communication department

STC’s 103 professional chapters are being asked to help boost the association’s overall renewal rate by encouraging local members to renew their memberships prior to the March 31 deadline. In 2007, the renewal rate was 75 percent, which is similar to many other professional societies, according to data collected by the American Society of Association Executives.

The STC membership year runs from January to December; however, members are permitted a 90-day grace period before being dropped from the rolls for nonpayment. “Members who have not renewed at this point are in the grace period,” explains STC Director of Membership and Education Lloyd Tucker. “For most, it’s just a matter of being reminded and writing the check; but for some, it’s a question of whether or not to renew, and hearing directly from their chapter leadership can have a strong influence on the decision.”

STC chapters have been grouped into six categories by size for the chapter renewal challenge, from under 40 members to more than 601, which follows the same groupings for community awards. On March 31, the official renewal count will be made prior to dropping those who have not renewed. A minimum renewal rate of 71 percent is needed for a chapter to be considered for the competition.

The chapter in each category with the highest renewal rate will receive four complimentary 2008 Technical Communication Summit (June 1-4 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) registrations worth $895 each. The registrations may be used as prizes for recruitment of new members, awards, or other recognition of individuals who have contributed to the chapter’s growth. Chapters may decide how to distribute the registrations. In the event of a tie, a winner-take-all drawing will be held. Chapter renewal results will be posted on the Web site and at the Summit.

While students may be members in some of the 103 professional chapters and are included in calculating the renewal rate, chapters that are comprised almost entirely of students (usually university based) are not included in the challenge competition because of their naturally low renewal rates. Staff is developing an incentive program for student chapters.

To facilitate the exchange of information, chapter presidents and membership chairs have 24/7 access to community reports on the STC Web site which include detailed lists of chapter members and their renewal status.

Updated challenge standings can be found on the STC Web site.