Happy New Year!

The new year serves as a reminder that our annual STC membership fees are once again due. It is at this time of year that most of us take a moment to reflect on the value we get from belonging to the STC - the largest, most established organization dedicated to improving our profession.

As chapter president, I can tell you that we are setting objectives and working hard to meet with your expectations. I am very pleased with the results we have seen over the past years. But our membership numbers tell a different story. Across the entire organization we have seen a dramatic decline in participation over the past five years. This momentum is very difficult to turn around but we do the best we can.

It is my belief that the STC chapters are the organization's best hope for reversing the tide. It is at the local level that we become truly engaged in what is going on. Not only are they a hot-house of ideas, but they are breeding grounds for our future leaders - volunteers that will move us forward.

We need your support for our chapter organization! To that end, we have a number of ways that you can help:

• STC Knowledge Base Survey: The STC executive is seeking your input on the value of chapters versus SIGS. Please give your opinion at http://www.stc.org/stcmembers/surveys/kbArlingtonSurvey01.asp.
  
  
• Membership renewal form: When filling out your membership renewal, be sure to retain your membership in the Toronto chapter. If you choose not to join a SIG, you can elect to join a second chapter at no additional cost. Many have great newsletters and resources that top any of the programs currently offered by the SIGs. I personally belong to both the Toronto and South-Western Ontario chapters.
  
  
• Meet our Regional Director: Our regional director, Cindy Currie, is making the trek to Canada in March to meet with the three Ontario chapters. Watch for more information on how you can have your voice heard.

To contribute an article to the newsletter for consideration, please contact our editor at newsletter@stctoronto.org or reply to this email.

A summary of the November 2006 meeting.

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Cindy Currie, the STC Region 1 Director, gives us an update on the activities for the new year.

Read the article.

Last month, you saw three of the habits of highly successful people. Here are the remaining four, almost sure - if practised - to bring an increase in respect from your friends, a promotion, or recognition in the media.

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An interview with Jim Maloney, Program Coordinator for Seneca's Technical Communication program.

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There is something that has no mass, yet carries a crushing weight. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless, yet affects many lives every day. It has no form or shape, yet can be more powerful than any army and just as lethal. It is everywhere yet cannot be seen.

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Our next program is a very exciting one. We'll be displaying our Web site design contest entries for you to view. In addition, we've invited a usability expert to speak to us about usability issues and Web design. After the meeting, we'll post a survey question on the chapter's Web site asking for your choice as winner of the contest and your comments. The entries will also be posted on the site so you can refresh your memory and other members of the chapter can view and vote on them as well.

Please join us on Tuesday, February 13 for an interesting and exciting evening. As attendees at the meeting, you will have the best view of the contest entries and you will enjoy the benefits of our speaker's knowledge.

Meeting starts at 7 PM and is free for all STC Members. Non-members will be charged $5 at the door. Please have your membership card or a copy of this email as proof of membership.

Meeting details are also on the STC Toronto Website.

View general meeting information.

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