At the June 2009 membership meeting, Tom Barnett, Bylaws,  and Karen Zorn, President, talked about the 2009 STC Summit Leadership Day  financial news, an anticipated $400K shortfall for 2009, $1.2 million for 2010. Many members  at the meeting asked what it meant for them and the Phoenix Chapter. At that time I didn’t know; now I have some, not all, answers. (And these answers are subject to change depending on what happens at STC HQ.) What’s happened since June:

1. CMAC was required to prepare and submit a short 2009 budget (September through December) and a 2010 budget anticipating income and expenditures without including a member pass through ($25/member) that we’ve received in previous years. These budgets were submitted to STC International for review. (Remember, although funds are held in Phoenix’s treasury, the actually do belong to STC International.)
2. After budget review, we were asked to send$255 from our Treasury to  STC International to help make up the shortfall. Shelly Duncan promptly wrote the check and sent it off. (This effectively zeros out our bank balance at the end of 2010.)
3. Membership dues increased. I’ve talked about that in other blog posts and solicit comments from the community. (BTW, I can’t do anything about it, but I’ll listen.)

The budget we prepared is what is known as a zero-based budget. In other words, you take a look at what you’d like to offer your members for the upcoming year, figure out the income and expense and make it zero out (balance). As with the SIGs, any funds needed beyond your income estimates will be funded (after thorough review) by STC International. In the past, Phoenix has been a self-supporting chapter. Previous CMACs planned and executed surplus generating activities such as Publication, Art, and Online competitions, workshops, and regional conferences. Expenditures have kept to a reasonable amount and scrutinized for their value to Phoenix members.

What does this mean to you as a Phoenix chapter member? Frankly, most of this will not affect what Phoenix offers its members, other than  that to remain a member of the Phoenix chapter, you need to pay the chapter membership fee of $25 in addition to your general membership dues to STC International. If you are contemplating running for elected office, you must be a member of the chapter. CMAC will be reviewing our program fees to adjust for STC member (not Phoenix) and non-members. In the future (2011) we hope to be able to hold on to any surplus funds generated from chapter activities.

What it does affect are the programs that we offer our membership. There are no workshops/educational events, competitions, or conferences (whew!) planned for the remainder of 2009 and all of 2010. We are still bringing you interesting and valuable programs with well known presenters. These folks aren’t paid to present, but we do cover their airfare and provide a housing per diem. When we can, we try to coordinate with Southern Arizona to maximize the bang for the buck.

NOTE: Do be advised that the chapter (SIG) fee will not be sent to the Chapter (SIG). Chapter fees are destined to be held by International to support future chapter activities.

Comments?

Karen L. Zorn, President STC Phoenix

Personally, I’m going to write a check for STC (215), plus chapter (25), plus one SIG (10) for a grand total of $250 ( about 62.5 lattes or 50 Guiness.) Yes, that’s a considerable increase over last year, approximately 75%, but for me it’s worth it. Although I’ve worked hard for the Phoenix Chapter ever since I moved to the Valley of the Sun, I’ve reaped more in jobs, friends, and personal satisfaction. It’s a price I’m willing to pay.

Now, how does STC new dues structure hold up to other organizations? That question was nicely answered by Bob Dianetti, a member of the Acron, Ohio area chapter. Quoting Bob:

“The following is a listing, with dues costs, of other professional organizations that are similar to STC which I belong to. Perhaps this
analysis puts STC’s dues structures into a little more perspective:
“ASTD International dues are $180.00. That doesn’t include local membership. I belong to two chapters, one of which costs $45 per year,
and the other $85 per year. They have various add-ons also such as webinar series, and InfoLine which costs an additional $99.00 per year
which I don’t subscribe to. So – for ASTD, I pay $305.00. I get one magazine, and there are no SIGS available.
“ASTD does allow you to join a local chapter only without joining the international. Each local is a separate entity and receives no money or
other support from the international, but international will collect the dues for them and pass it through to them. Last I knew, ASTD had 35,000 international members and 45,000 local only
members.
“As far as IABC, they had a $9/year increase this year, the international dues are:

