HISTORY
The California Federation of Interpreters, formerly known as "GLAC", was created in 1982 by a group of interpreters working for the Federal and the Los Angeles Superior Courts. Many of these same interpreters were and are involved in the development and administration of the California and Federal court interpreter certification examinations. Shortly after its inception, GLAC affiliated with CCIA as one of its chapters. As of January 1994 GLAC stood as an independent organization, free to pursue the goals and objectives of its membership. A year later, after a vote by the membership, GLAC changed its name to CFI. From the very beginning we have represented the interests of court interpreters with court management and have developed a long history of contract negotiations with the Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of all interpreters, consistently defending the rights of its members in grievances before court management. CFI represents the largest corps of highly skilled professional interpreters in the nation working for one county, and has served as a role model for court interpreter organizations in the entire U.S. Until recently, its members were the highest paid state court interpreters in the nation thanks to CFI's tireless efforts and the strong support of its members.

GOALS
The goal of CFI is to bring together interpreters of all languages to speak with one voice: the voice of unity.

	To unite interpreters who strongly believe that the recognition and advancement of the profession can only be achieved by providing quality oral, sign language and written translations.
	To unite interpreters who know their role is vital to the justice system because reliable and impartial interpretation and translation are important to ensure due process of law and adequate representation by counsel for linguistic minorities and the hearing impaired.
	To advance and uphold the profession of court interpreting and translating.
	To promote high standards of proficiency by developing and implementing continuing education activities and supporting those of other interpreter/translator organizations.
	To promote professional ethics and compliance with all laws, including antitrust laws.
	To represent collective professional and legal interests of interpreters before the court and any local or state entity.

ACTIVITIES
Continuing education for interpreters has always been one of the major objectives of the organization. With the enactment of Senate Bill 1304 continuing education has become a serious concern for interpreters statewide. Over the years CFI has sponsored many educational activities and is committed to presenting seminars, workshops, and symposia which meet the criteria for Court Interpreter Minimum Continuing Education credit as outlined in the guidelines approved by the Judicial Council. These activities provide interpreters with the opportunity to learn from experts in the fields of linguistics, forensic pathology, diction, ballistics, drugs and other fields related to court interpreting and legal translating. In addition, general membership meetings are held on a regular basis to discuss the affairs of the association.

MEMBERSHIP
The life-line of the association is its membership. All activities sponsored by CFI are made possible by the support of its members and income derived from membership dues. CFI currently has two membership categories: Active and Associate. The credential of its members are of the highest caliber in the nation, including interpreters with California State and Federal court certification, State Department and ATA accreditation.

BACI

BACI STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
To negotiate with all Bay Area counties on issues of pay, working conditions, fair treatment, and compliance with codes and procedures which regulate interpreter services. To promote unity among interpreters and to protect the rights of interpreters to join and participate in the activities of professional organizations and associations.