By Kristy Lantz Astry
STC RMC VP 2009-2010
I’m renewing my membership despite misgivings such as, Will STC survive into the next year and beyond? Or am I throwing my money away? I had doubts that the international organization would continue. If STC didn’t survive, what would happen to STC RMC? Would we disband? Because of the friendships I’ve made in STC RMC over the years, and the networking and education opportunities I’ve enjoyed, I’d hate to see us just go away.
As far as I can tell, it appears as though STC will continue. I appreciate the society’s efforts to redefine itself. I’ve seen it offer more webinars and opportunities for members – for free – in the last six months than I’ve seen in years. Call me cautiously optimistic. In my opinion, STC has woken up, faced its crisis head-on, and has emerged a stronger and more efficient society – so far. So I will pony up my dues for 2010, including $25 to rejoin STC RMC. I will continue to do what I can to support my chapter. I will continue to champion the benefits of joining my chapter to former and potential members.
But I also insist that STC accounts for every dollar it spends. I demand that organization leaders scrutinize every expense and find ways to generate more revenue without further squeezing its members. There is no longer a place for complacency in STC.