Run for office

by Molly Malsam and Marella Colyvas

The last issue of Technicalities contained an article with some great testimonials from previous and current council members. The Rocky Mountain Chapter is seeking new officers for 2002 - 2003. As you discovered from reading the testimonials, as an STC officer, you can grow professionally and personally, meet other technical communicators, and serve your profession.

The following describes the elected chapter offices.

President 

Note: The vice president automatically moves to the position of president for the year following the election.

The president's responsibilities are to:

• Conduct meetings of the chapter Administrative Council
• Assign duties to officers and appoint assistants or committees as needed
• Help form chapter policy, goals, and objectives
• Supply guidelines for budgets, expenditures, and other fiscal activities
• Speak at chapter meetings and write articles for Technicalities
• Share ideas with other chapter leaders and submit reports to the Region 7 director-sponsor

Typical commitment: 7-9 hours/week

Vice President

Because this position leads to the chapter presidency in 2003, the vice president needs all the qualities of the president: enthusiasm, energy, responsibility, and good problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Help form chapter policy, goals, and objectives
• Assume the duties of chapter president when needed
• Act as liaison with local universities and student chapters
• Attend the Chapter Leaders Workshop at the Region 7 Conference
• Identify possible overall committee managers and develop overall plans for 2002 - 2003

Typical commitment: 3-5 hours/week

Treasurer

Responsibilities include the following:

• Establish and monitor a chapter budget for the fiscal year
• Establish and maintain a checking account, savings account, CD account, and scholarship fund
• Deposit chapter funds and pay invoices
• Prepare monthly reports of chapter income and expenditures and a detailed year-end report
• Maintain all chapter contracts

Typical commitment: 3-5 hours/week

Secretary

The secretary's duties include the following:

• Take minutes at administrative council and other chapter meetings (or arrange for a substitute)
• Prepare and distribute copies of the minutes
• Write brief descriptions of chapter meetings for Technicalities
• Prepare correspondence related to chapter 
  business

Typical commitment: 2-4 hours/week

Nominating Committee

The nominating committee performs the following duties:

• Invite members to run for office
• Evaluate qualifications of possible candidates and announce the slate of candidates
• Prepare the ballot, hold the election, and report 
  the results

Typical commitment: 1-2 hours/week

Remember that Committee Chairs are appointed by the Council, not elected.

To become a candidate or to recommend someone else for office, please contact Marella Colyvas (marella.colyvas@eds.com, 303.736.4044) or Molly Malsam (malsam@ecentral.com, 303.694.3701).