Volunteer
- NCRA Committees & Councils
- Oral Histories Program

Volunteering does something for you. You become better when you give of yourself. It motivates you even more. Volunteering gives "feet" to my love for an area, a topic.
Kathy Cortopassi, RDR, CRR, CRC

Contact

For questions on a particular committee, contact us at committees@ncra.org.

NCRA Committees & Councils

Volunteers work on committees, task forces, councils, and boards that recommend policy and accomplish the work of the association. Every program and activity of the Association has a network of volunteers and staff responsible for its success. In any given year, approximately 200 volunteer members are providing the leadership and technical know-how that enable our committees to complete their assignments. NCRA is looking for members who want to become involved and make a difference.

For questions on a particular committee, contact us at committees@ncra.org.

NOTE: Some of the information on this page is accessible to members only. To access the volunteer form on this page and to see detailed committee descriptions, please use the login button at the top of this page to access your NCRA member account.

2024-2025 NCRA Committees and Councils

NCRA A to Z® Committee

The NCRA A to Z® Committee serves as a primary resource to implement the NCRA A to Z® program, which is designed to familiarize potential reporting students with fundamental stenographic techniques. The Committee will support staff efforts to introduce the program to state affiliates. The Committee will support local volunteer facilitators with the program.

Captioning Committee

The Captioning Committee identifies, develops, and updates programs, products, and services for the broadcast and CART captioning communities.

Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) Council

The Certified Legal Video Specialist Council serves as faculty for the Mandatory Certification Workshop, optional Hands-on Training, and conducting the CLVS Production exam; reviews and updates CLVS Standards; creates resources for the CLVS community; reviews the CLVS Written Knowledge Test. The Council also works with a Pearson VUE consultant to write and edit questions (also known as items) for the CLVS written knowledge test. They also review the CLVS job analysis.

Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) Certification Committee

The Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) Certification Committee creates and presents the CRC Workshop and updates the associated exam. The committee also services as a resource to the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters and the Test Advisory Committee and other entities on issues related to the CRC certification. Members serving on this committee cannot take the CRC certification exam for three years after serving on the committee.

Committee on Professional Ethics

The Committee on Professional Ethics interprets and enforces the Code of Professional Ethics and the CLVS Code of Ethics in accordance with the provisions of the NCRA Constitution & Bylaws; addresses all COPE complaints and creates content for the JCR; and reviews language in COPE and Complaint Procedures.

Constitution & Bylaws Committee

The Constitution & Bylaws Committee reviews the Constitution & Bylaws and makes recommendations for amendments to the Board of Directors and the membership. This committee also contributes to educational/PR content relating to NCRA’s Constitution & Bylaws.

Contests Committee

The Contests Committee prepares, conducts, and grades the national speed contest and the national realtime contest during the annual NCRA Conference & Expo.

Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters

The Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters develops and administers continuing education programs, credential examinations, and any additional programs assigned by the Board of Directors. You must be a Fellow of the Academy of Professional Reporters to serve on this council.

Council on Approved Student Education

The Council on Approved Student Education is responsible for the certification and development of court reporter student training and education programs.

Distinguished Service Award Committee

The Distinguished Service Award Committee recommends to the Board of Directors a recipient for the Distinguished Service Award.

DE&I Committee

The DEI Committee will identify one or more experts in the field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DE&I”) who ultimately can perform a review of NCRA C&B, Policies & Procedures, governance, workplace, and member activities, and explore ways to make DE&I more prevalent throughout the NCRA community.

Education Content Committee

The Education Content Committee identifies, develops, and organizes live and distance learning educational opportunities for NCRA members.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviews financial reports, investment performance reports, and financial policies. The committee also serves as the Budget Committee, as well as the Audit Committee, and annually reviews the IRS Form 990.

Membership, Marketing, & Outreach Committee

The Membership, Marketing, & Outreach Committee will develop and create membership campaigns/initiatives throughout the year to promote membership retention, renewal, and recruitment.

