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STC Participation Pays Big Dividends!by Suzanna Laurent, Region 5 Conference Manager, Senior Member, Oklahoma Chapter I am a firm believer that what you get out of anything is in direct proportion to what you put into it. You learn new skills and discover hidden talents by participating in STC chapter activities. I do stress the word “participating,” though, because just being a member does not produce the same results. I found a new career that I really enjoy because of my involvement in another organization. After I volunteered to do the chapter newsletter, I started winning awards for it. So, when I finally started to college, I studied writing. I earned a degree in technical writing—already knowing that I not only enjoyed the work but was good at it, too. I received these two great benefits from participating in activities. One of the greatest challenges in STC chapters is getting members involved in chapter activities! Do you ever wonder why people hesitate to get involved when they have so much to gain from it? Let’s review some of their reasons and my responses to them. No one asked me to do itHave you asked them to do the job? Take the time to sit down with them to explain the benefits they can receive from doing the job, show them what needs to be done, and then ask them to do it. A phone call often works, but it is much more powerful to ask in person! I don’t have enough timeIn today’s world there is so much to do that people choose what helps them meet their needs best! By participating in chapter activities, they learn to juggle multiple projects and sharpen interpersonal skills, which in turn inspires them to accomplish even more. Now, that’s a win-win situation! I need to improve my job skills, not spend time volunteering.Most skills learned while working on chapter projects can be used on the job. Those skills include time management, problem solving, working with others, marketing, public speaking, teamwork, project management, delegating, and assertiveness. To find out how members want to improve, ask them questions like “Why did you join STC? What do you expect to receive from your STC membership? What do you do on the job? What skills or traits would you like to improve?” The answers can be used to match people to projects. Networking doesn’t help me on the jobNetworking can be defined in many ways. Each time I have changed jobs, the lead came through an STC friend. Networking can mean getting job leads or asking for help with a software program or building a successful consulting business. I don’t know how to do itDo you have plenty of “how to” information available? Is there an experienced mentor standing by to answer questions? Have you empowered them to do the job and allowed for some creativity? Sometimes all you need to do is make sure they have the resources to perform the work. I hope this article gives you some ideas about how to get members involved, whether you need help with chapter leadership or staffing a committee. You should also realize that some people just don’t want to be actively involved, and that’s okay! Often though, some members are just waiting for a chance to show what they can do. Their reward is personal and professional growth, self-satisfaction, and a chance to make a difference in the technical communication field. Poetry Contest WinnerTo help encourage the STC Board of Directors to choose Houston to host its annual meeting, STC Houston sponsored a poetry contest in which poets were encouraged to talk about Houston’s positive features in verse. The winning poem was by Holly Jahangiri.
Other participants included:
Technical Communicators Get Geared for SuccessBy Suzanna Laurent, Region 5 Conference Manager, Senior Member, Oklahoma Chapter The Oklahoma chapter of STC is proud to host the Region 5 Conference, Geared for Success on Route 66, from October 4–6, at the Hilton Northwest in Oklahoma City. With a kaleidoscope of sessions, any professional involved in communicating technical information is guaranteed to benefit from this conference. From writing to multimedia to graphics art, STC members and non-members can gear up to learn through linear tracks or by combining sessions that best meet their individual needs. There are 36 educational opportunities offered in four tracks that include a dynamic range of individual sessions lead by professionals from around the world. Tracks include:
The keynote speaker, world-renowned Jim Stovall from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the Emmy-winning founder of the Narrative Television Network (NTN), the first network to bring television to the more than 13 million blind and visually impaired people in the United States. NTN now includes over 1200 cable systems and broadcast stations, reaching over 35 million homes in the United States and 11 foreign countries. NTN programming is also presented via the Internet at www.NarrativeTV.com, serving millions of people around the world. Stovall promises “You will laugh and you will cry, but you will never be the same!” In addition, attendees can select from a variety of pre-conference workshops on October 3. Even if you don’t attend the conference, you can attend one of the eight-hour workshops on Project Management, Web Site Design and