stc-jamesriver.org - What Kind of STC Do You Want?

Looking into my crystal ball and the tea leaves (left over in my coffee cup—gotta wash that thing!), I think it means that quite a few practitioners of the crafts encompassed by the term “technical communication” see the need for a strong professional organization. Unfortunately, many do not believe that the Society is a strong advocate for our profession.

I read comments from fellow professionals who admit, or shout, the fact that they have:

Left STC
Never attend a local chapter meeting
Are disgruntled with positions taken by the Society
Are disgruntled with positions not taken by the Society

Sometimes, it’s a bit confusing.

So, What’s the Point?

I could use this bully pulpit to argue for any number of positions or directions I think the Society should pursue. Instead, I’m going to invoke by introspective side.

No matter what you think STC should do, the Society will not do it unless someone advocates that program, project, or position. We can await the arrival of that someone or those someones, but perhaps we should look into a mirror to find at least one someone.

“The Society” is really nothing substantive without the action and activity of others who form the society. It’s not a case of payback: you do something for the STC; the Society does something for you. Rather, programs, projects, and positions taken by the organization are strongest at the most local level. Things we undertake here in this chapter affect what other chapters do, and vice-versa.

There is a world in the profession beyond that superb user guide you’re writing. There are things, such as health insurance and training, that affect you and me directly. And, the fact is that we speak better when we speak together.

So, if you’re waiting for the chapter to set up a program on the topic that’s of major concern to you before you’ll participate in a chapter program meeting…maybe you’ll have a better chance of attending a program on that topic if you participate.