slr-mentorship program - june/july/august cycle
For the previous 3 month cycles, our Mentorship Program Coordinator, Amy Rubinger, has arranged a number of field trips to the American Kennel Club Museum! Mentees practice hands-up interpreting work with the guidance of their Mentors. The educational director arranges for the SLR Mentorship Program to occupy the museum when it is closed to the public, thus creating a safe and low risk learning experience to interpret a museum tour! In addition to the Kennel Club, Amy seeks out pro-bono interpreting situations where it is appropriate for our Mentees, guided by their Mentors, to take on new challenges. Some of these opportunities included theatre (post-production as well as interpreting during the production), poetry readings and rallies!
Due to the national pandemic, COVID-19 limited some of the opportunities for this past Summer cycle of the Mentorship Program. However, the determination, passion and opportunity to learn about interpreting in this challenging time continued full speed!
During the summer cycle there were 7 mentor/mentee pairs - a total of 14 participants.
In July the participants were led in a Black Lives Matter/Cultural Sensitivities Sign Choices workshop by Diane Bostic and Antonio Goodwin. It proved to be a very insightful workshop and was very applicable to the ongoing work of Sign Language Interpreters!
In August the participants were led in an Alexander Technique/Mindfulness session. With the current state of the world many interpreters are spending a great deal of time sitting in front of a computer interpreting. As a result, many are experiencing body pain and fatigue that is unique to this set up. The participants learned techniques to help alleviate body strain and fatigue!
Overall, the SLR Mentorship Summer cycle found ways to adapt and evolve in this difficult time.
An ongoing reflection of the value of this work and the commitment of SLR to this community.