I will be interpreting for an event... What's next?

Before interpreting

1. Write your name on the calendar.
2. Reach out to the contact person and let them know you will be the interpreter; confirm the details listed in the calendar.
3. Request materials from the organizers at least one week ahead of the event, so you have time to prepare and create glossaries for the specific topic.
4. Maintain good communication with the organizers, which may include a call beforehand. Ideally, a relationship between the interpreters and the organization has already been built by this point.
5. If equipment is needed, coordinate in the Signal chat "LJC Equipment" so you have it a few days in advance. Make sure the batteries are charged and ready to use.
6. If the event is online, be prepared to support with Zoom tech if necessary.
7. Ask the event organizers to reserve five minutes at the beginning of the event for a language justice introduction. This introduction is given by one of the interpreters. [Link to language justice introduction scripts for different types of events coming soon.]
8. If there is a second interpreter, include them in all communications with the organizers.​
9. If you are the second interpreter, write your name on the calendar and contact the first interpreter right away to coordinate.
10. For Zoom events, coordinate in advance on switching logistics

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DurING THE EVENT

1. Arrive at least fifteen minutes early to set up equipment or do a Zoom tech check.
2. Introduce yourselves, explain the concept of language justice, and demonstrate the hand gestures that will be used to ask speakers to slow down, speak up, or repeat. [Link to language justice introduction scripts. Coming soon.]
3. Distribute the equipment and make sure each receiver is on the correct channel.
4. Make sure that participants who receive a receiver fill out the sign-out/check-in sheet.
5. Ask everyone in the room who is not bilingual to access interpretation — for in-person events, to take a headset; for Zoom, to join the interpretation channel in their preferred language.
6. Interpreters work in pairs and switch every 15 to 20 minutes. Confirm the switching interval with your partner before the event begins.
7. Interpret everything being said in the space.
8. Provide high-quality interpretation. Interpret everything exactly as you heard it. If you do not understand something, stop and ask for clarification.
9. When not interpreting:
   • At in-person events, use a receiver to make sure the interpretation is coming through clearly.
   • On Zoom, listen to the interpretation channel to monitor quality and be ready to assist your partner with vocabulary if needed.
10. Stay in the role of the interpreter. Interpreters are not participants in the event. 
11. Speak in the first person.
12. Use hand gestures to ask speakers to slow down, speak up, or repeat.
13. Maintain confidentiality.

AFTER THE EVENT

1. Collect the receivers and cross off participants' names on the sign-out/check-in sheet.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Send the organizers of the event a feedback form to fill out. 
4. If you used the equipment, charge the batteries so it is ready for the next interpreter.