Interpreters' Cooperative of Madison

Associates are independent contractors of the ICM and are not considered employees. They are also not members of the ICM and thus are not able to vote on cooperative matters or receive other benefits provided to members.

Process for incorporation of new associates

- The ICM will review the need for new associates periodically or as needed.
- Interested applicants should submit a resume or a letter stating experience with consecutive and simultaneous interpreting and 2 references with knowledge of their interpreting skills to the ICM coordinator.
- The Membership Committee and/or the ICM coordinator will review the application and contact references and will inform membership at the next membership meeting or via email if a new associate was added.
Note: once the ICM has an evaluation process in place, the applicant will be expected to take the ICM evaluation.
- Applicants or new associates, if they wish, may attend the beginning of an ICM meeting to learn more about the cooperative. Membership should be notified before the meeting that an applicant/new associate will be attending. The ICM coordinator/Membership Committee will meet with the applicant before the meeting to explain in more detail how the ICM works and the first 15 minutes of the meeting will used for membership to meet the applicant, presenting the work of the ICM, and answer questions.

Approved associates will sign an agreement with the ICM. This agreement will include an understanding that they are working as an independent contractor and that they will not engage in work or solicitation of work from ICM clients outside of the ICM. They will also sign and return a copy of the ICM Code of Ethics and fill out any paperwork needed for taxes, etc.

Coordinator will explain process for assigning work and payment and will add associate to associate list.

Feedback and evaluation. After a new associate has completed 2 assignments for the ICM, the membership committee will gather feedback about their work. This could include feedback from ICM members they have worked with, or ICM clients. Any concerns will be addressed with associate.

Associates can petition the ICM for membership and become ICM member as outlined in the ICM bylaws.

Assignment of work. Priority to work assignments will be given to cooperative members. If assignments cannot be filled by membership, the ICM coordinator will offer the work to associates.