On Saturday, April 12, 2008, some two score and ten enthusiastic translators and interpreters gathered to celebrate the opening of the AATIA’s new home in downtown Austin. Housed at the ICA, the International Center of Austin’s premises at 201 East 2nd Street, the association now has a permanent office and some very convenient meeting and workshop space available to its members.

In spite of the glorious weather, the Open House was well-attended, and after champagne toasts and welcoming speeches by President Michael Blumenthal and other Board members, guests enjoyed refreshments (including cold boiled shrimp and a spectacular chocolate cake!) and the opportunity to visit with their colleagues.

This is the first time that the group has had a home of its own. Many thanks are due to AATIA founder (and new office manager) Esther Diaz for her tireless efforts on behalf of the association that have, once again, resulted in improved conditions and services for members.

Congratulations to all who contributed to making the event a success, and our sincere appreciation to Ralph McElroy Translations for their generous sponsorship.

Were you there? Or do you wish you could have been? Either way, please add your comments here, and share your thoughts with all the other members who visit this blog. Let’s keep the conversation going!

The AATIA Board has called for volunteers and donations to help staff and furnish its headquarters office at the International Center of Austin.

AATIA would like volunteers to staff the office Monday thru Friday. If you enjoy meeting new people and talking about the profession, this may be a good opportunity for you. Hours are very flexible. Duties include the following:

• Be in the office and meet other ICA tenants
• Answer inquiries about using qualified translators and interpreters
• Identifying opportunities to promote AATIA to international businesses and visitors
• Initial office set-up (unpacking and sorting files, organizing library materials, office decorating)
• Help plan Open House event for April 12th

Greet foreign delegations

In exchange for the use of ICA facilities, AATIA volunteers will help welcome foreign delegations visiting Austin. This usually involves attending a reception at the ICA and sometimes other social events. Announcements will be issued through the AATIA listserv.

Office wish list

Equipment

• Laptop computer with DVD/CD RW and wireless capability
• Locking cable for laptop
• Desktop computer
• Headset with mic for computer
• Printer/copier/scanner
• Wireless router
• Ethernet cables
• Speakers (to attach to desktop/laptop)
• DVD Player
• External drive or other form of backup memory

Furnishings

• Locking storage cabinet (with combination lock)
• Bookshelf
• Filing cabinet
• Wall plaque/signage for AATIA
• Wall art
• Wall planner
• Wall calendar
• Whiteboard
• Organizing trays
• Office supplies: printer paper, ink cartridges, pens, pencils, notebooks/pads, paperclips, stapler, staples, Post-it notes, phone message pads, bulletin board, push pins, letter-size file folders and labels, business envelopes, three-ring binders, etc.
• Wall hanging letter file (for brochures outside office)
• Sundries: coffee, filters, tea, mugs. etc.
• Resource library: dictionaries, language-related books, language CDs
• Non-licensed software
• Guest book

Donate or volunteer by making a comment on this post (below) or by contacting Esther Diaz.