The biggest benefits of STC are the networking and the mentoring, as well as the opportunities to gain skills by volunteering and through professional development. One of STC's greatest strengths has always been the collegial nature of most of these relationships. I know that there are many people in STC I can go to with a question or thorny problem and trust that they will help me figure it out or point me to resources I need. And, I always try to provide the same assistance when someone comes to me.
Every job I've ever had as a TC has been a direct result of my connections in STC, and many of my friendships have also arisen as a result of my STC activities.
Like any other organization, you get what you give. If you just pay your dues and sit back and read the publications and lurk on the forums and lists, well, you aren't taking full advantage of your membership. By participating in your chapter or SIG, volunteering, sharing your expertise, being helpful to others--that is how you maximize your membership. It's not a tit-fot-tat thing either; you help because it's a good thing to do and you trust that when you need help, it will be there. That's STC's greatest strength--the people who belong, and this comaraderie and collegial atmosphere is what non-members miss out on.
The benefits of professional development, networking, and advancement of the profession all derive from the people who belong to STC and who contribute in positive ways to the organization and to the profession. Sure, you can get mentoring and networking in less formal social media activities, but STC provides and infrastructure and a mission to educate and advance the profession that these less formal venues lack.
