Stepping Into the Open House

Julli Jaramillo

It was a cold Wednesday evening, the kind that settles in after a long day and makes it tempting to close the laptop and call it a night. Despite that pull, I joined the NAJIT Open House shortly after it began and was welcomed by the chair of the Membership Committee, then introduced briefly before the session moved forward. Even coming in a few minutes late, the tone was immediately clear. The Open House was well facilitated, and it was evident that care had gone into how the time and conversation were structured.

An open invitation to learn, ask questions, and step into the conversation

The Open House was hosted by the Membership Committee. Nanme Zheng (Chair) welcomed participants and set an open, steady tone, alongside committee members Lionel Bajaña and Jingshu Sun Zmachinsky , who were present and engaged throughout the discussion. Questions were encouraged early and often, and the space felt genuinely receptive. There was no sense of rushing people through a script or limiting participation. Instead, the focus remained on listening, responding, and making the session useful for those attending.

I want to thank the Membership Committee for their thoughtful work in hosting the first Open House of the year on behalf of NAJIT.

The PowerPoint was intentional and informative. It did not overwhelm, and it did not drift. It kept  NAJIT  membership at the forefront by clearly outlining what membership offers, how people engage with the organization, and where opportunities for involvement and connection actually exist. Rather than framing membership as a transaction, the presentation emphasized participation, professional development, and community.

There were approximately thirty-five to thirty-eight people on the call, which felt meaningful. More than the number itself, what stood out to me was the level of engagement. The conversation was abundant. People asked thoughtful questions, shared where they were in their careers, and spoke honestly about what they were hoping to find or better understand. The discussion moved easily, without long pauses or forced prompts, which speaks to how comfortable participants felt contributing.

What stayed with me most was how grounded the session felt. It was not performative, and it was not rushed. It felt like a genuine introduction to the organization and to the people behind it. There was room for curiosity, for practical questions, and for real dialogue about what membership can mean at different stages of a professional journey.

For those who are curious about NAJIT or considering membership, these Open House sessions offer a straightforward way to learn more. They provide space to ask questions, hear directly from members, and get a clearer sense of how the organization functions and where people can plug in. Whether you are new to the field, returning after time away, or simply exploring your options, the Open House creates a low-pressure entry point into the community.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
7–8 PM ET / 6–7 PM CT / 4–5 PM PT
Register Here for January 14th

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
8–9 PM ET / 7–8 PM CT / 5–6 PM PT
Register Here for January 27th

Monday, February 16, 2026
9–10 PM ET / 8–9 PM CT / 6–7 PM PT
Register Here for February 16th

Each session covers similar foundational information, so attendees can choose the date that best fits their schedule.

Participation does not require prior involvement with NAJIT, only curiosity and a willingness to listen and engage.

Keep the Conversation Going

If this topic resonated with you, be sure to check out our previous blog posts for more insights on the realities of our profession, and the evolving world of judiciary translation and interpreting:

• Can Translation Be the Only Route? — Can translation stand on its own as a profession? A legal translator writes on sustainability, specialization, and choice in our field.
• Carrying the Work Forward: Welcome 2026 — An overview of how NAJIT continues its work into 2026 through the ongoing efforts of its members, volunteers, and leadership.
• Webs of Learning in Practice: Webinars — An inside look at NAJIT’s webinar programming and how ongoing learning is shaped through participation, adjustment, and shared professional experience.

You can find these and more in our blog archives !

The images used in this post are sourced from Unsplash and/or Pixabay . They are used for illustrative purposes only.

Julli Jaramillo is the Publishing Coordinator and Editor-in-Chief for NAJIT. She holds a master’s degree in Translation from NYU and has extensive experience in quality assurance, content development, and strategic growth. Passionate about NAJIT’s mission to uphold ethical standards for judiciary translators and interpreters, she is dedicated to driving the organization’s growth while ensuring its publications meet high-quality standards and adapt to evolving industry demands. In her free time, Julli enjoys baking and creating art.

Feel free to reach out to her (editor@najit.org) to chat about the NAJIT Observer or Proteus—she is excited to collaborate!