The document outlines the evolution and current state of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), highlighting its role as a professional organization for technical communicators. It discusses the changing definitions of the profession, trends impacting the field, and emphasizes the importance of ethical practice and membership benefits. Additionally, it provides insights into educational opportunities and collaboration with other organizations to enhance the value and viability of technical communication.

1. The Changing Face of TechComm and STC Susan Burton, CAE Executive Director 31 October 2008 DocTrain East

2. What is STC? The professional home for technical communicators A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) individual membership association Our members work in industry, government, academe, and the non-profit sector

3. The Organization of STC Board of Directors with 14 members elected at large 14,000 members in the US and 50 countries 120 chapters, 25 outside the US 21 Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

4. Define the Profession 1 2 Communicate the Value 3 Improve the Practice 4 Expand our Partnerships 5 Ensure the Viability

5. Define the Profession 1

6. The Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) List of 820 professions and occupations with formal definitions and terse descriptions Used by: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment and Training Administration Office of Management and Budget solicited changes that reflect new occupations or fundamental changes to existing ones.

7. Technical Writer Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work. Current Definition

8. Problems with Current Definition A definition based only on “writers” sends false market signals It’s not about the media Documentation playing new role in consumer protection and international competitiveness Communication changing from one-way static to multi-way dynamic

9. Recommended Definition 27-1028 Technical Communicators Develop and design instructional and informational tools needed to assure safe, easy, proper and complete use of technical goods and services . Combine multi-media knowledge and strong communication skills with technical expertise to educate across the entire spectrum of users’ abilities, technical experience, and visual and auditory capabilities.

10. TRENDS IN THE PROFESSION

11. Trends Affecting TechComm Content management Data management Knowledge management Convergence (creation, production, and maintenance of technical content)

12. Trends Affecting TechComm Multimedia and Web 2.0 technologies for help content and user assistance Graphics Audio Videos Interactive media

13. Trends Affecting TechComm Topic-based authoring Structured authoring (XML)

14. Trends Affecting TechComm Collaboration Open source User-generated content Open communication Twitter Wikis Blogs

15. Trends Affecting TechComm Communicating directly with users

16. Trends Affecting TechComm Globalization Localization Translation

17. WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED IN DEFINING A PROFESSION?

18. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Professions have: a unique body of knowledge an ethical requirement that puts the needs of the customer (end-user) ahead of the provider’s commercial interest a recognized credential—such as a license or certification

19. UNIQUE BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

20. Body of Knowledge (BoK)? BoK task force Comprehensive and inclusive STC Knowledge Portal Web sitemap

21. Organized by Domains, Nodes, and Knowledge Elements Information Design & Development Tool Knowledge Collaboration Research & Practice Business Knowledge Professional Development Academic Programs Management TC Standards Deliverables About TC 11 Domains

22. Domain: Tool Knowledge Tool Knowledge, Skills, Abilities New Tools & Technology Translation Tools Social Media Tools Other Tools Hardware Tool Methodology Knowledge Web Design Tools About Tools: Evolution Programming Languages Tutorials 11 Nodes

23. ETHICAL REQUIREMENT

24. Providing Ethical Considerations? Special task force of members Puts the needs of the customer (end-user) ahead of the provider’s commercial interest Affects practice of the profession

25. RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS

26. Credentials Required? Special task force Still under debate: Certification License Degree programs

27. Communicate the Value By Telling Our Powerful Story 2

28. Communicating Through Our Publications & Website Monthly magazine Quarterly journal Annual Salary Database Monthly electronic newsletter Frequent front page updates

29. Telling Our Powerful Story To employers To students entering the field To interested media To technical communicators

30. Globally Improve the Practice 3

31. STC’s Most Comprehensive & Affordable Education Event 3–6 May 2009 Atlanta, GA

32. Certificate Programs—intensive, two-day, hands-on sessions More than 100 sessions Organized in 7 tracks to identify interest areas Institutes—for more experienced practitioners

33. NEW! Attendees will have access for one year after the conference to audio recorded sessions synched with PowerPoint on STC website.

34. Live Web Seminars Get training without leaving the office 90-minute sessions on timely topics No travel expense Pay per site, not per person Very affordable…$79

35. Expand Strategic Partnerships 4

36. Expand strategic partnerships AECT AMWA APMP ASSI&T ATA ATTW Content Wrangler CMPros GALA IEEE/PCS INTECOM LavaCon LISA UPA WritersUA Writing Assistance

37. Ensure the Viability of the Organization 5

38. Active membership in STC is your best insurance policy against unemployment. — John Hedtke Fellow

39. More benefits that are exclusive to membership

40. Exclusive Member Benefits 14-day advance look at new job postings online Access to salary database with average salaries by geographic area and industries Free access to 5,500 best practices reports Software discounts that save members hundreds of $$$ plus so much more…

41. Discounts on Member Benefits Available to Public Competitions Conference and other education fees

42. Visit the website often www.stc.org Thank you! Thank you!