Re: The STC and me

[Karen L. Zorn <k -dot- zorn -at- zorntech -dot- com>]

As with people, STC chapters and what value they provide to their members differ. Some chapters are cash rich and don't give back to their member; some are stagnating due to prior policies and dynamics; some are active, vital, fiscally responsible, and exciting chapters  where the members are valued and encouraged to participate. Yes, chapter leadership does have a lot to do with it.

Part of STC's reorg efforts are to bring the membership fees into line with how the members *use* STC. One of the options, an online distribution of the publications, will help decrease the tremendous expense of mailing the periodicals, especially to members outside North America. For folks who don't go to chapter meetings, for whatever reason, a "non-participating" membership may be of value.

The parent organization has realized, hopefully not too late, that it is not providing to its membership what the membership wants and needs and is trying to remedy that. Over the next year or two, you'll see new ideas and offerings. Whether or not you take advantage of them is up to you. Whether you think a membership is of value, at whatever level, is up to you.

STC is not a requirement for a successful career as a technical communicator, but it may enhance your experience depending on your ability and desire to participate and use the organization.

I belong to and am very active in STC-Phoenix, which is probably one of the more active chapters. A previous chapter membership was dropped after 2 years for several reasons, one being the inconvenience of meeting locations. STC-Phoenix celebrated its 40th year as a chapter 2003-2004, STC itself is only 50! Our chapter membership hovers around 250, although approximately 60% of the membership is inactive, just paying yearly dues. I'm sure this is not uncommon.

As someone pointed out earlier, "you get back what you put in" does not apply to all, it is more correct than not. There are leaders, followers, and workers; you decide what you want to be.  You can't expect to go from new member to President in one year. If you don't like what you see in your chapter, you can strive to become a leader and change the dynamics, or drop out--our choice.

Although change is the hardest thing for any one of us, it is exciting--and scary--to know that the parent organization is realizing that it *has to change* in order to grow and continue to exist. Without change comes stagnation and eventually death. For those of us involved, at whatever level, in STC these are interesting times. Some will hate what happens, some will embrace it, some will take a wait-and-see attitude,  and others will walk away. 

As long as I live and work in the Phoenix Metro area, I will probably keep my STC membership. This chapter has provided networking opportunities, employment contacts, professional development, and the encouragement and support to try things I may never have left to my own devices.

Karen L. Zorn
Zorn Technologies, Inc.
Mesa, AZ
106 and partly cloudy


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