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Why Be a Chapter Volunteer
Why Be a Chapter Volunteer
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<h1><font size="4" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Why Be a
Chapter Volunteer?</b></font></h1>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><i>by Chris
Benz, Region 2, the tallest STC board member EVER </i> </font></p>
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<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> As we begin another
STC program year, it's time for chapters and members alike to reflect
on our achievements during the past year, and start thinking about what
we want to accomplish in the coming year. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">While STC's Region
2 chapters range widely in size from under 20 members to over 750, most
chapters would cease to exist were it not for the efforts of a relatively
small number of volunteers. These small teams of "worker bees" deliver
the bulk of each chapter's offerings—newsletters, monthly membership
and special interest group (SIG) meetings, competitions, Web sites, e-mailings,
workshops, and so on. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">While those who volunteer
are generally glad to do it (to see why, keep reading), a small group
of volunteers means that your chapter can't offer as much as it could
with a larger volunteer base. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Volunteering for your
chapter can take many forms. You can serve in a relatively demanding leadership
role such as newsletter editor or program coordinator, or one that requires
less time but still allows you to be in the center of activity, such as
secretary. You can serve in a long-term support role, such as a writer
for the newsletter or a Web assistant, or you can fill a short-term role,
such as a coordinator a chapter workshop or a competition judge. You can
also identify a need and propose a role to address it; chapter leaders
are generally open to anything that improves their fellow members' professional
lives or the community at large.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> While time is short
for most if not all of us, volunteering for your chapter is richly rewarding.
Here are some of the benefits: </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">You will gain influence
over what the chapter offers, making sure that these offerings meet <b>your</b>
professional needs. Plus, the more volunteers your chapter has, the more
it can offer, and the higher quality (and possibly lower cost) those offerings
can be. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">You will establish
contacts with other technical communication professionals who can give
you advice and help when you need it. Looking for new ideas for improving
online help or your Web site? Wondering how to position yourself for that
promotion? Having trouble extracting information from programmers? Someone
in your chapter has the answer—or at least knows how to help you
find the answer.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">You will be able to
try new things and establish new skills without fear of reprisal for faltering.
Volunteers are a very forgiving group because we've all been there, and
you certainly won't lose your paying job! </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> You will demonstrate
to your employer and to future employers that you take your profession
seriously. How do you suppose <i>that</i> will look at your next review
or interview? </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">And finally, this
from a recent Washington, DC, chapter e-mailing: "A ten-year study of
2,700 people by the University of Michigan Survey Research Center found
that those who volunteer on a regular basis dramatically increase their
life expectancy. Remember, the greatest benefits of STC belong to those
who participate. The long life part is just a bonus." Well said! </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">If you think you can
find the time to enhance your career, your chapter, <b>and</b> your life,
volunteer! </font></p>
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2011 Meet and Greet