. The NLSC members’ website offers many language resources and preparation materials for language testing. If qualified, you will have the opportunity to be selected for missions and can even be “federalized” as a special federal government employee. There are endless opportunities and resources with this organization.

Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association (UMTIA)

Liberty Language Services happens to be a member of the Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association (UMTIA) since we have an office in South Dakota. I learned about this association at a conference and attended a great Saturday workshop on the topic of LGBTQ topics and pediatric patient settings. UMTIA regularly hosts various types of events, educational webinars, support group meetings for interpreters, and more recently, an in-person interpreter happy hour in Minneapolis.

American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE)

American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE) is a new and exciting association created with a focus on interpreting in school and educational settings. They host professional development workshops that are great for learning about resources and keeping us in the loop about this area of interpreting which is increasingly being recognized as a specialization.

National Association of Educational Translators and Interpreters of Spoken Languages (NAETISL) 

With a focus on school interpreting, there is also the National Association of Educational Translators and Interpreters of Spoken Languages (NAETISL). They have workshops, an annual conference, and have already developed a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Educational Interpreters of Spoken Languages.

American Translators Association (ATA)

Last, but certainly not least is the American Translators Association (ATA). One of their largest divisions and groups of members make up the Interpreters Division. They have an amazing website full of resources and a whole Career and Education section devoted to launching your career as a translator or growing your career as either a translator or interpreter. As part of your membership, you can select to be part of Divisions, including language-specific ones. The ATA truly desires to support the professional development of translators and interpreters. In fact, the Interpreters Division is one of the largest divisions with thousands of members.

There is also the Medical Division where one can find interpreters and translators specializing in medicine, healthcare, and related fields. ATA also offers free webinars. As a member, you can join these various Divisions such as the Government Division, Language Technology Division, or a language division, such as the Chinese, Dutch, Japanese, or Portuguese divisions, to name a few. At each year’s annual ATA conference, most divisions have their own gatherings, dinners, or networking events. The best source of membership information is the ATA Member Center.

Members can also seek out a chapter of the ATA where you live, or in a nearby state. I have been both an individual and corporate member of the National Capital Area Chapter of the American Translators Association (NCATA), based in Washington, D.C., which has members from D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.

NCATA’s presentations and speakers are always top-notch and have included leaders and long-time professionals from the local area. This association has provided great in-person pre-pandemic events, such as their summer luncheon. Starting in 2023, in-person events have come to life again. They have always provided great networking and a chance to meet fascinating people. I once met the translator of the Catholic organization The Sisters of Mercy at the Washington, D.C. office at one of the summer luncheons. During the first year of the COVID pandemic, NCATA invited me to cohost a presentation which provided me with a public speaking opportunity. Recently, NCATA hosted the ATA certification exam in Washington, D.C. Follow them on Facebook for their most up-to-date information or join their email list.

There are many professional associations for language interpreters and translators. To find an association that is right for you, besides the ones mentioned, you can do a quick online search. Once you have found a few associations that you are interested in, you can visit their websites to learn more about their events, programs, membership requirements, and benefits.

I encourage you to take the next steps to learn about these associations today. Try them out and see if they are worthwhile to you. The benefits of membership are many, and they can be instrumental in your career success. You may even decide to make the investment in yourself and join through a paid membership.

By: Silvia Villacampa, Managing Director

This article first appeared in the Spring 2023 quarterly newsletter of the ATA Medical Division, Caduceus.