June/July 2004

Volume 44, Number 6

April chapter meeting review

The STC transformation: Roadmap to a better, stronger STC

by Joel Meier

At the April membership meeting STC International Treasurer (and RMC member) Mary Jo Stark gave an impromptu yet informative overview of the progress of the transformation of the STC. Here is a quick overview of her presentation.

Why transform STC?

We have to! The technical communication profession has changed, and our organization must change along with it.

How will the STC transform?

We will change it! Mary Jo made it very clear that we, the STC membership, will change the organization. Based on our input, the STC Board of Directors has developed a set of goals through which to accomplish this transformation.

What are the goals for transformation?

The STC transformation project has four primary goals:

• Increase the value of our services to members.
• Create financial stability for the organization.
• Promote membership growth.
• Be a leader and advocate for our profession.

The transformation principles

As we undertake the transformation of the STC, we are guided by the following principles:

• Do no harm.
• Respect our existing communities.
• Build on the organization's strengths.
• Support the development of communities of practice.
• Diversify our membership.
• Offer more and varied choices.
• Promote the value of technical communication.

How will we meet these goals?

The STC Board of Directors has developed a process to guide us through the transformation process. To succeed, they need your help.

Please check out the STC transformation information on the STC website-there's a complete discussion of the goals, the process, and our progress, as well as a list of people leading the effort.

Here's what to do:

1. Go to the STC home page: www.stc.org
2. At the bottom right of the page, click Visit STC's Transformation Pages. You'll need to sign in with your membership number and password (all members have a login to the STC site—if you don't know yours, contact the STC for the information). The link takes you to a section full of transformation information.

If you have strong feelings about the transformation, one way or another, let them know! It's important that members participate throughout the process.