QUESTION: Did I hear a rumor that GCCRA and GSRA might be joining forces?
ANSWER: Yes, you did, but ultimately the decision is up to you.
Due to issues facing all court reporters in Georgia and around the country and due to limited resources available to your state associations, the boards of GCCRA and GSRA have held lengthy meetings to discuss these problems and how to solve them. The answer seemed obvious: We need to join forces, pool resources, and fight these battles together. Some options include employing a lobbyist at great expense, as many other states have done, and possibly starting a fund to mount a legal defense. As you can see, none of this is possible with a small budget and limited volunteers who are also full-time, working reporters.
Our courtrooms and freelancers face challenges that need expertise far beyond what we have available. Your state associations are in the process of having a study prepared on cost analysis similar to the California study by Justice Served. This will be an educational tool with which to approach our judges and court administrators. This will cost about $4000 to $5000. With the help of such reports, as well as strong associations, increased membership, and expert guidance, California and New Mexico were successful in minimizing the loss of jobs.
Did you know that AK, KY, UT, VT officials have been totally ELIMINATED? In AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, MA, NJ, OR, IN, WA, PA, and NV many official reporters have been replaced with ER and/or their positions are not being filled upon leaving. Did you know the ER representatives have been contacting court administrators throughout the state of Georgia (metro Atlanta take heed!) in large and small counties? If you're in a small county, don't think you're safe. Rumor has it that you will be the easiest to pick off. Did you know ER firms are also courting law firms to do FREELANCE work at a fraction of the cost? This is already happening in other states.
In the near future GCCRA and GSRA will collect written ballots by members after questions have been answered, thoughts shared, and concerns aired. This will be a topic of discussion at both seminars: GSRA's annual seminar at Chateau Elan on August 27th to 29th and GCCRA's annual seminar on November 5th and 6th in Peachtree City. Please plan to attend one of these seminars. No matter which seminar you attend, you will be able to discuss this with members of both associations who will be in attendance at each seminar.
Did you know that over half the court reporters in Georgia are NOT members of a Georgia association? Please encourage your friends and co-workers to join either GCCRA or GSRA and have a chance to vote on this vital issue. After all, you never know when you might need your association to stand up for your rights. Key Cobb County Superior Court reporters have been in touch with experts to help them manage their current issues. The more members we have, the easier the future financial burden will be on all of us. State associations with large memberships are able to accomplish much more than we have been able to.
A written ballot was taken of the board members from both associations on Saturday, July 17, and the decision was unanimous: We must join forces if we are to be effective in answering the call to defend our Georgia reporters.
We invite you to join the conversation on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=103398373047280, "Georgia Court Reporters Association." This is for Georgia court reporters only, and you must be a current court reporter in Georgia to be admitted. You need not be a member of GCCRA or GSRA to post comments but will need to be a member to vote at a later time.
The time of high membership, low costs and simple seminars is over. Your state associations simply cannot defend today's critical issues with the current low membership, low budget, and apathy among reporters. Together, however, GCCRA and GSRA may have a fighting chance to garner the expertise required. If you don't actively participate in your association, then at least be supportive by joining and encouraging others to do the same.
Kathleen J. Sherwood
President, GSRA,
And the entire board of GSRA
Steven Ray Green
President, GCCRA,
And the entire board of GCCRA
THE TIME IS NOW
THE PLACE IS GEORGIA
THE ISSUES ARE REAL!