A Call for You to Act News & Views President's Podium

by Mike Sharp Originally published in News & Views May 2000 issue. Copyright 2000 STC-Philadelphia Metro Chapter. For permission to reprint this article, contact the Managing Editor.

My last few President's Podiums have had the common theme of treating yourself as a technical communications professional. From how to price your services through how to maintain the marketability of your service products, the message has been that whether you work as a freelancer, contractor, or regular employee, viewing yourself as a technical communications professional means treating yourself as a business: keeping your service products up to date, keeping your pricing competitive, and conducting yourself as a responsible professional. Part of conducting yourself professionally involves giving back to your professional community some of what you have reaped from your profession-in other words, sharing your experience with others. You could find a less experienced technical writer in your organization to mentor. You could plan to present or coordinate a session at next year's annual STC conference. (You need to start planning that now because the deadline for proposals is August 1, 2000.) Or, you could plan to volunteer time and energy in running our Philadelphia Metro chapter. And that's the thrust of this particular Podium-to interest you, to challenge you to find a place to give a little of yourself, and to be prepared to receive much in return. There is no better time than right now for you to take this step because in the next couple of months we will be putting together our leadership team for the coming year, culminating in a planning meeting for a couple of hours on June 17. You need to find an opportunity for service that would interest you. Here is a broad review of the areas of opportunity: Program planning Each year the chapter puts on eight programs. This year we held five dinner meetings on a weeknight, two Saturday workshops, and one miniconference on a Saturday. Whatever your interests, you should be able to find a place to help on the program committee. The committee plans programs on timely topics in an appropriate format-afterdinner presentations for introductions and overviews, and Saturday workshops for more indepth skill development. This year particularly, you have the opportunity to develop a workshop on a topic that interests you. As coordinator, you would be responsible for setting the overall perspective and goals of the workshop. You would contact and work with a presenter to plan the event. With help, you would coordinate arrangements for facility, food, promotion, and presentation. Newsletter Here is a place for you to contribute your skills, explore your interests, and grow professionally as you help maintain the standards of a consistent awardwinning newsletter that is laid out in FrameMaker. Web site Extend your knowledge of HTML, web protocols, and site maintenance procedures. Work with our Webmaster to refresh our site, and then to maintain it. Competitions Each year our chapter has traded with another chapter to judge entries in both print and online competitions. Help to arrange for and conduct entry judging, or participate as a judge. Employment information Help to provide employment information to chapter members and nonmembers. Or, help to run the Career Day miniconference in March.

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Last updated: June 6, 2000 (mvh)