Development, or Motion Media Scripting. For conference registration information, go to www.stcregion.org/region5/conference/2002/home.htm or contact Suzanna Laurent at 405-376-4210 or slaurent@prodigy.net. On Sunday morning a free, regional leadership workshop will be presented by Linda Oestreich, STC Region 5 director-sponsor, Judy Glick-Smith, immediate past society president and Thea Teich, first vice president of the society, as they share their expertise in this lively session that will be part interactive discussion and part exercises. No doubt you’ll leave this workshop with some valuable tips on how to be a better leader in your STC life, in your work life, and in your “life” life! With the “mother road” as a backdrop, the Region 5 Conference will help you navigate the new horizons of technical communication. Just as the original tourists had to take care of the basics of fuel, oil, and tires, our conference sessions on writing and editing will help you reconnect to the basics. And, just as the original tourists dubbed Route 66 the “road to opportunity,” never knowing quite what was around the next bend, our conference sessions on new and innovating technologies and concepts will help you map your future successes. Plan now to join us as we get Geared for Success on Route 66. |
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Volunteer of the Month–Deborah Silviby Paul Mueller, Senior Information Development Manager, NetIQ Corporation Deborah Silvi is the STC Houston September 2002 Volunteer of the Month for her work with the Competitions committee to prepare for this year’s technical publications, art, and online competitions. Deborah is serving as competitions general manager and chapter historian for our chapter. She has taken a leading role, along with Competitions Director Deborah Crockett, in ensuring a smooth relationship with our trading partner, STC Atlanta. Deborah has been a very active member of STC Houston for many years, and her accomplishments continue to astonish us. Most recently, Deborah was recognized by the Society as an Associate Fellow for her extensive, dedicated service. While working at BMC Software as a technical publications manager, Deborah continues to dedicate her “spare” time to help our chapter grow and flourish. Her contributions over the years involve most areas of the chapter, including serving as chapter president, 2001 Region 5 conference treasurer, 1994 Region 5 conference co-chairman and programs manager, and chapter historian. She was also responsible for the chapter historical items on display at STC Houston’s 40th Anniversary Party in May. I was fortunate enough to work with Deborah on the 2001 Region 5 Conference, and I quickly learned why so many STC leaders recognize Deborah as a trusted mentor and advisor. With her valuable experience, attention to detail, and ability to listen, Deborah helped all of us surpass our goals and develop new skills. I found myself listening intently to her guidance and learning not just from her words but also from her actions. Her skill and experience played a vital role in making the conference such a huge success. STC Houston is pleased to honor Deborah Silvi as September 2002 Volunteer of the Month. |
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Sharing Ideasby Bonni Graham, Director-Sponsor, Region 8 One of the things chapters routinely ask me is, “What are other chapters doing? We want to do new things, but we also want to do what we know works.” If you’re a chapter president, you’ve noticed that we always ask for new and innovative ideas your chapter has implemented since your last chapter report. This time, we received so many great ideas that they served as the inspiration for the Board’s report back to you. To help you with your strategic planning, this article groups the ideas by the categories in the Chapter Achievement Award guidelines! Membership and Member ServicesMany chapters moved their elections online this year. They universally reported a successful experience with this method, in some cases seeing a significant increase in the percentage of members voting. Many used the Zoomerang service (www.zoomerang.com), while others set up a custom, password-protected service on their chapter site. In most cases, the membership number served as the access password. In addition, many chapters have started using PayPal (www.paypal.com) to accept credit cards. This service works by accepting credit card information, then transferring the income in a batch to the chapter’s checking account (specified during setup). This service is a cool way to add convenience to your money collecting! ProgramsA rose is a rose is a rose is not always true! One chapter discovered that its members found the term “meeting” off-putting. By changing the name to “workshop” and adjusting the format to more of a roundtable discussion, they experienced a significant increase in attendance. Be sure to survey your members; everybody has a different take on what they want. Another successful meeting format change was one chapter’s “Network and Nibble” format. According to their description: “There is no formal speaker, but every person introduces himself or herself. We specifically invite local employment agencies and hiring managers. No dinner, just appetizers, the