1. 1 What is a community? An community is a group of people who share common interests, activities, and initiatives; who communicate regularly; and who derive benefit from their association.

2. 2 What types of communities does STC now have? STC has become a global community.

3. 3 What types of communities might STC have? Tools that I use Frame HTMLHelp Acrobat etc. Industries I work in Medical/Pharma Advertising Manufacturing Scientific Government etc. Things I create Policies, regulations Web sites Books Documentation Training etc. What I focus on Usability Single Sourcing Research Quality etc. Where I live Silicon Valley Calgary Milwaukee Slovenia etc. Where I am in my career Students Managers etc. How I work Consultants and Independent Contractors Lone Writers etc.

4. 4 What does the transformation mean for existing communities? For existing chapters: ► Examine the value that your geographic community offers. –Physical meetings, networking opportunities –Education (workshops, seminars, other local institutions) –Communication (newsletters, discussion lists, web sites) –Employment information –Regional activities, conferences –Local SIGs ► Prepare a vision or mission statement for use in rechartering. ► In the near future, community members will have the choice to be members. How will you market your community to STC members?

5. 5 What does the transformation mean for existing communities? For existing SIGs: ► This is also an opportunity to examine the mission and value you bring to members. –What activities and resources will your community sponsor? –How will you communicate with and among community members? –How will you provide educational opportunities or other professional networking or mentoring? ► Start by reviewing the existing SIG charter. –How will the SIG be enhanced by becoming a full STC community? –What might stay the same? What might change?

6. 6 What opportunities are there now for new communities? Here are just a few of many possibilities: ► Geographically-close communities (for example, in the San Francisco Bay Area) might re-energize and re-organize around different practices instead of purely on geography. ► Current student chapters might combine into a single student community with local meetings. ► Perhaps you live in an area with a strong industry domination: government information in Washington DC or in London, financial services in New York or in Singapore, manufacturing in Milwaukee, or high tech in Vancouver. This might be the basis for a new community that blends a local anchor with a strong industry focus and also reaches around the world to other groups with similar interests.

7. 7 What is the life cycle of a community? The Initiation Initiators create the case for the new community and gather charter members Incubation A mentor works to help the fledgling community develop Inertia If the community falters, mentors help it “reinvent” itself, merge with another community, or decide to end... Adulthood The community is a contributing part of the STC family, for what may be a very long time Sunset... with an orderly transition. The community joins the STC family. The Spark Someone has an idea for a new community

8. 8 What does a community need to prosper? ► A clear definition of itself as a community ► A clear statement of its purpose, a mission statement ► A clear statement of why the community should exist ► Benefits that members perceive as being worth the cost of membership. ► Leaders and a process for developing future leaders ► Financial support and fiscal responsibility ► Recognition for all communities and their leaders and volunteers

9. 9 What must STC provide to support communities? ► Support and mentoring to existing communities in the transition ► Support and mentoring to new communities as they form ► Equal treatment for communities of different types ► Parity in financial support and in recognition and awards