Society Highlights
One Chapter Begins A Past Presidents Club; Another Returns To School With STC-U
By Amy M. Anson
As another year begins for STC chapters, many new leaders are adjusting to their roles. As they learn the ropes, they may be in need of advice, especially from previous leaders. One chapter is developing a new way in which the experiences, observations, and advice of its former chapter presidents can serve as a resource. In December 2002, the Houston chapter STC approved a proposal for initiating a past presidents club. The idea was proposed a few years ago when the chapter was considering how to keep former members involved in chapter activities. Under this concept, former leaders remain involved and can offer historical perspective when difficult decisions arise.
Houston chapter members who have served as a chapter president in any STC chapter are automatically members of the club. The only exception is a former president serving on the administrative council. Those members cannot participate until after their council commitment ends. The primary purpose of the club is social, with occasional opportunities provided for "like minds" to share memories and ideas and to stay in touch.
The immediate past president acts as a chapter liaison for these members, carrying suggestions and information between the former presidents and the current president. Confidentiality is a key aspect of the club. The current chapter president can rest assured that any concerns will remain with members of the club.
The Houston chapter anticipates that one major benefit of its new club will be motivating other members. With past presidents sharing their experiences and knowledge, Houston members may be inspired to run for office and gain the experience required to become a future chapter president.
For more information on the Houston chapter's past presidents club, contact Deborah Long at dlong@bigcity.net.
Deborah M. Long, a past president of the Houston chapter, is president and owner of Long Communications, a technical writing and editing consulting firm in Houston, Texas. She has been active in the technical communication field for 22 years.
Editor's note: This article originally appeared in the February 2003 issue of Dateline Houston, the Houston chapter STC newsletter. It also appeared in the May/June 2003 issue of Tieline with changes. It appears in the Boston Broadside also with changes.
Heading Back To School Via STC-U
STC chapters consist of technical communicators with wide ranges of experience, from entry to senior level. Most members are eager for opportunities to sharpen existing or to learn new skills. The past few years the Willamette Valley chapter has offered an educational program called STC-U (STC University) to address members' various interests.
STC-U was launched in 1997 by the late Margot Beutler, a past president of the Willamette Valley chapter. It began with a series of hands-on HTML classes targeted to working professionals. Classes grew to include other topics such as Java-Script, training, and online writing. At least two workshops are offered each year and are conducted by experts such as JoAnn Hackos, Ginny Redish, and Lance Gelein. The topics range from project management to e-learning.
In addition to their teaching duties, STC-U instructors serve a large role in the organization. Instructors propose classes to the administrative council and present a schedule to help coordinate publicity efforts. Once the instructor receives approval, he or she takes care of facility arrangements, announcements via the chapter's Web site and mailing list, and registrations by email or on the day of the event at the door.
While the STC-U classes provide affordable education to members, they also bring a profit to the Willamette Valley chapter. Tuition is based on a minimum class size of eight students. Expenses include a modest hourly rate for the instructor, cost for facilities, and workbook printing. Both STC members and nonmembers are welcome to enroll in STC-U, and STC members pay a reduced rate.
While the pace of STC-U has shifted over the years (some years there is a greater focus on workshops than classes, and vice versa), the Willamette Valley chapter feels that its university continues to support members who seek to learn, grow, and explore technical communication.
Committee Seeks Associate Fellow Recommendations
The rank of associate fellow is recognition a member's achievements in the field of technical communication and/or in the work of STC. Each fall, the associate fellows nominating committee asks chapters and members to recommend STC members for the rank of associate fellow.
Any voting member of the Society may make a recommendation. The associate fellows nominating committee receives the recommendations and forwards the names of selected candidates to the STC board of directors for approval. Candidates must have been active in the field of technical communication for at least 15 years and members of the Society for at least 10 years.
Nominating guidelines and information describing the nominating process can be found on the society's web site at www.stc.org/afellows_nominating.asp.
There is a new form that lets chapters and individuals nominate candidates online. This form also contains guidelines to help you assemble a complete nomination package.
New associate fellows will be elected by the STC board of directors in January 2004 and will be recognized at STC's 51st Annual Conference in Baltimore. Completed nomination packages must be returned to the Society office no later than October 17, 2003. Contact Larry Kunz at lkunz@veritas.com for more information.
Updated Administrative Directory Available Soon
In July, an updated Administrative Directory was posted to www.stc.org/directory/directory.asp. Please review your information in the directory and advise the Society office of any changes.
Membership at A Glance: As of June 2003
- Total members: 19,015
- Members residing in the US: 16,270
- Members residing in Canada: 1,711
- Members residing elsewhere: 1,034
- Total chapters*: 153
* Includes 35 student chapters.
Amy Anson, a past Boston Broadside managing editor, is a senior editor at Forrester Research in Cambridge, MA.
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