Transcript of the Board of Directors Candidate Chat Session that occurred at 9pm EST, on Tuesday, July 15, 2008.
Sandy VanderPol:
Welcome everyone to the NCRA Directors Candidate Chat. Let's get started.
Sandy VanderPol:
Please feel free to post in “whisper” mode to Sandy VanderPol, the moderator, your question for the candidate.
Sandy VanderPol:
Tami, you may start the chat with your opening comments. Immediately followed by Donna.
Tami Smith:
Thank you all for being here this evening. The Annual convention is always exciting for all of us. And this year is one of the most exciting.
Tami Smith:
All members will get to participate in Direct Member Voting (DMV). These chat opportunities are giving members a chance to truly get to know the candidates like never before.
Tami Smith:
I’m ready to get started, Sandy. Thank you for being the moderator. Thanks.
Donna Collins:
I appreciate this opportunity to answer any questions you have. I am looking forward to Anaheim! Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
From Breck Record to both candidates: Tami, you first, please: Ladies, what will you do to promote the profession and to protect all that has been done in the past by others before you?
Tami Smith:
I will seek to always show court reporting in the best light possible.
Tami Smith:
People need to know that court reporters are providing a unique service for all.
Tami Smith:
And we need to always be proud of what we do and what others have done in the past to get us, the profession to where we are today.
Tami Smith:
Thanks.
Donna Collins:
I plan to keep doing what I am doing, which is realtime reporting and providing CART. A visual is the best way to promote the profession. I will continue to encouraging students and new reporters. I will continue to fight the forces that devalue our profession.
Sandy VanderPol:
For those who just entered, you may post in "whisper" mode your question to me, Sandy VanderPol.
Donna Collins:
Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
Question to both Tami and Donna (from the moderator): Some members have expressed a general distrust in NCRA. Do you have any thoughts on why there is this distrust and what can be done by both the board of NCRA and the members to begin the process of moving forward in a united way?
Sandy VanderPol:
It's a tough question so early. Donna, can you start, please.
Donna Collins:
I believe the distrust started when wording was used that the board was "unanimous" or a committee was "unanimous."
Donna Collins:
Members did not feel they had a voice on the board, even if it was not the prevailing one.
Donna Collins:
Meetings need to be posted and the agenda posted. Thanks.
Tami Smith:
The membership feels that the Board has not done what is truly in their best interest in the past.
Tami Smith:
The Board needs to listen to what the membership is saying and act in accordance with what the membership, as a whole, desires.
Tami Smith:
It's going to take some time to regain the trust, but if both sides truly want to start to build that bridge, it can happen. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
From the Moderator: What do you love most about your profession and then what do you respect NCRA most for? Tami first, please.
Tami Smith:
I like doing something different than what most people do. I enjoy meeting people and you certainly meet people from all walks of life in this profession. It’s rewarding to me. And let’s face it, you can make a good living from it.[ProcessingInstruction]
Tami Smith:
I respect NCRA most for giving me an avenue to become a better reporter and allowing me to make friends across the country.
Tami Smith:
Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
Follow-up by Candis Bradshaw: What will you do (if elected) to ensure that the board does follow the member's direction? Tami first.
Donna Collins:
I love the challenge of writing realtime and CART and learning. It's fun, although sometimes tough. I most respect NCRA for realtime certifications and creating communities of interest for our growing diverse fields. Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
Question by Lisa Williams: If you could ask for one single commitment from every participating member over the course of the coming year, what would it be? Donna, you may answer first. Thanks.
Tami Smith:
When I'm at the board table I'll remember what the members have said and stress that to my fellow board members.
Sandy VanderPol:
Tami, are you there?
Tami Smith:
Yes, I'm here
Sandy VanderPol:
Let's move on the another question. Donna first.
Donna Collins:
My answer is the same as Tami's. We must listen to the members! Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
Question by Lisa Williams: If you could ask for one single commitment from every participating member over the course of the coming year, what would it be? Donna, you may answer first. Thanks.
Donna Collins:
Get one old member back and one new member. Thanks!
Tami Smith:
That they say one positive thing about NCRA to another NCRA member at least once a month. Thanks.
Tina R. Stancill:
Just checking in. Never done this before.
Sandy VanderPol:
From Candis Bradshaw: What is your position on incentives to gain business? Both candidates please answer. Tami first, please.
Tami Smith:
I don't think you should offer incentives to gain business or keep business for that matter. Thanks.
