STC Alberta News and Updates

President's Message
Lucille Worone, President, STC Alberta

Did you attend the New Heights seminar on April 12th? Best-selling author, professor and industry expert Saul Carliner presented a session on information design that was informative to both novice and veteran technical communicators.  

Saul's first visit to Alberta was heralded by the heaviest snowfall of the season. Despite his flight that included an unscheduled two-hour stopover in Lethbridge and a 45-minute holding pattern over Calgary, Saul enjoyed his visit.  He complimented us on our friendly hospitality and superb organization and hopes to return.  

Special thanks goes to Nicole Foss who organized this year's seminar.  I would also like to thank the many STC Alberta members and prospective members who took advantage of this opportunity to learn from this world-class presenter, and made this seminar a success.

Our STC Alberta year is not over yet!  May 15 will be an evening program on DITA, and our annual general meeting (AGM) will be on May 29.

One of the features of our AGM is the election of the new administrative council.  Before you close your browser on this message, I would ask you to pause for a moment and consider participating in your professional society.  In talking to prospective board members and volunteers over the years, the same objections are repeated.  I call these the "Top Seven Myths of STC's Administrative Council." 

1. It takes a lot of time.
 The STC council uses e-mail and project management tools such as Basecamp to reduce the number of meetings to about seven per year, and we do not meet over the summer months.  There is some deadline flexibility for completing the tasks in most positions, so you can easily fit them into your schedule. If you prefer not to make a long-term commitment, we also need members to assist for one-time events or projects.

2. I have a great job so I don't need to get more involved with STC for networking. 
Company buy-outs, reorganizations, lack of growth opportunities--there are many reasons other than an economic downturn that could have you looking for your next job.  As the Chinese proverb states, "the best time to plant a tree was 15 years ago--the next best time is now." Develop and expand your network of professional contacts before you need it.

3.  I network when I attend STC events, and that's enough. 
It can be said of most organizations that the greatest benefit goes to those who participate.  Attending an event is one level of participation.  However, working with people towards a common goal is a great way to really get to know others and allow them to get to know you.

4.  I hate speaking in front of groups. 
Very few positions require any public speaking at all.  If this is a concern, one of the other board members would be glad to introduce the speaker, or present the scholarship, for example.

5. I am just starting out in the field of technical communication, so I don't have any skills to offer. 
Most positions do not require technical communication skills.  Vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and  registration/hospitality coordinator are just some of the positions that do not require technical writing expertise.

6.  It won't enhance my job skills. 
There are positions that allow you to develop your skills in writing, event planning, project management, public speaking, and HTML coding. All members of the administrative council have a say in the speakers and topics we present.  This is a great way to influence the type of professional development events our chapter hosts.

7.  I pay my STC dues which helps pay for STC staff salaries, so why do we need local volunteers? 
 Yes, your membership fees support the STC head office staff which administers the international Society, produces Intercom and Technical Communication, and so on.  $25 of each member's fees is forwarded to their chapter.  At this local level, all events and activities are managed by volunteers.  Our Alberta chapter is very financially sound--we just need board members to help us spend the money wisely and return value to the chapter membership. 

Next year we will have a stable base of returning council members.  The available positions include:  president, vice-president, secretary, and public relations.  Coordinators are also required for registration/hospitality, membership/e-mail list coordinator, workshops, and special events. For more information on these positions, visit the volunteer opportunities page or e-mail me.  Be the change you want to see in the STC Alberta chapter.

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The 55th Annual Technical Communication Summit
Lori Corbett, STC Immediate Past President & PMC Conference Liaison

The Philadelphia Metro chapter is eagerly looking forward to hosting this year's conference, June 1 – 4.
 
"On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia."

We [I?] hope you take W.C. Fields' epitaph* to heart and join us [me] here for the Technical Communication Summit June 1-4. You know what to expect at the Summit itself: news about the latest developments and techniques in our
field and the chance to get together with colleagues and friends, old and new. But there are plenty of surprises and unexpected pleasures waiting for you in the City of Brotherly Love.

Just a few examples: you can

Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where it all began. Or Franklin's Court to see a working replica of Ben Franklin's printing press and find out how things were done before laser printers.

Wander out Ben Franklin Parkway to see the Museum of Natural History, the original dinosaur museum; climb aboard a full-size Baldwin locomotive at the Franklin Institute (almost everything here was founded by or named after Old
Ben); or check out the world's largest collection of work by Dadaist master Marcel Duchamp at the Art Museum.

Hop on the SEPTA subway to take in a Philadelphia Phillies (baseball) home game at Citizens Bank Park.  (Yep, they are in town May 30th through June 5th.)

Head down the Avenue of the Arts for a musical, theatrical, or dance performance by one of our world-class companies.

Or if you really want to go hard-core Philly, try the Mummer's Museum (2nd Street at Washington Avenue).

In short, there are lots of things to see, do, and eat (not just pretzels and cheese steaks) in William Penn's "Greene Country Towne." Stop by the STC-Philly Metro Chapter's Hospitality Booth and say hello. We'll be glad to suggest something exciting that fits your particular interests.

See you there!

 ------
*Well, it isn't really, but why spoil a good intro?

P.S. Have you noticed that the stc.org website has started posting updated
information about the conference?

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