|
|
|
|
by Linda L. Oestreich, Director-Sponsor Region 5
STC membership offers more than most of us realize. I have been a member for many years, yet when I recently checked the STC Website, I was surprised by some of the benefits we receive. As a new member we often plead ignorance of those benefits. Each new member gets an STC New Member packet, but rather than look through the materials, we put them aside and plan to look through them later. At the other end of the spectrum, long-time members seldom reassess their membership. We take advantage of certain perks because we know they exist. We don't check to see what's changed. I just completed a year as Membership Director of STC-Houston, so I now know our membership perks. It's hard to sell it if you don't know what it's worth!
To start, check the STC website at www.stc.org. Once there, click on Membership, then select Benefits of. It takes you to http://www.stc.org/benefits.html. At the left of the page, you will see several items: click on 10 Reasons to Join or the STC New Member Kit. What a great surprise! Both pieces offer all kinds of information that will either remind you of stuff you've forgotten or teach you about stuff you never knew!
My Perk List
When I first began thinking about this article, I drew a mind map of all the topics I might discuss with you. Here's a copy:
|
This map was the result of some solo brainstorming—before I went to the STC Website. When you look at it, realize I built it from my personal perspecitive. It's not a complete list, but it shows what came to my mind in just a few minutes. I definitely forgot some things, but look at all I remembered!
This mind map has seven major branches. How many of them do you "work"? You know what I mean…do you work the mentoring? Or the professional development? Are you someone who works the publications but passes on the mentoring and networking? Over the years, I've worked all the branches, just not all at one time! You don't have to "work" it all—but it's a lot more fun when you do!
STC's Perk List
Rather than only look at STC through my eyes, here are the 10 areas STC emphasizes in the brochure, "10 Reasons to Join STC." (These are also 10 reasons to LOVE being a member!)
How many of the ten do you take advantage of? Do you make time to read some of the articles in the two publications? How often do you take part in chapter activities? When was the last annual conference you attended? Do you belong to a SIG? Are you active in it?
Challenge
Whenever I hear people complain about the STC membership fee, I remind them to look at the value they get for their dues. We get so much more than we pay for! I think STC is one of the best bargains around!
So, even though you're probably already a member, stop and reevaluate just why that is. Are you taking advantage of all STC has to offer—both in what you give and what you get? If not, I challenge you to reconsider. You'll find STC a grand group to belong to. We're fun, we're smart, and we're here to help you be a better technical communicator. Give us a chance.