cover fee is low enough for even unemployed members. We also ensure that there is plenty of material such as back issues of Intercom, the quarterly journal Technical communication, and conference proceedings available for people to review, as well as other technical writing related resources.” One chapter has started a book club, to help members “interact on a different level from the technical meetings.” Another chapter maintains a lending library of the top titles in technical communication and business. Is your chapter experiencing tough economic times? You’re not alone; many chapters are seeing the same thing. One chapter established a Job Search Support group for out-of-work members. It focuses on “preparing members to find new work, network, cope with the recession, develop new and more marketable skills, and expand their portfolios.” In addition to the main group meetings, the support group is organized into smaller groups that meet more frequently to provide mutual emotional support and encouragement. Chapter Communication ProductsConsider the possibility of “hiring” a student to help produce or edit the newsletter. Many schools grant academic credit, and chapter funds permitting, you can create a stipend to help the student gain access to some of the training and networking available at the annual conference. Make sure to have a professional-level chapter member serve as a newsletter advisor, so that the student is directed. Concerned about the consistency of how information from your chapter is presented? One chapter created a style guide to help chapter leaders and membership communicate about Society and chapter events and other information. Recognition ProgramsIn this section, I’m adding an idea that came up during the Leadership Day roundtable: When you recognize a volunteer, plan for recognition before the end of the year, and plan for more recognition than simply announcing their service at a chapter meeting. Consider having a “volunteer of the month.” Recognize that individual with a certificate delivered at the meeting, a brief article in the chapter newsletter (no more that 250 words – one paragraph), and a letter on STC letterhead to their employer, thanking them for their efforts (send a copy to their boss and to Human Resources). You could even use the brief article as a press release to local business magazines, many of whom have space for short “newslets” about local business people, which would provide publicity for the chapter as well! In addition, consider a special recognition for senior or long-term members. One chapter tried this and noticed an upsurge in participation by those members. Long-time members have a wealth of history and knowledge that newer members find invaluable. Recognizing these members keeps them – and their experiences – available to and involved with the chapter. Expanding CommunityMany chapters in many regions are sponsoring student writing competitions. These competitions introduce elementary, high school, and college-level aspiring communicators to the theory, practice, and art of technical communication. Some competitions are in conjunction with a local science fair or other school function, and some are standalone competitions. Either way, they are excellent vehicles for expanding community. As for volunteer opportunities, they provide a finite and concrete opportunity that allows volunteers to provide an exceptional service of limited and specific duration. Other chapters sponsor a booth at college and high school career fairs. They spend a day discussing our field with students interested in pursuing a career in technical communication. This effort provides exposure to specific interested parties and to the community at large. It enables volunteers to help define and promote the profession, as well as to network with others in related fields, serving at the other booths. In a completely different area, one chapter has started an outreach/partnership program to other, related professional associations, such as American Society of Training Developers (ASTD), American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), and American Society of Indexers (ASI). They’ve established a liaison position on their administrative council to develop strategies and maintain programs ensuring the continuity of the effort. LeadershipWhile sponsoring a chapter leadership workshop is not, in and of itself, innovative, some chapters have taken such training to the next level. One chapter held an all-day, free training, open to all volunteers, that not only explained the organization and structure of the Society, but instructed attendees in the best practices of non-profit organizations in general for running chapter activities and managing volunteers. AdministrationA chapter treasurer holds a position of great responsibility. While there is oversight at the Society level, some chapters have supplemented that with additional checks and balances, such as having the chapter president receive a copy of the bank statement directly from the bank. This aditional step provides a level of safety and comfort for both officers. Some chapters, particularly in farflung areas, have begun holding their administrative council meetings on the Web. NetMeeting (www.netmeeting.com) enabled one chapter to “establish leadership in its several geographically dispersed communities spanning about 70 miles so that they could meet more often and conduct more chapter business.” Even student chapters are getting in the act: one student chapter plans to use its website as an article repository, as well as a two-way communication medium: “They plan to implement threaded forums and polls so that members and students can collaborate outside of the meeting room.” That’s it! I hope some of these ideas inspire you and that you’ll experiment with putting them into action. |
