Gov't Affairs Program

### Government Affairs Program.

#### Join us to advance our mission of excellence in interpreting.

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#### GAP- Government Affairs Program

The Government Affairs Program, GAP, was created to advocate on behalf of
professional sign language interpreters and for the establishment and
adherence to standards within the profession at both the state and federal
levels.

#### ____GAP Principles

Representation:  _Having a seat at the table._

Advocacy:  _Supporting the mission._

Collaboration:  _Building relationships._

Communication:  _Keeping our members informed._

#### ____Areas of GAP advocacy include:

  * VRS Reform
  * Interpreter Referral Agency Conduct
  * Interpreter Standards in the Federal Government
  * and more!

The program aims to strengthen RID relationships with members, coalitions,
professional organizations, consumer groups, industry partners and government
agencies through a four-pronged approach that includes representation,
advocacy, collaboration and communication.

#### ____GAP offers members and the communities we serve:

  * Support and Representation
  * Technical Assistance and Consultation
  * Information and Referral
  * Leadership and Representation
  * Training and Education
  * Network for Information Dissemination

We are stronger together and partnerships between RID and members, affiliate
chapters, state Deaf associations, organizations, and state and federal
agencies are essential for us to move forward toward our shared goals. Join us
to advance our mission of excellence in interpreting.

### Advocacy Toolkit.

#### Tactics to use to advocate for policy changes.

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#### Advocacy Toolkit

Have you ever explained to someone the appropriate use for an interpreter? Or
maybe you’ve provided information to an organization or business unfamiliar
with the benefits of employing certified interpreters. While these actions may
not have resulted in legislation or policy, they’ve likely changed the way
people think about and interact with professional interpreters. These
instances of everyday advocacy are important to help educate people who are
not aware of the professional standards for interpreters or the linguistic
needs of the Deaf community.

#### ____Your Toolkit Here

[**Advocacy 101**](https://rid.org/govtaffairs/advocacy-toolkit/#advocacy101)

[**Levels of Government**](https://rid.org/govtaffairs/advocacy-
toolkit/#governmentlevels)

[**How to Find and Track Legislation**](https://rid.org/govtaffairs/advocacy-
toolkit/#tracklegislation)

[**Tips on Communicating to Policymakers in
Writing**](https://rid.org/govtaffairs/advocacy-toolkit/#policymakers)

[**Tips for Visiting Your Elected Officials**](https://rid.org/advocacy-
overview/advocacy-toolkit/tips-for-visiting-your-elected-officials/)

[**Building Relationships with your State and Local Elected
Officials**](https://rid.org/govtaffairs/advocacy-toolkit/#electedofficials)

[**Organizing and Coalition-Building**](https://rid.org/govtaffairs/advocacy-
toolkit/#coalitionbuilding)

## Connect with us.

Have you been in touch with GAP lately? You can reach the Public Policy and
Advocacy Department using the [Contact Us form
here](https://rid.org/contact/)!

### 7

Advocacy Toolkit Topics

### 16

Ongoing GAP Efforts


### Quick Information

[GAP Fact
Sheet](https://drive.google.com/file/d/17thsn4i9WGbsBJE7vEvYdUp5Nh0wm4wI/view?usp=sharing)

[GAP FAQs](https://rid.org/faqs/)

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