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.

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.

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.

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.

While time is short for most if not all of us, volunteering for your chapter is richly rewarding. Here are some of the benefits:

You will gain influence over what the chapter offers, making sure that these offerings meet your 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.

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.

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!

You will demonstrate to your employer and to future employers that you take your profession seriously. How do you suppose that will look at your next review or interview?

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!

If you think you can find the time to enhance your career, your chapter, and your life, volunteer!