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Volume 25, Number 9
May 2009
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LSC Membership Minute

by Jeanne Foster, Manager, Membership and SIN SIG

The good, the bad, and the ugly

Well, let’s go ahead and get the bad news over with first. We all know times are tough. Even people who are employed are doing some serious consideration before spending. So, it should be no surprise that our membership numbers are down this year. As I write this article, the grace period for registration is over, and officially, LSC has 221 members. In my last article, I was able to report that membership stood at 291. But let’s not dwell on the bad news. The good news is, LSC is still here! We are still a wonderful resource for people with jobs, people between jobs, and people who are just getting started in the field. We have a fabulous speaker coming up to round out our 2008-2009 program year and great ideas for the coming program year. And we will still be here when our past and new members are ready to rejoin the fold.

Member SpotlightOne of the things many of us enjoy about LSC is the opportunity to meet fresh faces. I’ve had the honor of virtually meeting Arlene Robbins through e-mail. Arlene is a busy person. She says, “It's been a very long time since I've had time to do anything more than work...and volunteer at a rescue organization...and work.”
 
I hope you get a chance to meet Arlene at an upcoming meeting. She has been the and Transport (BRAT) for many, many years and has a few stories to share about those experiences. A couple of months ago, she took a lengthy break and gave the position to some of the volunteers she’d groomed.
 
Arlene says, “I was laid off from Nortel on March 30, after 15 years.” I’m sure you will agree that, sadly, that is an all-too-familiar tale.

Arlene has been a technical writer and editor for about 9 years. She says, “I dearly love the field. I'm currently looking for a new position writing and editing. The technical field doesn't matter...in fact, I'd be just as glad to do something besides telecom.”

If you haven’t already met Arlene, I hope you will have the chance to do so at the May meeting. She’s looking forward to meeting you!

Help in Tough Economic Times

2008 memberships expired December 31, 2008. In these tough economic times, some folks are being forced to make some hard decisions. We hope you are not in this position, but if you are, and membership dues are in question, did you know that STC is offering assistance to those who request it in the form of a four-payment installment plan?

You can learn more about the installment plan by visiting:
http://www.stc.org/2009/03/19/STC-Offers-Split-payment-Option-for-Members-Dues.asp

pr visit YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/Society4TechComm to hear about this and other offers to help members in these tough economic times.

SIN SIG 2008-2009 at a Glance

SIN SIG graphicThe May 21st SIN SIG (Shy, Inactive, and New Special Interest Group) meeting is your chance to grab the ear of incoming president, Kristin Kirkham, and let her know what’s on your mind, what you want and need, what you hope LSC can do next year.

What do you need to know about SIN SIG?

  • Who: Everyone is welcome! We especially encourage you to attend if you are:
    • Shy
    • Inactive
    • New to the Lone Star Community (LSC)
    • Trying to get more involved
    • Interested in meeting new people

  • What: An opportunity to get your feet wet, learn more about LSC, and network

  • When: April 16th, 5:45 PM (before the regular monthly meeting)


  • Where: Crowne Plaza, Addison

This informal gathering is a great way to network before the meeting and learn more about our community. Everyone is welcome!

Change or Upgrade
Your Membership

Upgrade your STC membership (from "Limited" or "E-membership" to "Classic") or add communities or SIGs to your existing membership.