• Tier A countries: from USD$226 to USD$237 (plus chapter and region dues)
• Tier B countries: from USD$187 to USD$196 (plus chapter and region dues)
• Tier C countries: from USD$162 to USD$170 (plus chapter and region dues)
• Tier D countries: from USD$116 to USD$122 (plus chapter and region dues)
• Students and Retired Members: from USD$44 to USD$46

“My local membership is $83.00 per year, and I cannot join the local without joining the international. I can spread out payments over 4
quarters for $20.00 additional per year. The application fee for IABC is $40.00.
So, I pay $340 per year for international and local membership in IABC. A first-year member would pay $380.00. No SIGS and one magazine per month.
So, comparing the three, I pay:

• ASTD $265 (I’m only counting one chapter)
• IABC $380
• STC $245 (two magazines not one)

“STC has less expensive conferences, much more recognition opportunities, and many more SIGS to choose from. And – it is the least expensive.

“Other organizations I belong to:

• Sales and Marketing Executives: $350 per year – 6 newsletters and no magazine
• Society for Human Resource Management: $165 – one magazine, no chapter
• SHRM Cleveland Chapter: $100.00. $170 if you aren’t an international member
• Hudson, Ohio Chamber of Commerce: $275 per year – no magazine
• Greater Akron Chamber: $350.00 – no magazine
• Council on Smaller Enterprises (Cleveland) $500.00
• American Medical Writers Association – $145 per year, which includes no local chapter, and the worlds most boring professional journal.

“Hope this sheds some light on the topic.

“Regards,
“Bob Dianetti
“President
“Radcom, Inc.”

_____________________

What you decide to do regarding your STC membership is up to you.  Take some time to evaluate the real cost of your membership.

Karen L. Zorn
President, STC Phoenix

Personally, I’m juggling dollars to come up with the dues. I’m probably going to take the four-month payment plan STC International is offering–a bit less painful that way. When I consider the value I’ve received from STC, especially the Phoenix Chapter, it’s a small investment in my career and potential earnings.

Yes, we’ve all experienced fewer dollars in our pockets this past year, some more than others. And, uncertainty regarding jobs, contracts, and potential employment has hit hard. But, things seem to be getting better. While not the great rush we’d like it to be, but there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

STC Phoenix has been good to me: jobs, friends, and opportunities for personal growth. It wasn’t given to me, I participate and I’ve earned it. Volunteering may not pay in dollars, it does pay in personal satisfaction and the potential to learn something new.

As you contemplate your renewal decision here are a couple articles for you to read. They may help:

• http://cybertext.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/making-the-case-for-renewing-stc-membership/
• http://www.scriptorium.com/blog/2009/10/a-mercenary-view-of-stc.html.
• http://www.hedtke.com/downloads/Of_Course!.pdf

I look forward to seeing you all at the November 10, 2009 Meet and Greet at the Duck and Decanter, Camelback & 16th Street.

Until then,

Karen L. Zorn
President, STC Phoenix

AzSEF 2010 – Plan to Join Us Now!

Miachelle DePiano will be the AzSEF co-chair for next year’s AzSEF writing competition, working with Gloria McConnell. Thank you, Miachelle!

The 2010 Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF) will be held on Wednesday, March  24th at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mark your calendar now! Volunteer by sending an email to azsef@stc-phoenix.com.

If AzSEF is new to you, read on.

What is AzSEF?
AzSEF is for students in grades 5 through 12 who attend school in central and northern Arizona. This event provides an opportunity for young people to create serious science or engineering projects, to experience research and learn about the scientific process, within a fun, competitive atmosphere.

What does STC do?
During this one-day event, volunteers from the STC Phoenix Chapter judge student reports, and the chapter provides monetary awards for the best reports. STC’s role is to bring awareness of the value of good technical communication and expose students to the technical communication career.

It cannot be said too often: taking part in AzSEFis a very satisfying experience. STC judges will find many well-written reports, as well as inventive (sometimes surprising) projects, and will see great promise in our future generation.

Volunteer – you will not be disappointed! Send an email to azsef@stc-phoenix.com today.