Each of the candidates for the upcoming STC election were invited to submit a blog post to STC’s Notebook in support of their candidacy. Below is the post submitted by Bernard Aschwanden, candidate for Director. Click on his name to take you to his election page, or visit the main STC election page for information about all candidates.
Before you vote: suggested requirements for Board members
Before you vote, consider why the STC Board of Directors (BoD) exists. It sets strategic direction, ensures that management, employees, and the Board comply with established policies, laws and regulations, and it must work to meet the best interests of the members.
Consider these factors for BoD candidates:
- History of community involvement
- Demonstrated leadership skills and clear vision
- Strong and diverse technical communications experience
Add these characteristics to a wide range of life experience and you have a diverse BoD with ideas and insights for good decision making. The right BoD can help STC recover and grow stronger and provide better value for all members.
My history
During my years with the STC, I have seen the benefits that membership brings to technical communicators. Since 1992 I have worked with 1000s of people across North America, Europe, and Asia. This exposure to people, cultures, policies, and processes has taught me about technical communication and the values of those who practise it.
I have helped community leaders achieve long-term sustainability and build strong communities with solid partnerships. I have helped plan, budget, and prepare for unforeseen circumstances which could impact a community. I have delivered educational events to communities to help raise funds, provided workshops online, and met with local leaders to discuss and understand their local needs.
Some of the roles I’ve held include President, Webmaster, Newsletter Editor, and Competition Manager. I’m ready to bring my skills, ideas, and leadership to the international level for the betterment of the Society and its members.
My leadership and vision
The STC needs leadership that sees beyond the needs of yesterday and today, and has a vision for the future.
Zero-based budgeting is today’s community standard. I introduced this concept to my community long before it was required. I drafted a team to keep our community strong and deliver membership value. My innovations helped us to win a Community Pacesetter Award. Through discussions about funding, in educational presentations, and as a senior STC member, I have worked to provide a vision that exists to meet the needs of communities and members. Now I hope to be elected to represent your needs to the Board in a formal role as Director.
I’m vocal about my pro-member beliefs which extend to all members. I’m a strong voice for the rights of student members and speak passionately about the value of technical communications as a profession within the STC and to organizations outside the STC.
My experience
I have been (and still am) a trainer, courseware developer, writer, team leader, manager, and business owner. As a professional consultant, I implement technical communications solutions for teams and projects, for startups and Fortune 500 corporations, for not-for-profit agencies through to government organizations.
I own a business and am responsible to both clients and staff. I set realistic expectations and ensure the business is fiscally responsible. My business survived economic downturns and continues to grow. In part, it is because I quickly adapt to change, and am willing to ask for ideas from many sources to find solutions. Growing a business, managing projects, and working with the BoD all require similar skill sets.
My experience gives me the background to look at the STC in a strategic way and to plan for the long term where a secure future is the goal. This is what the STC should be about.
Conclusion
My STC history extends over 15 years, during which time I’ve filled a variety of contributing roles. My leadership skills in the classroom, boardroom, and within the community are applied each time I help solve technical communication challenges. My STC background is diverse: I’ve travelled, talked to countless members, presented webinars, hosted events with partners, and attended and spoken at conferences on a local, regional, and national level. I’ve seen what we can do as a group when our focus is in the right place.
My vision is of an STC community that is strong and well-positioned to meet the growing needs of technical communicators. To that end, please add your support and elect me to the STC Board of Directors.