Celebrate Tech Comm Week 2008
World’s Most Continuous Celebration of Technical
Communication Celebrates Its Twenty-Third Year!
By Tom Barnett, Arizona Technical Communication Week Manager
Forty-five years ago, the founding members of the
Phoenix Chapter brought fourth our STC community into the world. Our chapter
celebrates its 45th birthday on October 18, and the week leading up to that day
is also a very special week. The governor of Arizona, Janet Napalitano, has
honored us again and proclaimed the week of October 12 through 18 as Arizona
Technical Communication Week. It is important to recognize and celebrate the
significant contributions made by technical communicators and information
designers to the understanding and usability of technology.
Tech Comm Week is a special time of year in which STC members and others not
only celebrate the value of technical communication, but also raise the
awareness of our profession, our professionalism, and the ethics and creativity
we bring to our work.
Research indicates that the Twin Cities Chapter may have had an earlier
celebration of technical communication. However, the celebration of Tech Comm
Week in Arizona is believed to be the longest continuous celebration in the
world.
The twenty-third annual celebration is once again sponsored by the Society for
Technical Communication Phoenix Chapter.
Companies celebrate Technical Communication Week in different ways. Some have a
special luncheon. Some put up signs. For many companies, the event allows
recognition for a profession that often does not receive the attention it
deserves.
Once we receive the physical copy of the governor’s proclamation, it will be
scanned and the electronic file will be available from the Phoenix Chapter
Website and distributed to the Southern Arizona STC Website. Web site (www.stc-phoenix.com)
holds a link to an electronic copy of the proclamation, plus a list of
suggestions for celebrating Tech Comm Week. Do something in your company to
celebrate our field and the good you do in the world.
October is a special celebration month which includes National Ergonomics Month,
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Reading Group Month, and
National Work and Family Month. The week of October 12–18 is also Teen Read
Week, and the month also includes Make a Difference Day (25th).
2008 Proclamation
- WHEREAS, recognition is given to the importance of
having a bridge between those who create technology and those who use it;
and
- WHEREAS, recognition is given to the creative work
of information designers and technical communicators who build those bridges
of under- standing and usability; and
- WHEREAS, recognition is given to the standards of
professional excellence and ethical behavior exhibited by these individuals;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet Napalitano, the Governor of the
State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim October 12 through 18, 2008 as
Technical Communication Week
Tips for Celebrating Technical
Communication Month
Plan now to participate in Technical Communication
Month. How?
- Distribute copies of the proclamation to your
members.
- Frame the proclamation and display it at your local
events.
- At your work place
Set up a Technical Communication Month table in your company’s cafeteria or
lobby. Display your documentation products, STC information, and the
proclamation.Award a recognition certificate to your company’s “Outstanding Technical
Communicator.”Present the framed copy of the proclamation to your management in
appreciation of their support of technical communication.Publicize technical communication in your company newspaper or newsletter.
Make a presentation on the “added value” of technical communication to
management.
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