70 Years of Educating Technical Writers: The STC Story

For 70 years, the Society for Technical Communication (STC) has been at the forefront of advancing the theory and practice of technical communication. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history and mission of the STC and explore how it has contributed to the success of its members and the field of technical communication as a whole.

What Is STC?

STC stands for the Society for Technical Communication, which is a professional organization for technical writers and communicators. The STC provides resources, education, and networking opportunities to help technical writers improve their skills and advance their careers.

As a technical writer, joining the STC can offer many benefits, including access to professional development resources such as webinars, conferences, and certification programs. Additionally, the STC provides job listings and career services to help technical writers find employment opportunities and grow their careers.

The organization also provides a platform for technical writers to network and collaborate with peers in the field. The STC has local chapters and special interest groups, where technical writers can connect with others who share their interests and work in similar industries.

Overall, the STC is a valuable resource for technical writers who want to stay up-to-date with industry trends, improve their skills, and connect with other professionals in the field.

The History of STC

The STC was founded in 1953 by a group of technical writers who recognized the need for a professional organization to support and advance the field of technical communication.

At its inception, the STC had just 13 members, but it quickly grew in size and influence. By the 1960s, the organization had expanded to include chapters across the United States and had established a certification program for technical writers.

Over the years, the STC has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the technical communication field. The organization has expanded its focus to include not only technical writing but also other forms of communication, such as content strategy, user experience design, and information architecture.

Today, the STC has more than 6,000 members worldwide and is recognized as a leading professional organization for technical communicators. The STC continues to provide resources, education, and networking opportunities to help technical writers and communicators improve their skills and advance their careers.

The Mission of STC

The mission of the STC is to advance the theory and practice of technical communication. The STC aims to promote the profession of technical communication and the professional development of its members, and to provide education, networking opportunities, and resources to help technical communicators improve their skills and advance their careers.

Specifically, the STC’s mission statement is: “The Society for Technical Communication advances technical communication as the discipline of transforming complex information into usable content for products, processes, and services. STC serves its members by identifying and promoting best practices in the field and by demonstrating the economic value delivered by technical communicators.”

STC’s 70 Anniversary

The field of technical communication continues to grow and change, and the Society for Technical Communication (STC) is dedicated to helping its members stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

Through webinars, online courses and seminars, conferences, and other educational opportunities, as well as a professional certification program, award-winning publications like Intercom magazine and the Technical Communication journal, an annual salary survey report and job bank, and a global network, the STC empowers technical communicators to adapt their skills to the needs of the marketplace.

One of the most exciting events on the STC calendar is the Technical Communication Summit, where attendees can participate in educational sessions on numerous topics with a variety of formats and experience levels. This year, the Summit will take place May 14-17 in Atlanta, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet like-minded colleagues and partners from numerous companies, explore the city, and attend fun social events planned with the local chapter members.

ClickHelp — the STC Industry Partner — is thrilled to participate in the celebration of STC’s 70 years of advancing the theory and practice of technical communication. Together, we can continue to promote clear, concise communication and make a positive impact in the industry.

Three Keynote Speakers

In this year’s STC Summit, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from three keynote speakers who are experts in their fields.

First, there’s Andrew Lawless, who is the Founder of the High Performance Consultant Academy™. With his background in behavioral science and certification as a High Performance Coach™, Lawless is considered to be one of the world’s leading human instinct coaches. He was also a finalist of the Kolbe Professional Award.

Next is Judith L. Glick-Smith, PhD, a veteran technical communication expert, author, and leadership development consultant with over 40 years of experience. As a Past International President and Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication, she is a recognized expert on the topic of “flow” and “flow-based leadership.” For over 15 years, she has been studying flow-based decision making and leadership in Fire and Emergency Management Services.

Finally, there’s Scott Abel, also known as The Content Wrangler, a content strategy evangelist who has helped many organizations streamline their content production and delivery processes. He’s a recognized thought leader in the field of content strategy and has been a featured speaker at various industry events across the globe.

All three keynote speakers will bring their unique perspectives and insights to the STC Summit, making it an event not to be missed for technical communication professionals.

Conclusion

The Society for Technical Communication has made significant contributions to the field of technical communication over the past 70 years. Through its dedication to providing education, certification, and a supportive network, the STC has helped technical writers adapt to the ever-changing needs of the industry and develop the skills necessary to thrive in their careers.

As we look to the future, we can expect the STC to continue to play a vital role in shaping the field of technical communication and helping its members achieve their professional goals. For more information about the event, please visit the STC website.

Good luck with your technical writing!
ClickHelp Team
Author, host and deliver documentation across platforms and devices