President’s Message: We all need change

by Debbie Kerr, President

Summer, the final frontier: this is the season that we, as Canadians, long to see. From one perspective, the temperature is warmer and we have put all the bulky clothes away. From another perspective, we are excited about summer, or even spring, because it is a change. The landscape has colour again, and we get to do a lot of things that we couldn't do in the winter. We are fortunate in Canada to experience four seasons which, depending on whether you are a half full or half empty kind of person, gives us more options for trying out new things or complaining about what you have to do (like shovelling) or can't do (like going outside without layers of bulky clothes).

Changes in Our Field

Change is also good in the technical communication field. Even the definition of a technical communicator continues to change. This widens the scope even further. It would be a shame to perform the same functions day after day without making an effort to try something new. The things that you remember most are the ones where you had to step out of your comfort zone, where you had to take that deep breath and just jump in.

General Meetings

We also tried for some variety in the topics for our general meetings. We wanted you to consider coming to our meetings because you knew that there was variety and there might be a topic that would get you to come. And, to ensure that you couldn't possibly say that our June meeting was not related to what you do, we picked a movie about a typeface (Helvetica). I don't that there is a communicator of any kind who has not heard of or used Helvetica.

Active versus Passive

All writers know that it is better to be active than passive. This should also be applied to how you live. Why not change from being a spectator to being an active participant? I bet all of you have watched someone do something and thought, "I can do better than that." Have you also heard the phrase that you have no right to complain if you don't vote? Well, now is the time to make a change. Take a step forward and say that you will take a position on our council. Provide a fresh perspective and bring your ideas.

Reasons to Volunteer

I was reading an article during Volunteer Week that outlined the reasons why people do not volunteer. I have proposed a solution for each reason.

• 67% do not have time (Multiple people can fill a position to reduce the time that is required to fulfill the duties of a position. This is also the reason that we have committees for various positions. For example, there are multiple people who help with the newsletter.)
• 58% can't make long-term commitments (Some positions are more of a short term commitment, like the Competition Manager and the Education Manager.)
• 49% gave money instead of time (This does not apply, so you can't use it.)
• 40% said no one asked (I am asking you in this article. I will also gladly talk to anyone if you have questions or would like to nominate someone.)
• 23% had no interest (How can you not be interested in something that has a direct impact on what you do?)
• 22% did not know how to get involved (Getting involved is just one email away.)

You Are Not Alone

I know that you may think that you are alone, that you can't contribute anything. You are just one person. Well, a team is built from a group of individuals and we all rely on each other to help when we can't perform a duty on our own. It also doesn't matter if you live far away. It does not mean that you cannot be on the council. There are positions that would enable you to perform all or part of their activities without being in the Waterloo area. We have a new membership manager who does not live in this area, but she can handle the communications with new members and the administrative components from anywhere. We also have council meetings where people call in and sometimes we meet online. The trouble with online meetings is you have to let go of the spelling mistakes when typing quickly.

Ask Questions and Provide Feedback

Like any technical communicator, you know the value of asking questions. Don't make decisions based on what you think is involved. Ask someone. The council is here to serve you. Let us know what you want or what might interest you whether it be a topic for a general meeting, the task associated with a council position, or how we can make our meetings more available to people who don't live in the area. If we don't know if you will participate in activities, we can decide which ones need to be completed or put to the side for future consideration.

Fun

I have always had fun on council, because the people make it an enjoyable experience. I thank them for all the work they do and all the laughs that we have had. You may think I am crazy, but I also think it is fun when I hear from you or when I get to meet someone I have only talked to through email. Everyone has their own things that excite them. Find yours and pursue it. Don't always wait for the right time, because that perfect time might never come.

Details About Council Positions

If you want to create your own fun and jump into a council position, you can access a list of positions and their descriptions on our website.

Web Seminars (Webinars)

Don't think that the year is over. There are webinars that are going to take place over the summer. Check our calendar regularly to see what is coming.

Have a safe and happy summer!

About Debbie Kerr

In the 20 years that Debbie has been writing documentation, she has worked in a variety of industries: government, retail, software, and insurance. She is currently employed at The Economical Insurance Group in Waterloo, where she has stepped out of her traditional role of writing user guides and help files, and now writes a variety of specifications.

Debbie has been a member of the STC since 1994 and has been a council member for many years. For the third year in a row, Debbie has bravely taken on the role of Chapter President.