Wisconsin Deaf Evangelism Ministry Code of Ethics

For UPCI of WI interpreters

1.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM will be asked to take an evaluation test to assess their skill for proper placement in the ministry of the work of the Lord.  We desire to use each interpreter to the best of their ability.  If you have not yet taken the test please see your Sectional Coordinator for details.

2.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM will please understand that taking our evaluation test does NOT certify you to interpret outside of the UPCI.  Any interpreting outside of the UPCI must be done under qualified interpreting agencies or RID Certification.

3.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM will not counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions/conviction to our UPCI saints.  Direct all Deaf to their pastor.

4.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM will follow the proper chain of command set up by the UPCI.  First go to your local church coordinator for the Deaf, and then your pastor will direct you into the proper channels.

5.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM will render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker, using language most readily understood by the person(s) whom they serve.

6.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM will strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, Deaf related meetings, interaction with the Deaf and other interpreters and keep up on the reading of current literature in the field.

7.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM will follow all WDEM guidelines.  See the attached pages.

8.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM will strive to support all other interpreters and refrain from judging or comparing skill levels with each other.

9.      Interpreter/Signers of WDEM shall strive to maintain high professional standards in compliance with the code of ethics.

Wisconsin Deaf Evangelism Ministry Ethical Guidelines

For UPCI of WI interpreters

Signing is an awesome ministry.  God has placed upon you the responsibility of signing the word of God to people who cannot hear it.  Eternity, for the deaf, may be in your hands!  Please read all ethical guidelines, if you have any questions please ask your Deaf coordinator for explanation. 

1. Please arrive at service ½ hour early.  This time should be spent in prayer to prepare you for the service.  If you are signing songs you will need to look at the list of songs so you can be prepared to worship in sign.

2. Seating arrangements.  Before each rally the District Coordinator will arrange with the departmental head of where the Deaf Ministry should be located, however, unless you are signing that service or a section leader you are not be guaranteed a seat.  Please make other arrangements.

3. Please dress modestly. The platform standards must be upheld for signing.

Skirts-     Please wear long skirts (to the ankles, or at least past half calf). Please no jean skirts or wrap around skirts.

Slits-       No front slits, side slits must be pinned to middle of calf, back slit to the bottom of you knee. 

Shoes-    Please no gym shoes, sandals, or inappropriate shoes.

   (Note: Please be aware that nail polish (finger/toe) cause distractions.)                            

Hair-      Must be pinned out of your face and look nice.

Hats-      Most Deaf do NOT like hats because they can’t see your face.

Smock-  A black smock is suggested even if you are wearing black. If wearing

               a short shirt a floor length smock may be warn.

Dress-     Please dress nice for services, it does make a difference.

**If you are not here on time or not dressed appropriately, we will need to reschedule.**

4. Signing when you’re not interpreting.  Please be careful not to abuse the ability to sign.  The Deaf are in service to receive the Word of the Lord.  Sometimes they get distracted by signers talking to each other during service.  Be Careful.

5. OOOps, I’m supposed to sign and I can’t make it.  If you are unable to make it to service, please contact your Deaf Coordinator or the person in charge of that service to let them know ahead of time so he/she can find a replacement for you.  Please don’t ask someone to take your place that would put the ministry in an awkward position.

6. Signing Specials-If someone specifically requests you to do a special in Sign Language please let us know.

If you are interested in signing please print out form and fill out and give to your church coordinator. 

After you have read and agreed to abide by all ethical guidelines please sign your name and return to your Deaf coordinator.

I ________________________________, have hereby read and understand the

             (Please print)

WDEM Code of ethics and guidelines.  I will sign my signature to show that I

accept this responsibility, agree to all that is written, and will obey them to the best

of my ability through Jesus Christ.

Signature_____________________________________   Date_____________________

PLEASE PRINT

Name:__________________________________________________________________  

Address: ________________________________________________________________  

City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________  

E-mail Address: __________________________________________________________

Church: _________________________________________________________________

Church Coordinator for the Deaf: ____________________________________________

Sectional Coordinator for the Deaf: ___________________________________________

Interpreter for:   Conversation    Songs    Announcements    Preaching 

Qualifications:    WITA    RID    NAD   WDEME

Score: __________________________________________________________________

Birthday: ________________ Anniversary: ______________  Christian Yrs: _________

Phone: ___________________ Cell: ____________________  Fax: ________________

All church coordinators please make 3 copies, one for yourself, one for your sectional coordinator, and one for the State coordinator.  Thank you!

WISCONSIN DEAF EVANGELISM MINISTRY

(WDEM)VIDEO CONTRACT

THIS JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) made and entered into as of this day __­­____of ______­­­­­______________ 20____, by and between Wisconsin District WDEM  and or Pure Signs Deaf Ministry and the signer and or interpreter. 

This JOINT VENTURE shall commence on the date first above written and shall continue in existence until terminated, or dissolved by interpreter or Wisconsin District Deaf Ministry or Pure Signs Deaf Ministry and or Wisconsin District Coordinator (Mendy Olson).

THE AGREEMENT:

I  (last name first, please print) _______________________________ the interpreter will agree to relinquish the right to be video taped.  I the signed name above will have no say in what is done with the videotapes. I the signed name above will not ask for any compensation for being video taped or sales of the videotapes. I the signed name above will not make my own copies and sell or give away videotapes.

_________________________                      _________________________

Interpreter signature                                           (Date)

___________________________                    ________________________

Sectional Coordinator Signature                        (Date)

___________________________                    ________________________

State Coordinator Signature                               (Date)