Article I. Name and Objectives

Section 1. Name

The name of the Chapter is the Austin Chapter. The Chapter is a subsidiary of the Society for Technical Communications (STC). These organizations are hereafter referred to as the Chapter and the Society, respectively.

The Chapter's name may be changed by a two-thirds vote at a business meeting of the Chapter, provided a quorum is present. Written notification of the motion to change the name must be given to all Chapter members at least two weeks prior to the vote. The Society must be notified when the Chapter has changed its name.

Section 2. Location

The Chapter is located in Region 5 of the Society. Members live or work in the greater Austin area and in other portions of central Texas included in the Chapter's boundaries by the Society.

Any change to Chapter boundaries must be submitted to Society headquarters for approval. The Society may change the Chapter's boundaries if it determines the change in is the best interest of the Society.

Section 3. Objectives

The Chapter's objectives, identical to those of the Society, are to advance the arts and sciences of technical communications by:

1. Encouraging research
   (For the Chapter, this goal includes recognizing and encouraging student and professional technical communicators in developing their technical communication skills and in learning more about the field of technical communication.)
2. Developing educational programs and establishing scholarships
   (For the Chapter, this goal includes developing Chapter educational programs and publicizing Society programs and scholarships.)
3. Stimulating the exchange of information by means of publications, meeting, and conferences
4. Recognizing outstanding accomplishments
5. Cooperating with other societies and institutions in mutually beneficial projects

The following activities are optional but have proven beneficial to Chapter growth:

1. Publication of a regular newsletter to establish communication with Chapter members
2. Publicity on the Chapter's activities and on the Society
3. Educational programs for the members such as Chapter-sponsored seminars, workshops, and contests
4. Employment referral services to establish contact between Chapter members and local employers
5. Establishment of technical groups to pursue specific fields of interest in technical communication