Continuing the Commitment: Programs are all about YOU…
by Amy Kearns and Adrienne Charak, Program Co-Chairs

In our Program team’s continued efforts to “shake things up,” we are providing meetings that will heighten the value and interest of our monthly gatherings September through May. Last year we tried some new ideas and again this year we will schedule some compelling topics, hold meetings in new and different venues, and serve a variety of food. Yet, we realize that a meeting location and a food choice are not the primary reasons why SWO-STC members and guests choose to attend a monthly meeting. With this important fact driving our efforts, your Program team is focused on addressing your needs as a technical communicator and member of the SWO-STC chapter.

To highlight some of this year’s program offerings, the September’s FREE kick-off meeting will teach you how to “Power Network” even if networking is a dreaded event that you like to avoid! The meetings in October and November will spotlight today’s employment environment and teach you the skills that you need to get the job you want. And in February, we will hold a joint meeting with the Western Ohio Chapter of ASTD (American Society of Training Development) to highlight e-learning and training.

Some other changes that you can expect to see this year are:

• Interactive meeting discussions with speakers who will engage our audience
• Hands on tool-related training sessions
• Reductions in meeting costs
• Special Interest Group (SIG)-based gatherings

The SWO-STC chapter is committed to increasing value to our membership, and we think that Programs take center stage when emphasizing change and moving away from the “status quo.” Please take a moment to look at this year’s Program calendar and see what interests you, save the dates, and plan on sharing our changing program initiatives while also learning and having fun!