The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is an individual membership organization dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of technical communication--it is the largest organization of its type in the world. Its 25,000 plus members include experts in a variety of disciplines whose work involves making technical information understandable and available to those who need it.

Through the efforts of a small, full-time staff and a large network of volunteers, STC promotes the public welfare by educating its members and industry about issues concerning technical communication.

STC members represent all facets of technical communication, including:

• Educators and students
• Graphic artists and technical illustrators
• Independent consultants and contractors
• Managers and supervisors
• Multimedia artists
• Photographers and audiovisual specialists
• Translators
• Writers and editors

STC ANNUAL CONFERENCES
STC’s Annual Conference is the world’s largest gathering of technical communicators. Among the conference’s many highlights are educational sessions, workshops, vendor exhibits, and displays of the winning entries of the Society’s international competitions. Technical communication professionals also benefit from the conference’s numerous networking opportunities and employment resources. See a list of Annual Conferences on this Web site.

REGIONAL AND CHAPTER EVENTS
STC members are encouraged to participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops sponsored by the local chapters that address the specific needs of communicators in that chapter or region. The link for Annual Conferences above also contains Regional Conference information also.

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
Regularly scheduled meetings allow you to exchange ideas with your peers and participate in practical, job-related programs. Most chapters also publish monthly newsletters and sponsor competitions.

PUBLICATIONS
As a Society member, you will receive STC’s quarterly journal, Technical Communication, and the Society’s magazine, Intercom. Additionally, you will receive several other publications as they are published. These publications include the Society’s membership directory (which includes the STC bylaws); STC’s salary survey; and the Society’s annual report.
STC also offers a variety of reference materials, manuals, anthologies, standards, and booklets to help novice and experienced technical communicators develop and enhance their professional skills. Publications are available to members at special discounted rates.

COMPETITIONS AND RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
STC sponsors the following:

• International Technical Publications Competition
• International Technical Art Competition
• International Technical Video Competition
• International Student Technical Writing Competition
• International Online Communication Competition
• Jay R. Gould Award for Excellence in Teaching Award
• Fellowships and associate fellowships

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Many STC chapters offer employment information that will help in your job search. Employment opportunities also appear on STC’s Internet sites and society publications.

SCHOLARSHIPS
STC awards scholarships to full-time undergraduate and graduate students to encourage future technical communicators in their studies and promote growth in the profession.

RESEARCH GRANTS
STC offers scientific, literary, and educational grants to advance the theory and practice of the arts and sciences of technical communication.

INTERNET
STC offers access to some of its more frequently used files and forms through the Internet. These materials can be accessed using the following URLs:

• http://www.stc.org
  Maintained by the STC office.

INSURANCE
Individual insurance can be expensive. However, as a member of STC, you can apply for protection with the Mutual of Omaha Companies. Many plans are available--rates that are lower than those of many comparable individual plans.

PREMIUM PRODUCTS
The STC offers a variety of products featuring the STC logo that make great personal or business gifts. Popular items include the STC correspondence folder, coffee mug, card case, pen, and sport shirt.

STC Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are groups of STC members with common experiences and interests who share their skills and knowledge with each other and the Society.
SIG activities include publishing newsletters, developing articles for Society publications, conducting surveys, and presenting conference sessions, workshops, and seminars.

For more information, visit the STC international Web site, or you may contact them at:

• Society for Technical Communication
  901 North Stuart Street, Suite 904
  Arlington VA 22030-1822
  (703) 522-4114