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Chapter NewsSeptember Program Meeting
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Society & Industry NewsSTC NewsSTX: Students Today, Leaders TomorrowAn episode at STC’s 49th Annual Conference proved that STC programs really do make a difference. It was the crowd at Leadership Day that inspired Sandra W. Harner, assistant to the president for academic and research programs, to do something a little different. At the event preceding the conference, Sandi recognized Mary Jo Stark, the current Society treasurer, who had been a Sigma Tau Chi (STX) member when Sandi had run the program. As Sandi continued to scan the attendees, she noticed several more former STX members. Looking at them, Sandi thought, “You've come a long way.” The STX program was established to identify and support undergraduate and graduate technical communication students who will contribute to the profession. At Leadership Day, Sandi saw the results of that program—today's leaders developing STC’s direction and growth. At the Student Welcome Reception that evening, she asked Andrea Ames (Society second vice president), Jennifer L. Giordano (Central Ohio chapter president), Kenneth M. Kittle, Jessica E. Larcom, Martha K. Sippel (Rocky Mountain chapter president), Mary Jo Stark (Society treasurer), and all former STX members, to stand before the group. As the leaders rose in succession, Sandi read a list of their Society and professional achievements from their membership in STX to their current leadership position. The leaders’ successes encouraged students and illustrated a thriving-and rewarding-environment for dedicated professionals. They also embodied STC's mission: to design the future of technical communication. “It was so cool,” said Sandi, “to see that Sigma Tau Chi is a program that works. It was really inspiring.” For more information about STX and Alpha Sigma, STC’s honorary fraternity for two-year colleges, visit the Society Web site at www.stc.org/academic.html. Applications for both fraternities must be received at the following address by November 1, 2002:
New Student ChaptersThe Society welcomes three new student chapters: Rose City, University of North Carolina–Charlotte, and London, Ontario. The Rose City student chapter is located in Portland, Oregon, and has been assigned to region 7. The chapter advisor is W. Tracy Dillon. The University of North Carolina–Charlotte student chapter is located in Charlotte and has been assigned to region 2. The chapter advisor is Gregory A. Wickliff. The London, Ontario student chapter is located in London, Ontario, Canada, and has been assigned to region 1. The chapter advisor is Deborah Ann Maskens. 2002–2003 Election ResultsMeet the new Society leaders for 2002-2003 at www.stc.org/0203election_results.html. Among the new council members are:
STC Specialty GiftsSTC Specialty Gifts are a great way to show appreciation to Society members or professional colleagues while spreading the STC name. Specialty gifts make terrific giveaways for chapter meeting, conferences, and special events. www.stc.org/specialty_gifts.html STC Mission Statement The mission of the Society for Technical Communication is to improve the quality and effectiveness of technical communication for audiences worldwide. Educational OpportunitiesDeveloping a Single-Sourcing StrategyWhen and Where October 8-9, 2002 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Book and Instructor This seminar now includes JoAnn Hackos's Content Management for Dynamic Web Delivery book. Registration Online at www.usabledesign.com/03register/03register.htm or by phone at 303-234-0123 You’ll learn how to
For more information visit, www.usabledesign.com/01seminars/01ss.htm. Documentation and TrainingBoston University Education Center October 7-8, at the Boston University Corporate Education Center (Tyngsboro, Massachusetts Campus) Tools such as: Acrobat, Author It, CourseBuilder, Deva Help, Dreamweaver, FrameMaker, MS Word, MS Visio, Oasis Dynamic Publishing, Photoshop, Powerpoint, Robohelp, WebWorks Publisher Technologies such as: XML, XSL, HTML-based Help, CSS, eBooks Processes such as: Single-Sourcing, Educational Game Simulations, Minimalism, Structured Information, Enterprise Content Management, Indexing, Contextual Inquiry, Usability Learn more at www.doctrain.com. Marketing Communications Certificate Program, University of Houston The Marketing Communications Certificate Program offers the following courses:
For more information www.uh.edu/continuingeducation/marketing.html. Networking Opportunities
If you have a networking opportunity to share, please tell us! Go to www.stc-houston.org/contacteditor.htm.
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