Chapter News & Events

The 2008 National Conference for Media Reform is just one month away, June 6-8 in Minneapolis.

Speakers include journalists Dan Rather, Amy Goodman, and Bill Moyers, and others, including grassroots organizers, civil rights leaders, social justice activists, Internet visionaries, new media innovators, and music/film/independent media makers.

The conference focuses on the use of media in political, social, environmental, and technological policy-making and information distribution.

Details of the program, registration and lodging are available online.

NCMR Conference Program | FreePress.net

Volunteering with the Rochester Chapter of STC

Have you ever wondered why people volunteer? Why do people give of themselves when there are so many other things to do with their lives?

Personally, I believe it’s something in the water or maybe in the air - especially in Rochester, New York. Rochester is a great volunteer town! It seems like everyone you talk with is involved in something that puts demands on them beyond their 8 to 5 schedule and they seem to love talking about their experiences. They willingly give up their personal time so that they can spend an evening or the occasional Saturday or Sunday being with other like-minded people. But if it’s not in the water or air it must be something that they inherited from their parents or possibly contracted from their children. You know what I mean, all those nights and weekends helping with homework and school projects – that must have something to do with it.

So what do they get from this volunteering?

Well I can assure you it’s not anything monetary. Most volunteer jobs even seem to cost a bit; you understand - for the person to get there - with the price of fuel or at least the cup of $4 coffee while participating in the meeting. And in many volunteer organizations there is always a need for a PC or MAC so you can communicate with others, so there is that cost and of course the price on the Internet provider, that could be a small fortune. So volunteering is not a moneymaking deal, quite the opposite when you come down to it.

So why do so many people volunteer?

I believe it’s personal! It’s a lot like breathing and drinking water – you really need to do it to stay alive. Not alive in the physical sense but more of a personal pride and personal value sense of being. It gives you that feeling that you have made a difference. Like watching your children grow and succeed because you helped nurture their growth. Plus I think it’s a very selfish thing, it makes them feel good about themselves. And while they are feeling good they don’t think about the cost, they do however reflect on the value that their personal contribution has added to the good of the project they supported.

So have you volunteered lately?

If not, the Rochester Chapter of STC is a ‘great’ organization made up of very talented people who have so much to share. Your skills and experience can add so much to the chapter that it is hard to imagine not having you as part of the team. Volunteering with STC will add value to the Chapter and give you a sense of accomplishment for something you personally believe in and it would not have gotten done without your help. Plus, if you’re not careful, you may make some new friends and learn something along the way. Because when you’re involved you add value and make a significant difference.

–
Joseph Uhal is the President of the Rochester Chapter.

Mark your calendars for spectrum 2007 on Friday, March 23rd!

Each year the Rochester Chapter of STC hosts the spectrum conference, the premier event of our chapter’s program year. This year marks the 48th annual education conference and is guaranteed to capture your interest!

This year’s program will kick-off with keynote speaker Peter Bowerman, author of The Well-Fed Writer. Throughout the day, 16 presentations and workshops, concentrated on Emerging Technology, Professional Development, Personal Development, and Skills and Tools, will provide education for all your interests. Plus, share your expertise, opinions, and experience at the Idea Mart. Also on the agenda are the Tech Pubs Competition awards and vendor demonstrations.

spectrum brings together professionals from all areas of technical communication and welcomes you to this year’s conference. Register today!

NOTE: A registration form is available on the chapter web site. The web site will also be updated continually with information about spectrum 2007, so please be sure to check back often.

Your Chapter Needs You!

Have you ever thought about volunteering for the STC Rochester Chapter Advisory Council? The Council meets monthly from September to May to conduct chapter business. Elected Council members include the President, Vice-President (spectrum Chair), Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Program Manager, Membership Manager, two Nominations Committee Members, and the Education Manager. Appointed Council members include the Employment Manager, Historian, List Manager, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Manager, Technical Publications Competition Manager, and the Web Manager.

So, you’re thinking you would like to volunteer, but perhaps you are worried about the time commitment. In addition to the monthly meetings, each Council member spends time on the duties associated with their position. The amount of time varies with the position*. If you feel you cannot commit to a Council member position, how about co-managing a committee with a colleague, or working on a committee like spectrum or Programs?

In future issues of the Proof Sheet, we will describe the Administrative Council positions as they open up for 2007 - 2008.

If you do decide to volunteer, you will:
• Learn many things that you didn’t know about our organization
• Receive personal satisfaction from helping the chapter
• Get an opportunity to meet new people and connect with others you have enjoyed working with in the past
• Get to use your creativity to solve problems and come up with new ideas for the chapter

We know the Rochester Chapter has a wealth of talent and experience. We may be calling you to volunteer!

In future issues of the Proof Sheet, we will describe the Administrative Council positions as they open up for 2007 - 2008. As of January, Membership, Nominations, and Programs are open. The Nominations Committee has descriptions available for each Council position. If you would like more information about one of these, please contact us:

Betsy Christiansen
betsychristiansen@gmail.com

Estelle Holloway
stell0509@yahoo.com