Donna Collins:
Incentives are inappropriate for court reporters or reporting firms, whether there is a rule or not. Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
Question for Tami and Donna (from the moderator): Tami stated that NCRA has COPE opinions as regards the practice of gift-giving and they need to be refined. How would you refine them? Donna, same question. Donna first.
Donna Collins:
They should expand to principals in a firm, if the principal is an NCRA member. Thanks!
Tami Smith:
That's a good answer and I'll agree with it. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
Give me a moment, please.
Sandy VanderPol:
If you could keep you questions concise and pointed, that would help me, please.
Sandy VanderPol:
Follow-up question. How do you enforce rules on Non-NCRA members? Tami first please. From Breck
Tami Smith:
I don't think you can. We have no way of enforcing rules on non-members. Thanks.
Donna Collins:
Possibly restrict their ability to advertise, Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
Question for Tami (from the moderator): You state that “many people are resistant to change” as regards technology. Do you have any solution to address this resistance?
Tami Smith:
Education.
Tami Smith:
That's all we can do is keep educating them on technology and hope it gets through. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
Question for Donna (from the moderator): You state that “State-by-State membership task forces and think tanks could bring creativity to the process of building membership and member participation. What do you envision, in more specific terms, this task force would accomplish? I am thinking you have some specific creativity in mind. Can you share that, please.
Donna Collins:
We are dealing with a younger generation. We need students involved. Some incentives when you are a member of both state and national. Each state needs a subcommittee. Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
From Shirley Houston: (Donna first please) What does each candidate have to offer that would make them the best director?
Donna Collins:
I feel my strength is in my diversity is in the reporting field, particularly with realtime and CART. Also, I am old school and had to train myself to do realtime. I think I can inspire others to the do the same. Thanks!
Tami Smith:
My prior experience brings a value all in itself. I'm ready to go from the first day.
Tami Smith:
I'm aware that reporters and state associations across the country face individual problems and I'm willing to work with all of them to address those concerns.
Tami Smith:
My people skills are also what I have to offer. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
Question to Tami from Lillian Freiler: Tami, you had served a directorship on the NCRA board in the past. What changes, if any, will you make serving this time, should you be elected.
Tami Smith:
I like this question. I've had the chance to sit back for a while and kind of watch what's happening.
Tami Smith:
I know I’m already listening to issues with a different perspective. You get used to doing a lot when you're in state leadership and then working on the national level.
Tami Smith:
You tend to develop a knee-jerk reaction to comments, if you will. And I've learned that knee-jerk is not always the way to communicate with members.
Tami Smith:
I'm going to approach it with a whole new perspective to the members' voice. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
From Candis Bradshaw: What can be done to combat reporter apathy and unwillingness to participate or serve? Donna first please then Tami.
Donna Collins:
That's a tough one, but I think the new opportunities in our field will inspire them. I'll be doing my part to get them involved. Thanks!
Tami Smith:
Members need to feel that NCRA is a welcome place to come to.
Tami Smith:
If I had the answer to combat apathy I could probably become an association consultant. But I'm always thinking of ways to combat it. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
From Sarah Nageotte to both candidates: With NCRA's MVP at the forefront, name one way you have personally "marketed" court reporting in a positive light. Donna, you may answer first. Thank you.
Donna Collins:
I am involved in pro bono reporting and donate CART services once a year to a leadership summit for boys and girls with hearing loss. thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
From Lillian Freiler to Donna: Donna, do you see your position with Concerned Reporters to conflict with becoming a director if you are elected
Donna Collins:
I resigned from ConcernedReporters back in February after my nominating interview, so that there would not be a "perceived" conflict since I was pursuing the directorship. Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
I apologize. Tami was not given the opportunity to answer the last question. Please proceed. Donna, hold you post on Lillian's question.
Sandy VanderPol:
Tami, thanks for your patience.
Tami Smith:
Realtime, of course, and telling veterans about the Veterans History Project and the role court reporters have played in that. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
I've got some questions that are a bit difficult - long. Please send some short, concise questions.
Sandy VanderPol:
I'll ask one in the meantime. What role do you see NCSA playing in the future of NCRA?
Sandy VanderPol:
Donna, you may go first.
Donna Collins:
NCSA should remain a partnership with NCRA on every front, particularly membership and promoting the field to prospective students. Thanks!
Tami Smith:
The new and improved NCSA will continue to guide NCRA from the state association perspective. They are truly finding their voice and beginning to realize the role they play in the governance of NCRA. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
From Shirley Houston: Does either candidate have a position on whether California should have another vote in NCSA? If so what is your position and your rationale?
Sandy VanderPol:
Tami first, okay?
Tami Smith:
I'm still waiting to hear the debate at the business meeting. I really haven't decided this yet.
