If you were not one of the two hundred plus reporters to attend OCRA’s Winter Seminar in Tulsa, you missed an outstanding seminar.   Let me share with you what you missed, if you weren’t there.
            On Friday morning, Nate Smith with NCRA spoke on “Court Reporters -- Valuing Ourselves and our Profession”.  Court reporters today continue to face the problem of ER not only in the courtroom, but in the freelance arena as well.  Nate showed us how to market ourselves as a reporter and our product.
            Larry Thomas, Assistant Director with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, explained the process and investigation of the Dennis Rader, a/k/a BTK Killer, serial murders in Kansas. Larry showed evidence from the crime scenes,  investigation, including the sentencing portion of the case.
            Candis Bradshaw came in Friday afternoon and showed us some of the newest techno gadgets to help us make our job a little easier. If you are one of those people that love gadgets, you couldn’t help but like this speaker.
            Saturday morning, Jean Whalen, CSR from Minnesota, and Donna M Lewis, CSR from the District of Columbia shared their experiences in “Reporting the Rwandan Genocide Trials”.   These reporters worked with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Tanzania.  Jean and Donna explained how the ICTR put on trial the people responsible for the Rwanda genocide that happened in April of 1994 that cost up to a million people their lives in a three month time span. 
            Jean and Donna explained that the children in Rwanda became the living victims of the genocide.  Today it is estimated that there is 1.25 million orphans in Rwanda alone, with a total country population of 8.5 million people.  These ladies shared the vision of Floriane Robins-Brown to create the Nibakure Children’s Village.  The purpose of which is to provide orphaned children with safe housing, a foster family, healthcare, education, and career training.   The Association along with the Board of Directors donated approximately $1100.00 to this worthy cause.
            After lunch, Candis Bradshaw explained to us the difference between a digital signature and electronic signature.  She showed how to use both with various products on the market.  As an Official Court Reporter you might have found yourself asking how this applies to me.   In this ever changing world, we are gradually becoming a paperless society and the court system is no different.  Federal Court already allows electronic filing and the State Courts will soon follow.  Candis’ talk enlightened us on how to use that signature.
            Alex Kasperavicious of California talked to us about identity theft.  There is not one of us that hasn’t experienced or know of someone that has had their identity stolen.  Alex showed us how easy it is to steal your identity from trash to your computer. In this world of techno-thieves this was valuable information that everyone should have.
            The Oklahoma Indigent Defense closed out our seminar with Cindy Danner and Nancy McGee providing information about the OIDS system and problems they see. There was a question and answer time for problems that we encounter and possible solutions.
 
            The silent auction raised approximately $1900.00.  Special thanks to Deb Garver for all her hard work and anyone else  that helped.          
 
            So, as you can see if you didn’t take the time to attend this years winter seminar, you missed something special.   I would like to personally think the OCRA Board of Directors and Ann Marie Edwards for their work to make this happen.  None of it could have been accomplished without their help and dedication.  
            If you would like the opportunity to give back to your Association and profession  here is your chance,  we are looking for new members for the Board of Directors.  If you are interested contact the OCRA Board and we will provide you with the application.
            The next OCRA seminar will be held August 1st and 2nd at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City  downtown.  Mark it on your calendar right now to attend both days and don’t miss the learning and socializing experience.     See you there.