By Marcia Shannon, Membership Manager
The end of the third quarter usually brings STC several deadlines, so here’s a review to help you realize the greatest benefits of your STC and IDL memberships.
STC Renewal Season
This kicked off on September 1 with a December 31 deadline, making you eligible to vote for the 2024 Society-level positions. Membership brings many benefits and opportunities, including continuing education webinars, workshops, certificate classes, and volunteer opportunities at the STC and chapter/SIG community levels. Virtual and in-person networking has become an easy way to participate in many activities. Have you told your colleagues about the benefits of joining STC? Joining now extends the twelve-month membership into this year. It’s a bargain well worth snagging. Click here to reach the STC membership page.
The STC Associate Fellow Applications
These are usually due in early November, although the STC website has not yet been updated with the 2023 deadline. This is the only honor that a member can self-nominate for, or nominate any active STC member. The STC Board of Directors votes to confer the award when an applicant has been an outstanding contributor to the technical communication profession and the Society and its communities. You probably know someone doing that right now, so why not nominate that person?
To qualify for consideration, a nominee must:
- Have been active in technical communication for at least 15 years.
- Have fulfilled ten years of service as an STC Member (with at least five years at the level of Senior Member) as of the application submission deadline.
- Be engaged in the field at the time of application.
Check the Associate Fellow information page for the honor’s complete description, requirements, and application form.
Volunteer for the IDL SIG
Try out a role by volunteering as a backup in one of several positions. This lets you shadow an incumbent to see if the role fits you. Volunteering gives you opportunities to demonstrate your leadership and organizational competence skills, something worth including on your resume. Volunteering will enable you to extend your reach and expand your professional network.
STC Annual Scholarship
Do you know or work with students in technical communication courses? Encourage them to apply for the 2024 STC scholarship. The application and instructor/personal recommendations deadline is December 31.