Tami Smith:
I do like the tone of the discussion in regards to this issue thus far. It's far different than the last time. Thanks.
Donna Collins:
I want to hear all the debate before making my decision on how I will vote. It would be better for NCSA to have the say, but I think each state should have an equal amount of votes (2 per state like our Senate). That is my main concern. Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
From Shirley Houston to Tami:Tami, why does the Board feel the membership should pay higher dues? Explain the increase and how it will work.
Tami Smith:
I truly don't remember why the Board feels the membership should pay higher dues.
Tami Smith:
If it was discussed while I was serving on the Board, I guess I'm having a "moment" here. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
Follow up on bylaw amendment by Shirley to both candidates: Will the board have the final decision on whether California gets a second vote or will it be decided by our vote on the 24th? Tami first.
Tami Smith:
A bylaw amendment is a bylaw amendment. The Board is duty bound to follow the bylaws. Thanks.
Donna Collins:
As I read the amendment, it leaves it open-ended for the board to make the rules for affiliates in a state with a large membership base like California. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
A more relaxing question from Chuck Motter: Why do you want to be director? For me, why should I vote for you? Donna, first, please.
Donna Collins:
Because of my "diverse" qualifications, particularly with respect to realtime and CART, which is our future. I have helped lead that charge, and it will take us into the future. There will be more jobs for realtime skills in the marketplace than there will be in the judicial system. Thanks!
Tami Smith:
I want to be a director because I want to continue to give back to a profession that has been so good to me. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
Donna, do you have a response to the dues increase question? Why does the Board feel membership should pay higher dues? Do you know?
Donna Collins:
Membership dues account for about half of NCRA's budget. I do not have a problem with an increase. It is small and in line with other professional associations. However, I think if we could find different ways for members to pay, like monthly debit, it would make it easier for lots of folks. Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
From Candis for Donna: What will you do to ensure judicial reporting has a future?
Donna Collins:
Keep demonstrating realtime at the legislature, encouraging reporters to take their laptops everywhere they are reporting and translate in realtime, even if just for themselves. I am never asked the question anymore: Why don't you just use a tape recorder? Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
From Will to Tami: After serving three years on the NCRA Board, were you interested in officership?
Tami Smith:
I think I demonstrated that last year. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
From Will Callaway to both: If you are elected as director and when your board service has concluded, do you plan to try to move into a higher position? Donna first, then Tami, please.
Donna Collins:
My focus is only being a director at this time and doing the best job I can in that position. We just have to wait and see what happens. I won't say definitely yes or not. I'm just not thinking about far ahead. thanks!
Tami Smith:
It will depend on the circumstances of my life and my mindset at the time. Polticial races take a lot time. We will see. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
From Janice McMoran to both candidates: Many former members dropped their membership or refuse to join because they didn't feel NCRA represented them anymore. How will you reach out to those members and encourage the board to gain the trust of the pool of nonmembers out there? (Tami first, please.)
Tami Smith:
I will encourage the board to listen to the members with an open mind to the members.
Tami Smith:
Once we begin to rebuild trust members who left may come back. Thanks.
Donna Collins:
I will personally contact the ones I know and try to get them back. It's going to take a while to earn their trust. Thanks!
Sandy VanderPol:
Time goes quickly. We have a few minutes left. Would Donna make her closing comments followed by Tami, please.
Donna Collins:
I appreciate your time. I am ready, willing, and able to serve as Director. I think my vast association experience and my diverse qualifications as realtime reporter, CART provider, and firm owner make me the best candidate for the job at this time. Thanks!
Tami Smith:
I would like to thank Sandy for all the work and time she has spent with us. I encourage you all to study the issues and the responses to the chat questions. I think my past experience only adds to my value as a director. Thank you all for being here. Thanks.
Sandy VanderPol:
Please post your web sites so we can have them handy to review. Donna first, please.
Donna Collins:
www.donnacollins.org/
Tami Smith:
www.tamismith.org
Sandy VanderPol:
Thank you all for participating. The candidates have worked hard. Let's all stand and give them applause.
Adam D. Miller:
STOEFGS/STOEFGS
Lillian Freiler:
WOO-HOO!!!
Jason Meadors:
*applause*
Sandy VanderPol:
And good luck Tami and Donna. See you in Anaheim. The official chat session is closed, but you may chat now with others. Sandy.
Candis Bradshaw:
(Applause!)
Tami Smith:
That was a big woo-hoo, Lillian!
Janice McMoran, CSR, RMR, CRR:
WILD APPLAUSE!!!