Volunteering

What You Put in...

By Kitty Aughey

November is a good time to dust off the hackneyed remark: "You get out of it what you put into it."

As we begin the 2001-2002 chapter year, I am convinced that each of you can improve as technical communicators by becoming involved in leading and supporting your local STC chapter. Juggling multiple priorities and finding personal time can be overwhelming, but the events that surround your chapter's activities are career-oriented and keep you abreast of the evolving technologies and "bright ideas" that you want to and need to be aware of. As changes occur in our communicator roles, STC is the platform for presenting, evaluating, and discussing the redirection. You need to make time to stay current on the job!

Start your volunteer plan by offering help to the chapter in tiny nuggets—phoning for chapter surveys, hospitality greeter at meetings, chapter conference assistant, list keeper, or newsletter reporter and then move onto committees and soon become a chairperson of one of the chapter's special projects. Starting small is the key.

The benefits of involvement are numerous. Your employer and your fellow communicators will realize that you take your profession seriously. The opportunities to network are wide-open, and you can seek and give advice on work issues and ask for information on numerous subjects. It is likely that someone in your chapter has information on anything or everything that you need. A real bonus is that you are now in a position to suggest programs that can benefit you and others.

Please call your chapter president today and offer help. I can guarantee a job will be waiting for you in the size you can handle. Celebrate your action and feel good!

Editor's Note: Boston Chapter members can learn about volunteer opportunities and contacts on the Volunteers page of the chapter Web site.

Kathleen B. Aughey is the Director-Sponsor for Region 1.