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October/November 2005 |
Volume 46, Number 2 |
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STC Dues RenewalIn an effort to strengthen STC’s appeal to technical communicators around the world, the Society board of directors has approved a localized dues structure for 2006 that lowers dues for members who live in countries with emerging and developing markets for technical communication. The new structure institutes three tiers of dues for developing, emerging, and mature markets. In a letter to members posted to the STC Web site, Society president Suzanna Laurent stated, “Localized dues will enable technical communicators in developing and emerging markets to pay dues that more closely reflect their local economies and related costs of living. . . . The benefits of localized dues are enormous. In addition to bringing fellow professionals from developing and emerging markets into the Society and expanding our community, we would increase our influence and capacity to advance the interests of all our members.” Tiers and MarketsMembers living in Tier 1 countries (like the United States) will pay base dues of $150 USD for classic membership, $140 for e-membership, and $130 for limited membership. Some countries were assigned to lower tiers specifically to encourage growth, even though their economic status may indicate that they belong in a higher tier. Roughly 2 percent of current STC members live in Tier 2 and Tier 3 countries. Dues Renewal RatesThe following table shows the 2006 renewal rates and associated fees for each tier. Postage fees partially offset the costs of mailing Intercom and Technical Communication. Please note that new members who join STC in 2006 pay an additional $15 processing fee.  The base dues for each membership category reflect a $5 increase over 2005 rates. At its September meeting, the board of directors approved the increase to sustain current funding levels for STC communities. For more information and background on the board’s decision, please see the official board report at www.stc.org/boardReport02.asp. Printed dues renewal invoices will be mailed in late November to all members who do not renew their memberships online at www.stc.org. Online renewal is now open. For membership dues, STC accepts checks in U.S. dollars or Canadian equivalent, and American Express, MasterCard, and VISA payments. Dues payments must be received by January 1, 2006. (A grace period extends to February 28, 2006.) Note that only members who have paid their dues by February 28, 2006, will be eligible to vote in the STC election. Two groups of members do not receive a dues renewal invoice in November: members who join STC on or after November 1, 2005, and sustaining organizations. Sustaining organizations are billed separately in July. Membership Categories for 2006Classic MembershipClassic membership entitles members to the paper versions of Intercom and Technical Communication and access to the online versions, and full access to the members-only area of the STC Web site. Members in this category may choose one of the following community options for 2006: two chapters, one chapter and two SIGs, or four SIGs. Classic members may join additional SIGs at a cost of $5 per SIG and additional chapters at a cost of $10 per chapter.E-MembershipE-membership entitles members to the same benefits as classic membership, except that e-members do not receive paper copies of Intercom and Technical Communication. Members in this category may choose one of the following community options for 2006: two chapters, one chapter and two SIGs, or four SIGs. E-members may join additional SIGs at a cost of $5 per SIG and additional chapters at a cost of $10 per chapter.Limited MembershipLimited membership includes subscriptions to the paper versions of Intercom and Technical Communication and full access to the members-only area of the STC Web site. Limited memberships do not include membership in chapters or SIGs.Student MembershipStudent members receive the same benefits as e-members, but have no voting rights. In addition, student members may join an unlimited number of SIGs and up to two chapters (one student and one professional). Students may join additional chapters at a cost of $10 per chapter.Retired MembershipRetired membership entitles members to the same benefits as classic membership at a reduced rate. To qualify for retired membership, an individual must have been a member of STC for ten or more years, and must be either sixty years old or medically retired.If you have any questions about dues renewal, please contact the membership department at membership@stc.org.  |
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