Glenna Bain, Candidate for STSN Secretary
I have over 25 years experience in the communication access field, holding NIC certification as an ASL Interpreter as well as being a certified TypeWell Transcriber for the past six years. My BA degree is in Social Welfare from the University of Washington and I am certified as a mediator, pursuing ongoing training in Compassionate Communication strategies. I worked as coordinator of Deaf/HOH Access Services at Central Washington University from 2003-2008. During that time the program grew from one to eight students. I now work as a trainer, consultant, mentor and facilitator in the field of communication access. I have served as Chair of the STSN Membership Committee for the past several years and have presented trainings regionally as well as at the national PepNet Conference in April of 2008. This experience has allowed me to meet providers, administrators and interested others in the field. I see exponential growth in our field and need for our organization to pull together to meet the emerging needs, I would actively participate with STSN's board and members by engaging in constructive dialogue, listening and sharing with both providers and consumers alike. After receiving so much from my mentors I am at a period in my life where I am intentionally "giving back" to our field in ways that will tangibly support the growth of our profession.
What issues do you see as being most relevant to STSN members?
1. Professional Development - We need to serve as a resource for professional development opportunities for our members. In view of the current challenges we face in the economy, I would explore additional ways of providing professional development opportunities via remote technology, as well as assisting in the consideration of other cost saving options to ensure ample continuing education opportunities are made available.
2. Development of a mechanism to establish more consistent and effective communication within the organization as well as to the wider speech-to text community - Members want to have a voice in the work of the organization and to know their ideas are being heard, carefully considered and represented. There must also be a commitment on the part of the organization to educate people nationwide, raising awareness regarding the availability of the services we offer. I would help to accomplish these goals through the development of a monthly member newsletter and through an inter-organizational listserv.
3. Consensus Building - My strengths in the area of consensus building will serve as an enhancement to the board as we continue to define our mission. It is my hope that we can come together around the common goal of quality speech to text access and begin to rapidly move into a time of constructive growth. This will serve the ultimate goal of effectively supporting the diverse needs of our members.
Please indicate goals that you would have for the organization that relate to your role in this position.
1. First and foremost, I believe STSN members want additional professional development opportunities. As a board, we need to develop resources for professional development and encourage people to take advantage of the available resources.
2. Secondly, they want to know they are supported solidly by the backbone of the organization at large and want to have opportunities to readily tap into the support therein. STSN is ultimately made up of people. We are group of people coming together around our core commitment to ensure quality communication access for the individuals we serve. We need to organize effectively to ensure that we are accessible and constructively supportive to our members.