SPEND SOME TIME WITH THE GOVERNMENT DIVISION AT NEW ORLEANS
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME AND TALENT, CONTRIBUTE IDEAS, STAY INFORMED
The ATA Government Division invites you to spend some time getting to know how government at all levels—Federal, state, and local—works with language professionals. Find out about recruiting needs and career opportunities in the government. Hear government experts share their expertise, as you share yours! So many events to choose from – but please check the Final Program, App, and ATA Website for locations and last-minute time changes. If you are interested in volunteering to help the Division grow, there are several opportunities listed below where you can offer your time and talent.
Government Division Meeting: Friday, October 26, 4:45 to 5:45 pm
All are welcome to attend and to contribute ideas. The Government Division is actively seeking experienced volunteers to start a newsletter and/or blog and to develop a stronger social media presence—make your interest heard! Our meeting will also feature a brief presentation from Rusty Shughart, who is working hard to launch an outreach effort to language professionals in the defense community—the pilot phase will focus on convincing servicemen and servicewomen with language training who are separating from duty to consider careers in T&I by getting to know the ATA. Rusty is also looking for volunteers—this is the place to be if you are interested.
Welcome Celebration: Wednesday, October 24, 5:30 to 7 pm
Visit the Government Division table at the Welcome Reception, where you can meet colleagues and ask questions in an informal, relaxed setting—the perfect place to make decisions about what activities you will attend during the rest of the Conference.
Networking Event: Thursday, October 25, 8 pm
Join us for a singularly un-stodgy evening of live music, as we take a guided tour of some of the famous jazz clubs along Frenchmen Street, networking amidst the revelry. Sign up today for this paid event: space is limited.
Distinguished Speaker: Friday, October 26, 2-3 pm and 3:30-4:30 pm
The Government Division is proud to feature its Distinguished Speaker, Dr. Amy Firestone, whose career spans government and academia. Her two-part talk, Championing Translation to Incite Change Around the World, will offer unique insight into how government agencies draft major documents in English, translate them into other languages, then deliver the results to the intended audience. Dr. Firestone’s expertise lies in the field of labor issues, specifically occupational health and safety, and combatting abuses in child labor.
Other Sessions linked to the Government Division
Clearing Your Way to Success, Janet Quiroz, Thursday, October 25, 3:30 to 4:30 pm – demystify the security clearance process!
The Joy and Challenges of Translating for the United Nations from the Perspective of a Chinese Translator/Manager, Zhongliang Chen, Friday, October 26, 11:15 am to 12:15 pm – a rare peek inside a pinnacle of the language profession!
Working with the General Services Administration, Rusty Shughart, Saturday, October 27, 10 to 11 am – when potential clients ask “are you on the GSA Schedule,” you’ll know exactly what they mean.
Mind Your P’s and Q’s: Translation and Interpreting in International Development, Michèle Hansen, Corinne McKay, and Stephen Volante, Saturday, October 27, 11:15 am to 12:15 pm, – learn how language work supports the lofty goals of inter-governmental agencies.
In addition, Government Division Administrator Joe Mazza will be presenting The Vocabulary of National Life, with a focus on Peru, on Saturday, October 27, 2-3 pm, and Leadership Council Member Jason Kopp of the US Census Bureau will be joining a panel on How to Conduct a Quality Assessment on Thursday, October 26, 2-3 pm—Council Member Jennifer DeCamp (and Chair of the ATA Standards Committee) is chairing that panel. Shamelessly risking overexposure, Joe Mazza will also relive his salad days as a Russian translator on a panel entitled Variety is the Spice of Slavic Life on Saturday, October 27, 8:30-9:30 pm.
YOU WILL ALSO FIND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES STAFFING BOOTHS IN THE EXHIBIT HALL AND PARTICIPATING IN THE JOB FAIR.