We once again bring out the STC Spotlight to bring to light one of our communities. This time around it’s the host of our recent Summit, the Lone Star Chapter. Thanks to the chapter’s immediate past president, Kristin Kirkham, for her answers. Want your SIG or chapter in the Spotlight? Email me and shine!
What’s the official name of your chapter?
Lone Star Community.
How many members does it have?
150.
Who are the leaders?
As of 20 May 2010: Kristin Kirkham, Past Prez; Arroxane Eber, Prez; Jackie Chamberlain, 1st VP; Kathryn Poe, 2nd VP; Rob Brown, Secretary; Mike Hiatt, Parliamentarian; and Kristy Nolan, Treasurer.
Can you give me a rundown of a generic chapter meeting?
We meet every third Thursday at the Crowne Plaza at 6pm. We talk, network, and eat a nice meal. Around 7pm the speaker begins his/her presentation. We end around 8.
What kinds of speakers have you had at your meetings?
From STC Fellows to members of the board, all the way to local senior members and nonmembers. If your topic is hot in techcomm, we want you!
Do you do any outreach in the local techcomm community? If so, what types of things do you do?
We supply documentation judges for a high school robotics competition (BEST). We also worked with the local Art Institute when we redesigned our website and logo.
How did things go with the Summit?
We had a great time! Everyone had fun volunteering! We loved meeting members from other chapters, swapping stories, and seeing the conference from a new viewpoint. It was pretty cool to see it all in our backyard. And some of us had fun dressing the part!
They say everything’s bigger in Texas; what’s “bigger” about your chapter?
We always find a way to “do it big.” We always like to add a little extra to anything we touch. We don’t just have a scholarship raffle prize, we have three! We give our members a monthly newsletter, active job bank, and updated website.
Who would you say is your chapter’s snazziest dresser?
HA! Kathryn Poe always has something on that is snazzy 🙂
How about the funniest member?
I think everyone is hilarious … but Paul Holland takes the cake.
Who has the oddest talent, and what is it?
Hmmm … I don’t know this one. But I will make it my mission to find out!
Do you have a “sister” chapter that you work with often? Tell us about that.
We pair up with Twin Cities for Competition, and we will always love our Houston and Austin members!
If your chapter were to do a rendition of the TV show Dallas, who would play whom? And who would shoot JR?
I think I was born the year someone shot JR, so I have no idea. Didn’t Kristin shoot JR?! Weird.
Say the Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons was asked about your chapter. Fill in the blank: “Best _____ EVER!”
Best community EVER!
Finally, brag a little bit—about anything you’d like!
A chapter is only as strong as its volunteers and we have some amazing people who keep us running each year! We couldn’t survive if it weren’t for our members who come back year after year pushing us to offer more, help here, and show other technical communicators the way. I’m thankful to be in such an active and helpful community!