Becoming STC

by Jonathan W. Baker, STC Director/Sponsor Region 1 (Outgoing)

This is my last article in my role as Director/Sponsor for Region 1. I wouldn't have missed this experience for the world. When I came onto the board in 2002 one thing became clear, this wasn't the job I thought it would be. First, the Sponsor portion of my job was reduced simply because of finances and the groundwork was being laid to move the role off the board. Second, the Director part of the job was just beginning to emerge.

The Roles

As Directors, our job is to manage STC through policy and other tools. Three years ago this was a new idea for the board. Today, it is the operating condition. Yes, the Sponsor role is still in transition, but there seems to be lots more comfort and confidence around the way the role will be managed in the future. One of the outcomes of the recent board meeting is that a Community Affairs standing committee has been created made up of three directors. This committee will provide both oversight of the Leadership Resource Community and act as a communications channel between the board, the new Leadership Resource Community, and the communities themselves. In addition Judy Glick-Smith will be heading up the Leadership Resource Community.

Over the next year or so, while the Sponsor role is evolving, Cynthia Currie, my successor, will be responsible for Region 1 sponsorship. I know that she will do a first class job, both as a Director and as a Sponsor. You can reach Cindy by email at ds1@stc.org.

The Transformation

Another interesting observation for me that came out during the annual conference was that the Transformation seems to now be old news. The board held a number of public sessions during the conference with most being lightly attended. This says to me that either the members are comfortable with what is happening or understand that many of the changes will not really impact them directly. The board did have at least one meeting in which it became clear that the membership is getting it, because there were several 'Ah Ha' moments expressed by members.

The truly interesting aspect of this is that it means that STC is starting to turn slowly. The Transformation is taking hold and moving forward. We are about to become the STC of the future. We are finally turning our orientation from inward to outward. There is still a great deal of exciting work to be done. The new Assistants to the President have their hands full with new opportunities and challenges. This is a terrific time to be part of the action.

The Finances

I should also mention that finances are in better condition than when I started on the board. The STC had a small surplus last year and, I would hope, will show a slightly larger surplus this year. The conference has had an uptick in attendance. Ad revenue for the publications is up slightly from last year. But, we still need to work on our membership numbers.

The Future

That said, I am winding down one STC life and hoping to take on another STC role. I am interested in hearing your concerns and issues, and I hope to carry them back to the board in 2006. If you would like to know more about my plans for the future, please contact me at jbaker2525@earthlink.net. I am always happy to talk about the STC and making it successful, which means making STC fit your needs.