By Lori Meyer | Senior Member
If you are a member of an STC geographic community, you know the many ways it can enhance your STC membership. Many members have also come to know the value of another group of STC communities—Special Interest Groups (SIGs). SIGs are virtual communities that reflect the diversity of skills and interests in the technical communications profession. STC's more than 20 SIGs include members who share common experiences, goals, and challenges. Each SIG provides access to a body of knowledge through resources such as newsletters, webinars, discussion lists, websites, blogs, special programs, and social media outlets.
Joining a SIG provides many opportunities to support your professional development and enrich your STC membership. Examples include:
- Expanding your skill set in one or more special-interest areas, which provides value for your employer, increases your marketability, and contributes to the technical communication profession.
- Keeping abreast of changes in your special-interest area and their impact on the profession.
- Networking and building friendships with fellow STC members who share your technical knowledge, interests, and challenges.
- Volunteering, developing your leadership skills, and receiving recognition for your contributions.
- Sharing your expertise through demonstrations, presentations, workshops, newsletter articles, and mentoring.
SIGs welcome members of all skill levels. They provide an excellent opportunity both to teach and to learn. You can build new skills, expand the skills you have, and mentor newcomers.
SIG membership links you with like-minded professionals all over the world. The small membership fee can open the door to good things for you, your career, and your profession. During this renewal period, add a SIG to your STC membership. Find out more about SIGs by visiting www.stc.org/about-stc/communities/special-interest-groups/category/sigs.
Lori Meyer is a member of eight STC Chapters and five Special Interest Groups (SIGs). She is currently serving as membership manager of the Rochester Chapter, secretary of the Technical Editing SIG, and communications manager of the Carolina Chapter. She also volunteers for the East Bay, Palm Beaches, and Northeast Ohio chapters, and is a member of the Community Affairs Committee outreach team.
