STC has received a grant to assist members with financial hardship to pay their dues. A partial or full payment of 2010 dues will be awarded. To qualify, the applicant must be a renewing member in good standing. New members, and lapsed or partial memberships (student and retired members) are not eligible at this time.

To enter, write a short essay (75 to 150 words) on one of three topics:

• How my work as a technical communicator added value for my employers or clients (current or past)
• What I believe are the most important skills technical communicators need for the future
• A specific example of how being a member of STC has made a difference in my career

The deadline for entries is Thursday, December 31, 2009.

Essays will be judged by a committee. Candidates are not required to renew their 2010 membership until the recovery packages have been awarded. For more information, see the following page: http://www.stc.org/2009/12/stc-offers-recovery-package-for-membership.asp.