A call to action: Help NCRA A to Z grow

By Kensie Benoit

The NCRA A to Z^® Intro to Steno Machine Shorthand program has continued to grow each year, and with the addition of an Asynchronous/On-demand program, NCRA has seen tremendous interest within the first few weeks of 2025. As a result of this expansion, the NCRA A to Z Committee is issuing a call to action for individuals to assist with managing small, local machine repositories. NCRA supports this initiative by issuing monthly lists of available donated machines. Your machine repository could look like keeping a few extra machines in a closet in your office or at your courthouses. Here are a few tips and tricks on setting up your own machine repository.

With the dedicated leadership of Mary O. Berry, RDR, CRR, CRC, an official from San Antonio, Texas, and a passionate team of local volunteers, the San Antonio machine repository has helped thousands of students participate in introductory stenography programs. This initiative has been powered by the generous donation of machines from local reporters, enabling aspiring stenographers to take their first steps in the profession.

Five years ago the team established a local machine distribution and storage program to provide machines to students participating in these introductory programs. Every machine in the current inventory is equipped with an LCD screen, but older models like the Stenograph 8000 LX are still used effectively.

While maintaining a machine inventory may seem daunting, it’s manageable with the right team and approach. For those looking to replicate this initiative, starting small is key. Assemble a team of two to four dedicated individuals and aim to begin with 10 to 15 machines.

Steps to start your own inventory:

Ask for machine donations: Reach out to local reporters and request donations, not loans, of unused machines.
Organize your inventory: Give each machine a unique number and maintain a detailed inventory list including the serial number and any identifying information.
Advertise locally: Create fliers with QR codes linking them to the NCRA A to Z classes. A QR code ensures that the information is always up-to-date and accessible.
Create response templates for emails: To streamline communication, develop email response templates for inquiries about starting the program. These templates include all the essential information participants need to get started, ensuring a consistent and efficient response process.

The feedback from local participants has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the availability of machines for class use. By providing this access, we’re breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities for anyone exploring stenography. Our efforts are paying off, with two recently certified court reporters starting their journeys in the NCRA A to Z Intro to Steno Machine Shorthand program. This success highlights how small efforts can make a big impact, fostering the next generation of stenographers and strengthening the future of our profession. Together, we can make a difference—one machine at a time.

Anyone interested in joining this initiative should contact NCRA’s A to Z Program Coordinator, Lisa Dennison at atozprog@ncra.org.