Another term has passed and the STC Canada West Coast Chapter exudes liveliness and optimism. I can hardly believe that things were not as hopeful and dynamic a year ago. As a relatively new member, I was surprised to learn about this gloomy past, since I personally experienced a very different picture. For this reason, I felt the need to discuss what I have seen so far. 
The first event I attended was the November 2008 meeting, featuring Jack Molisani. I remember that his presentation on how to make a six-figure income drew nearly 100 participants! I was really impressed. Though I was too shy to talk to anybody that night, several months later I seized an opportunity to meet and work with my other chapter members at the Pecha Kucha event.
I found my fellow presenters to be a very fine group of people with an extraordinary talent for cooperation and an immeasurable interest in building community. As the event came to its happy end, I found myself wanting more. I was energized and full of optimism. I also learned many things about the occupation of technical writer and understood why I had always felt attracted to it.
Intriguingly, while I was energized by the possibilities, other technical communicators I spoke with that evening were less enthusiastic.  Someone asked with sardonic surprise if the chapter still existed.  Another colleague declared with certainty, “That’s a waste of your money and your time.” I was puzzled: what kind of dissatisfaction could possibly incite such overt pessimism?
As I put some of the pieces together, I learned that the chapter was undergoing difficult times, hard enough to discourage some members and drive away others. Some members even thought the chapter was about to fold last year. To be honest, I did not even notice! Apparently, the storm was quickly overcome and it was not evident to new members’ eyes.
Are you feeling discouraged about the state of the STC, and the future of Technical Communication? Are you asking yourself if the Society is still worth joining? Looking forward to the plans for the next year, I can say most definitely: Yes, the STC is still worth joining.
Many active members and volunteers are at work behind the scenes, building an enduring community to support, educate, and encourage those who work in our profession. I look forward to the upcoming program meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences planned so far, and the schedule isn’t even complete yet.
Each of these events requires volunteers to help them run smoothly. In my experience, if you participate and become part of the community, you will get much more in return.