Info Manager: IMHO

Throughout the year, InfoManager gets on his soap box to address some current issue or idea. Hope you enjoy this one, we invite your comment!

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Why did you join ACD?

 

I HAVE OFTEN BEEN ASKED "WHY?" when I suggest to people that they should join a computer user group. Usually I go down the list of why I joined ACD:

• Twice monthly meetings
• Great door prizes
• Newsletter
• Video tape library
• Educational benefits
• Book Discounts
• Software and hardware discounts
• Knowledgeable help from other members
• The ACD BBS
• E-mail on the Internet at a much cheaper rate than any other Mac outlet

Traditional Benefits

But there is one additional benefit which I have taken advantage of for more than 17 years. One that we hardly think about and certainly never talk about. Until now! That is the benefit of volunteering!

I know that may sound strange, but it is true. The most I have gotten out of a User Group is when I have volunteered to help. My first group was the Honolulu Apple Users Society (HAUS), where I severed as treasurer and spreadsheet SIG leader. While there, I joined the Boston Computer Society and Washington Apple Pi and several smaller west coast groups. By far the most beneficial was the one in which I had volunteered to help.

There is a reason why volunteering is a benefit:
      It is the way to learn the most in the shortest possible time. ACD's unstated goal is to provide educational opportunities for its members. It is my feeling that we do that in spades, but as any teacher will tell you, it is the teacher who learns the most. By being involved, we learn more and more about the Mac, each other and ourselves.

Some ways to be involved

• Welcome desk - hand out tickets, collect money, just smile and say "howdy".
• SIG Leader - wouldn't it be nice if we had a video SIG or one on utility usage on the Mac
• Teach a class - while we don't have a hands on classroom at this time, that is a possibility in the future and a presentation format is possible at any time. What subject do you know? Photoshop? Final Cut Pro? ClarisWorks? Mac Basics?

More great ways to help:

• Facilities coordinator. Help us get set up for our meetings. If you can't be the coordinator, perhaps you can help the coordinator. Help move and setup tables. Help hook up the equipment. Help with the lights. Also help in the striking (breaking down) after the meetings.
• Write articles for our newsletter the Gram. Wouldn't it be nice to get back to a monthly schedule?
• Hold an "Apple Pie" session in your home. These are a social gathering with four or five other ACD members. It is interesting to see how others have set up their Mac and peripheral equipment. It's fun and worthwhile to share short cuts, how you use your utilities and to share others knowledge. The chatting goes both ways. You will find someone you can call with problems and questions. Someone you are comfortable talking to who may know things about the Mac that you'd like to learn.

Even more great ways to help:

• Volunteer Coordinator - Such a person is really needed now that we are getting so many fine new members. They need to be helped to know where and how to volunteer.
• Program Director - while I am filling this office now, I would like to move on to other things. Someone has to telephone or email the software and hardware vendors to invite them to send representatives to put on meetings, and in so doing to promote their products.
• Membership Committee - this group works to get new members and find out what current members need and expect from our organization. Also why people have decided to leave and thus how we can better serve them.
• Participate on the BBS. Chat, comment on things that are posted. Post your "old" software/.hardware for sale. Make it more interesting for all of us.
• Come to board meetings. - Make suggestions. The board is all ears. You might want to serve on the board. Some of us just like to participate even if we aren't on the board.

What would you like to do?

The best way is to go for it! That is what I have done since returning to ACD a year and a half ago. In that time, I got CD sales going, got book sales going again, started doing the programming selection and now am starting a new Mac Basic 101 SIG. You could do the same for the group in your area.

If you really think it would be beneficial to the group, go for it. You don't really have to ask. (Unless we have to spend money). But if you do ask, you will get help. After all, we are all owners of our respective user groups.

Don't be afraid to think big. How about a Mac Auction of a MacFair. We could also support the Red Cross or another local group. What about a community outreach project? There are tons of things that you can dream up.

So think about it -- Think Different the saying goes. Think about volunteering to help. think about initiating projects. You'll be the better for it, and so will your user group.

Let me know what you think!

Have a great week...

Lynn

 

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