ABOUT US

The Association of Maine Interpreters and Translators (AMIT) is a non-profit organization committed to:

• The professional integrity, development and improvement of those interpreters and translators who provide interpreting and translation services in the state of Maine.
• The advancement of professional interpreters and translators in the state of Maine.

AMIT members recognize that the ability to interpret and translate well requires professional skills, knowledge and training above and beyond the ability to speak two languages. AMIT members care about professionalism and the quality of interpreting and translation services that they provide. Membership in AMIT is open to all those employed in, interested in, or concerned with interpreting and translation.

AMIT objectives are:

• To advocate and promote the recognition of interpreting and translating as professions in the State of Maine.
• To advocate for State of Maine legislation requiring the use of qualified interpreters and translators.
• To advocate for and promote the use of interpreters and translators living and working in the state of Maine.
• To advance and protect the interests of all interpreters and translators working in the State of Maine and to also be available and accessible to those individuals from the more isolated rural areas with less access to professionally related services and resources.
• To follow and adhere to a code of ethics for Interpreters and Translators, for those professional interpreters and translators working in Maine.
• To advocate for certification and competence in the practice of interpreting and translating, and,
• To serve as a resource for interpreters and translators throughout Maine via meetings, workshops, an annual conference and other activities to promote education, networking, and cooperation among members.

AMIT CODE OF ETHICS

This Code of Ethics applies to all members of AMIT, the Association of Maine Interpreters and Translators.

• Interpreters and translators shall maintain the confidentiality of all assignment related information.
• Interpreters and translators shall render the message faithfully, always endeavoring to convey the meaning of the source language text or speech using terms and language that most accurately express the content and spirit of what is being said.
• Interpreters and Translators shall not counsel, advise, or allow their interpreting/translation to be influenced by personal opinion; they shall maintain impartiality in all translating and interpreting situations. If this is not possible, the interpreter/translator shall withdraw from the assignment.
• Interpreters/translators shall use discretion in accepting any assignment, taking into account skill level, experience, what is expected, and level of difficulty of the assignment.
• Interpreters/translators shall derive no personal profit or financial gain from confidential information received in their professional capacity.
• Interpreters/translators shall function in a manner appropriate to the situation.
• Interpreters /translators shall strive to further their professional knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, professional meetings, interaction with colleagues and reading of current literature in the field.
• Interpreters/translators shall refrain from comments that are injurious to the reputation of a colleague and shall promote and enhance the integrity of the profession through trust and mutual respect.
• Interpreters/translators shall decline gifts and tips from their clients or employers clients with the exception of token gifts, which are customary in some cultures, when appropriate to the situation.
• Interpreters/translators shall strive to maintain high professional standards in compliance with this Code of Ethics.