CACL (AIIC Committee on Admissions and Language Classification) will publish your name, language combination, address, domicile and sponsors in the AIIC Bulletin and if no objection is received within 120 days, you automatically become a full member and will appear in the next issue of the AIIC Yearbook. Whether you are a freelance or staff interpreter, this is an important stage in your career.
As a member you will have a chance to influence how the profession develops. Do not just pay your dues but be an active member, attend regional meetings, go to General Assemblies, join voluntary groups tackling issues in which you are interested. Adhere scrupulously to the provisions of the Code of Professional Conduct – it is the guarantee of our professional standard in the eyes of the world at large. If you want to amend something or change it, see if you can find `like-minded` colleagues and put proposals to your regional meeting and to the General Assembly in accordance with the procedure laid down for that purpose.
AIIC can only be what it is, i.e. a democratically run professional association, if all its members take an active interest in its affairs. This means reading its publications, first and foremost the Bulletin, and even contributing a letter or, why not, an article.
If you are asked to act as sponsor for a new member, read the CACL rules carefully and remember that in sponsoring the candidate you are implying that you would be prepared to recruit that person for the language combination you cover. Once you have agreed to be a sponsor, you must be prepared to defend your judgement if challenged and support the candidate. If you refuse to sponsor a candidate, give your reasons openly and fairly. A candidate may find less demanding sponsors but you will have reminded that person of the standards set by the profession.
CONCLUSIONS
We hope that these points will prove useful, as guidance to beginners and reminders to more experienced colleagues.
Inevitably a number of things have been omitted and doubtless others expressed less clearly then they might have been. The Guide is update regularly and suggestions for additions, changes etc. will be most welcome. Write to the Secretariat.
This booklet is the result of a joint effort, involving many people. Its sole purpose is to contribute to maintaining the quality image of our profession, which must be the aim of all of us, beginners and old timers