STC/SM Chapter Volunteer Opportunities
 
 
Volunteer Opportunities with the STC/SM Chapter

STC/SM is run entirely by volunteers actively engaged in the professional development opportunities made available by the chapter. Volunteers work for multiple reasons and benefits, investing in their skill development and careers, while experiencing the satisfaction of helping others. All STC/SM volunteer staff get the chance to meet new people, learn about a broad range of issues, develop professional written and interpersonal communication skills, and contribute to the advancement of the opportunities for technical writers in Southeastern Michigan, as well as the overall technical communication profession.

In addition to staffing STC/SM through elected volunteer positions, we also work with other volunteer staff on a range of projects and activities. We maintain formal STC/SM staff positions, have multiple volunteers directed by committee managers, and bring in other volunteers for events, special projects, and support with our regular chapter activities. As volunteers are always welcome, for projects both large and small, you can lend a hand for just a few hours, jump in and tackle a long-term project, or make a commitment to the chapter to serve for at least a full term/year. Regardless, STC/SM maintains an environment to encourage the participation of volunteers, and the generous donation of their time and talents. (Note: Membership in STC nor STC/SM is not a requirement for volunteering. However, membership in the STC/SM Chapter is required for Executive Administration Council positions.)

We're looking forward to the possibility of hearing from some creative, energetic volunteers! The descriptions below offer brief overviews of formal volunteer opportunities with the chapter. Whether you are interested in holding an elected office or committee manager position, or would like to help on a more informal basis, you are likely to find areas you can contribute to the growth and vitality of the STC/SM Chapter.

Contact Us
Although we are currently in the 2009-2010 Chapter Term, we always have a place for new volunteers, as well as the donation of specialized skills. If you are interested in helping out, please send an e-mail to < nominations@stc-sm.org >, or another STC/SM volunteer. Or, if you prefer, download the STC/SM Time & Talent Survey from the following link, a form in Word to fill out and email to us, or print and mail to our PO Box.
STC/SM Chapter Administrative Council
The STC/SM Chapter Administrative Council is the governing body of the STC/SM chapter, managing STC/SM operations. This body consists solely of the Executive Administrative Council, made up of the four currently elected officers and the immediate past president—empowered with primary voting authority to pursue chapter initiatives, allocate resources, and authorize financial expenditures, to further the strategic objectives of the society and goals of the current president. The Extended Administrative Council includes committee managers, who participate in council meetings throughout the chapter term and contribute to chapter decision-making.
Executive Administrative Council Volunteer Positions
Position
Description
President The chapter President oversees chapter operations and helps other volunteers plan, organize, and conduct various chapter activities. The President takes over the Immediate Past President position in the following chapter term.
Vice President The chapter Vice President supports the President in all aspects of the chapter as needed, and takes over the President's role in the following chapter term.
Immediate Past President The chapter Immediate Past President, in addition to serving as the Nominations Chair of the Nominations Committee, continues to support chapter-level initiatives and the goals of the current President.
Treasurer The chapter Treasurer manages all of the chapter's funds and financial operations.
Secretary The chapter Secretary keeps the records of council meetings and activities; reminds other council members of upcoming events, meetings, and duties; maintains the council's contact information; and archives chapter materials on the website as needed.
Extended Administrative Council Committee Managers
STC/SM Committee
Position
Description
Education Education Liaison Coordinates communication between the STC/SM Chapter and the numerous high schools, colleges, and universities in our area.
Historical Chapter Historian Often working in conjunction with the Secretary, maintains historical records of STC/SM, including hardcopy, electronic files, and other assets. This position also includes opportunities to gather new historical records about STC/SM.
Job Board/Listserv Job Board/Listserv Manager Collects and posts all job openings that are submitted to the chapter for circulation, and manages the chapter's Listserv.
Membership Membership Manager Develops ideas for recruiting new members, maintains lists of current and prospective members, and answers questions that prospective members might have about the chapter.
Newsletter Newsletter Manager Oversees the production of TECHcomments, the chapter's newsletter, published in PDF format online.
Nominations Nominations Manager Identifies and approaches potential candidates for elected offices within the chapter, and also coordinates and recruits volunteers for non-elected jobs.
Professional Professional Liaison

Promotes partnerships by facilitating and coordinating communications and activities between STC/SM members, professional organizations, and local companies in order to fulfill business resource and STC member employment needs.

Programs Programs Manager Generates ideas for seminars, presentations, and other events designed to further the professional development of the chapter membership, planning, setting up, and executing the events.
Publicity Publicity Manager Serves as a primary link between the chapter and the community. The committee's goal is to increase public awareness of both our profession and the Society, and also helps the Membership Committee recruit new members.
Website Webmaster Maintains the STC/SM website, administers the chapter email system, explores new technologies and ideas for the development of online resources, and works to recruit developers and writers as needed to help manage and create content.

 
 
Dedicated to the advancement of technical communication within Southeastern Michigan...  

© 2010 by STC/SM
Last update: March 20, 2010
STC/SM — PO BOX 1289 — Ann Arbor, MI 48106 — USA