Newsletter of the Society for Technical Communication, San Francisco Chapter
August/September 2009
| Newsletter of the Society for Technical Communication, San Francisco Chapter August/September 2009 |
My first experience with the San Francisco Chapter of the STC was when I went to the Chapter's annual Holiday Party in 2005. Barely out of SF State's technical writing program and a little intimidated by the cumulative years of experience in the room, I was greatly surprised by everyone's encouragement and interest in someone so new to the field. This warm welcome -- along with an eagerness to enter the professional world -- led to my volunteering as the Chapter's Hospitality Manager, which is a position I am happy to hold to this day. (I'm the person who checks you in at each meeting.)
In 2007, wanting to continue assisting the Chapter, I pursued the Secretary position, and have held the position for the last two terms. During that time, I have used my organizational and personal skills that I built while performing the duties of Hospitality Manger to perform the basic duties of the Secretary: taking minutes during Chapter Leadership Meetings, assisting with any Chapter communication or correspondence and overseeing the Chapter's document archive and Handbook. A majority of the Secretary's responsibilities is during the Chapter Leadership meeting -- my time to shine, if you will. Leadership meetings are a chance for Chapter leaders (including the President and Treasurer) to discuss Chapter business, review the budget and discuss other topics. Minutes are an important and essential element of any organization and provide a summary of each meeting so that leaders can review past decisions -- or refresh their memory.
As a side note for the Handbook, with the great help of Membership Manager Larry Pastori, the Chapter was able to completely revise and update our Handbook, providing a streamlined direction and purpose for the Chapter. Although Chapter members may not be aware of the Handbook, having a guide that correctly specifies job responsibilities and overall Chapter information greatly helps the Leadership better manage the Chapter and assist its members.
In addition to these basic duties, I was also able to help with several important special projects as the Secretary. One of the best reasons for volunteering for the Chapter is that, as a small chapter driven by its leadership, we all get the opportunity to suggest (and head up) projects that are needed, but not necessarily fall within our specific job title.
During my two-term run as the Chapter's Secretary, I am proud of my contributions to a recent survey asking respondents their opinions about the Chapter meetings. The Chapter will use the feedback we received to enhance the meeting experience for all our guests. Finally, look out for a new Chapter brochure detailing the benefits of Chapter meetings.
The Chapter has given me a lot: exposure to so many new tools, topics and trends in the technical writing fields, ideas for how to develop as a writer and employee -- and even a first, real job. My hope and the reason I continue to volunteer for the Chapter is that I give back as much as I received.
If you are interested in learning more about what I do as a Secretary or how you can give back to the Chapter, please contact me at info@stc-sf.org -- or come see me at a Chapter meeting.