Eric F. Toland Award

Eric Fitzgerald Toland

Dec 9, 1963 – Dec 7, 2007

Eric had a rare spirit of purpose, poise, preparedness, process, and pleasantry. Always wearing a smile, he loved to make people laugh. His deeds and impact in the lives of others will forever echo in history. Eric possessed a gentle nature and was a man who could make friends anywhere he went. The legacy he left behind is one kindness, hard work, and a keen sense of humor. Eric served with many organizations including the National Alliance of Black Interpreters Inc. (NAOBI), the National Alliance of Black Interpreters-Atlanta Chapter (NAOBI-Atlanta), the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Atlanta Black Deaf Advocates (ABDA), and the International Institute of the Deaf Services (IIDS).

Eric served the NAOBI organizations in several capacities. For NAOBI, Inc., he served as Southern Regional Representative, Awards Committee Chairperson and member, Conference Committee member, Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer. He was a founding member, Treasurer of NAOBI-Atlanta, and supporter of the membership committee. Furthermore, Eric was a prominent accountant facilitating workshops on the national, regional, and local levels. He also served as the Silent Auction Chairperson for IIDS’s Impartation Conference for several years.

Eric gave so much and had so much to offer. His attention to detail never left any organization lacking in excellence. He will forever remain a true example of an outstanding member.

Award Objectives

To provide a blueprint to all members on how they can personally benefit from the organization and work together with others to achieve our mission statement that benefits all members

To reward the members who go beyond the status quo in service to the organization and community

To encourage members to improve themselves through active involvement in organizational activities

To increase member attendance at the meetings and participation in committees so that all share in the workload of the organization

To provide a system of accountability to assist members in achieving their interpreting goals while helping others achieve their goals also.

Award CRITERIA

Criteria of an Outstanding Member

Each month attends either our monthly Membership meeting and/or our Friday evening Voicing Immersion at least 8 months during the year (when in session)

Active Involvement for the full year in at least one NAOBI-Atlanta committee

Assists in planning and/or working during the Renee Olson Scholarship events and NAOBI-Atlanta workshops and conferences

Volunteers at other organizational and community events especially those NAOBI-Atlanta is supporting such as ABDA, GaRID, Deaf Blind Camp, AASD, and ALDA

Consecutive years of working in NAOBI-Atlanta and volunteering in other organizations

REWARD for OUTSTANDING MEMBER

NAOBI-Atlanta will cover the cost of one EIPA, NIC, or other diagnostic exam up to $200.

NAOBI-Atlanta will cover the cost of one conference registration for an Interpreting Conference such as a NAOBI, RID, GaRID, Impartation, or Silent Weekend Conference up to $200.

*At the November meeting, one or at most two members, if it is too close for the Board to distinguish between two members, who has/have best exhibited the criteria of an outstanding member will be awarded one of the above awards. Certificates for the above awards will expire one year after being awarded. Payment will be mailed directly to the selected organization with the member's application and/or registration form. If no one has exhibited the criteria listed of an outstanding member, then this particular award is not given.

NAOBI-Atlanta

NAOBI-Atlanta

Eric F. Toland Award

Award Objectives

Award CRITERIA

REWARD for OUTSTANDING MEMBER

Past RECIPIENTS

Cecilia Epps

Linda Ogletree

Linda Ogletree

Linda Ogletree

Linda Ogletree

Linda Ogletree

Linda Wright

Linda Wright

Linda Wright

Janet Combee

Linda Wright

Linda Wright

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