Are you a successful and happy technical communicator who is respected by colleagues and peers?

Or are you a student or a person who is looking to enter the field of technical communications, or someone wishing to improve the standards of communication within a business environment?

Are you in a communication situation that "could be better" or is "brilliant"?Striving or thriving, "in" the information loop or "out", young or experienced, - if you are interested in technical communication:

Join the STC!

STC welcomes all who work in technical communications and related areas - whether you have reached the pinnacle of the profession, are struggling in a less supportive environment, a newcomer, or just an interested party.

High quality communication makes a difference to a business!

If you care about excellence in technical communication and the people who work in the field, read on to find out about STC and the benefits of membership for all who are involved.

What is STC?

STC is an international society for professional technical communicators and students of technical communication. It is our aim to support and promote all those who work in the technical communications' field. 

What is STC France?

STC France is the longest-established community of technical communicators in Europe. Mostly, but not exclusively English-speaking natives, we work in a variety of industries for global and local companies in France and in neighbouring European countries. A number of members are based much further afield including Canada, India, USA, Nigeria, Latvia and more.

We work closely and frequently with fellow European communities for cross-border events, for example, the regional conference and the technical communications competition.Our priority for 2006-7 is Raising our Profile. For this, we are focusing on raising awareness of our profession as individuals and as a community, and reaching out to the wider community of communication. We are seeking to expand the opportunities for interaction with our members to encourage discussion and ideas that we can share for the benefit of us all.  

Who are the members?

STC membership represents all aspects of technical communication, including:

• authors
• editors
• project leaders
• documentation managers
• information architects
• graphic artists
• web designers
• indexers
• usability and visualisation experts
• translators

Commercial businesses related to technical communication include:

• developers of industry-related tools
• specialist recruitment agencies

Members of related fields include:

• public relations communicators
• journalists
• project management professionals
• anyone who needs to produce good, comprehensive communication 

Why should you join?

STC presents a unique forum for you to:

• exchange ideas and experiences with peer professionals
• inform and update yourself about tools and trends
• network
• find a job
• develop your career
• give a presentation
• volunteer
• receive recognition

And much more.

Workshops and presentations about tools, techniques, general professional information, and personal development are held on average three times a year. A monthly newsletter covering community and industry news is sent to all on the mailing list.

To join the mailing list, contact: webmaster@stcfrance.org

To find out about upcoming events, see: www.stcfrance.org

For members who would like to share their specialist knowledge or professional experiences, we offer an ideal platform for speakers at our meetings. 

To give a presentation at a meeting, contact: president@stcfrance.org

Volunteering is an exceptional advantage for members. Those who choose to volunteer by joining the leadership team, for example, have an excellent occasion to practice professional skills and competencies – and even develop new skills! Other volunteer opportunities could be a survey of salaries, or updating the membership list, or joining in the organisation for the Europe-wide technical communications competition – to give just a few of the many examples.

To find out about volunteering, contact: president@stcfrance.org

Recognition is awarded on two levels:

• to an individual member, for outstanding contributions to the community or for special achievements
• to publications, within the scope of the TransEuropean Technical Communications Competition 

To find out about recognition programmes, contact: president@stcfrance.org

You do not have to be a member to receive the newsletter, attend an event, give a presentation or enter the competition, but why not take the one extra step and become a member? If you are dedicated to your profession, then demonstrate your commitment! Of course, members pay a lower rate for meetings and events but the gains are not only financial. Share your experiences with others and benefit from the special opportunities that are available only to members. Make an active contribution and help us to help the profession and the community.

When can you join?         

Any time! Membership is usually on an annual calendar basis, ie from 1 January to 31 December, but applications are accepted at any time. If you join in October, your membership will be valid from then until 31 December in the following year, which gives you a total of 15 months of benefits!

How and where can you join?

Complete and return the application form, either online on the STC website www.stc.org and follow the links, or by picking up a form at a local STC event.

For further assistance, contact: membership@stcfrance.org 

STC France welcomes all who are interested in technical communication into its international community.