National Congress of State Associations Leadership Team

The National Congress of State Associations Leadership Team provides a forum for delegates appointed by affiliated reporter associations to exchange experiences, information, and various points of view about matters of current relevance to NCRA, affiliates, and the profession.

New Professionals Advisory and New Professionals Veterans Liaison Committee

The New Professionals Advisory Committee promotes NCRA membership and involvement to all new professionals.

New Professionals Veterans Liaison Committee's role (of the New Professionals Advisory Committee) is to provide guidance and assistance to the New Professionals Advisory Committee.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee interviews and identifies nominees for officers and directors to be elected prior to the annual business meeting. You must be a Registered Member to serve on this committee.

PAC Governing Board

The PAC Governing Board raises money through contributions in order to disburse those funds to supportive, key elected officials. NCRA's PAC prides itself on judiciously and effectively contributing to political campaigns.

Policies and Procedures Committee

The NCRA Board of Directors supports and advocates transparency in its governance activities, consistency in its exercise of governance duties, and continuity and efficiency in the operations of the association. As a rule, members of this committee are the Vice President, one director from each class; and the chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.

Proofreading Advisory Council

The Proofreading Advisory Council assists the NCRA Communications and Marketing Team with proofreading NCRA content and marketing collateral.

Skills Test Writing Committee

The Skills Test Writing Committee writes content for the RSR, RPR, RMR, CRR, and CRC exams. Members serving on this committee cannot take the RSR, RPR, RMR, CRR, or CRC, certification exams for three years after serving on the committee.

Student/Teacher Committee

The Student/Teacher Committee develops both the student sessions and the teacher workshops for the Annual Convention. This committee also creates and solicits content for NCRA’s online student newsletter. Members work with other committees to keep students involved as they graduate and enter the profession.

Technology Committee

The Technology Committee is responsible for providing consistent research and information on both technology and realtime resources as it relates to industry trends, cutting-edge technology, and tools available to enhance and support member education and knowledge.

Test Advisory Committee

The Test Advisory Committee (TAC) is responsible for selecting the RSR, RPR, RMR, RDR, CRR, and CRC skills tests. TAC also reviews and approves the RPR and RDR Written Knowledge Tests once a year. Members serving on this committee cannot take the CRC, CRR, RSR, RPR, RMR, or RDR certification exams for three years after serving on the committee.

Written Knowledge Test Committee

The Written Knowledge Test Committee writes and edits test questions for the RPR and RDR written knowledge tests. The committee works with a Pearson VUE consultant and a psychometrician to develop written knowledge test items. Members serving on this committee cannot take the RPR or RDR certification exams for three years after serving on the committee.

General information about committee service

Committee members report directly to the committee chair. They actively participate in the work of the committee and provide thoughtful input to its deliberations. They focus on the best interests of NCRA and its members rather than personal or constituent interests, and they work toward the accomplishment of the committee’s goals as described in the President’s charges and the NCRA strategic plan. Full participation on a committee earns a committee member 0.25 PDC.

Responsibilities

Attend all meetings of the committee.
Review all relevant material in advance of committee meetings and arrive at the meeting prepared to make contributions and voice opinions concerning committee issues and activities.
Accept and complete special assignments as required. The committee chair or president may delegate these assignments.
Respond promptly to committee correspondence and information requests.
Work with staff as a team to ensure that the committee develops programs, products, and services that help Association members do their jobs better.
Promote clarity and understanding among the members of the committee and support their efforts within the NCRA governance structure.

Governance

The primary purpose of a committee is to make recommendations to the Board of Directors on programs, products, and services.
A committee may not speak or act for the Board of Directors except when formally given authority to do so for specific, time-limited purposes.
A committee may not make decisions affecting the Association’s budget. All such actions are to be referred to the Board of Directors for consideration.
A committee does not exercise authority over staff but works in partnership with them.

Expenses

Most meeting-related expenses are covered by NCRA, within the Board-approved policies.