Okay, I can hear what you are thinking - “New life? Huh! Just plain life in general would make me happy.” And, where will we get the volunteers? Isn’t that the perpetual question? Okay, let’s just suppose that you’ll hit on an idea that will spark enough interest to inspire the volunteers to come forward.

Basic Idea:

1. Computers are ubiquitous. We use them everywhere for everything from our automobiles to our toasters and alarm clocks. In User Groups we have difficulty moving from the idea that anything but the computer on our desk and our laptops are “real” computers. We are denying ourselves access to many possibilities and people.

User Groups tend to focus on a basic line-up of software that we consider central to computing: word processors, database programs and so forth. Of course, these are very important no-nonsense utilitarian programs.

The trick is to involve all the people who feel these types are too serious or above their skill level or whatever reason they have. How do you appeal to the “I-can’t-do-it” crowd? You know who I’m talking about -- the ones who don’t volunteer and don’t participate because they don’t think they have adequate computer skills.

Involve them in activities that are hobby-related and then gradually integrate them into the main stream.

An Example

We started a QUILTS (Quilters Using Imaging’s Latest Technology for Sewing). We were trying to involve several specific groups of people:

a. Members who wanted to participate in computing because their spouse was active in the User Group, but they couldn’t find anything that interested them

b. Professionals who want to do something fun that doesn’t seem like what they do at work.

c. Members who claim that meetings are boring and all talk and no action.

d. Members who say they don’t have any computer skills and they’d be embarrassed to go to most SIGS.

Result:

a. In this hobby area, the member is an expert and they feel secure and productive in this environment.

b. being actively engaged in an activity is relaxing, sociable and enjoyable.

c. members with little technical expertise sharpen their skills by using a listserv, making PowerPoint presentations, reviewing software and so forth. It has also stimulated interest in other skills to improve skills related to the hobby.

The idea is to empower User Group members at all levels to express themselves in an atmosphere of mutual respect. It’s an opportunity for User Group members to develop a sense of ownership and pride in the Group and to promote the general good of the organization.

It also is an exercise in loosening up entrenched ways and ideas and brings new enthusiasm and life into a group. Next to our children and our families, we treasure and enjoy our hobbies.

Let’s think about some other hobbies that might lend themselves to integration into a User Group:

1. Collectibles (Using a database to catalog them, presentation software put together programs, digital photography to catalog them, web sites to display them, Internet to research, buy and sell them, word processing and page layout to explain them.

2. Genealogy

3. Birding

4. Diet and exercise

5. Food, recipes and nutrition

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Other Possibilities:

Study Groups based around a specific product: i.e. Adobe products have a “Classroom in a Book” series for most of their products. Schedule on a per-chapter basis with a definite beginning and end. Decide whether or not group members are required to have a book. If yes, search for UG discount or lowest price and allow time for members to get the book.

Others: Stock software

Contests:

Great Paper Airplane Olympics and AOL CD throwing contest.

First a picnic and the plane construction. Make as many planes in 35 minutes as you wish. (Idaho PC Users Group, http://idahopcug.apcug.org/)

Oldest computer-related T-shirt. Prizes for Oldest, Most Unusual, Geekiest (North Orange County Computer Club, www.noccc.org)

Others:

Now you have the idea …. Fill in the blanks with some of your own ‘different’ ideas for using your computer or peripherals.

SIGS off The Beaten Track

Offbeat SIGS:

Computer Repair SIG (Greater Cleveland PC Users Group – www.gcpcug.org)

PIG SIG – monthly lunch paid for by members (WINNERS / WINdows usERS, CA – www.winners.org)

Amateur Radio SIG (Dayton Microcomputer Association, OH – www.dma.org)

Help-U-SIG (Santa Barbara PC Group, CA - www.sbpcug.org). Meet at a local restaurant for a Q&A –type SIG with rotating ‘gurus.’

Investment SIG (TUGNET, Granada Hills, CA – www.tugnet.org)

Another technique, albeit risky, is integrating established groups into your User Group. We are talking about small groups involved in computer related activities that might be amenable to joining your larger group. They’d get the benefit of your organization’s name, insurance, newsletter, administrative structure and, if you have a permanent location, a place to meet. Your group gets more members.

The drawbacks usually involve the fact that independent groups might not want to be team players dedicated to the good of a larger group.

The best thing to do is let it be known that your group is available for discussion and be active in the community.

More Ties With the Community

Another way to attract new members is to invite drama students to present a computer-related skit at your meeting. You have a meeting place and an audience to offer people who like to perform. They, in turn, will invite department and family members and friends who may in turn become members or at least spread the word about you. Exposure is important. Look for mutually beneficial partnerships and try the think outside the old ways. It’s more exciting for everyone.

What Has Your Group Done That Embraced a Different Approach?

And when you come up with catchy ideas, don’t forget to notify the press. They are always pleased to cover something that has a fresh angle.

Correct audience targeting is perhaps the single most important thing that nonprofit staff can do to save money in public relations and marketing. Savvy marketing managers will research and identify the reporters and producers who are most likely to cover their topic of interest. Study the columns of reporters in your local newspaper. Note the types of subjects covered by assignment editors on your local news stations. Although some reporters are versatile in the topics they cover, most reporters will develop a field of expertise. If you’re still unsure, place a call to the newspaper or station. Most reporters (when not on deadline) are very willing to refer you to the individual most likely to take an interest in your topic. (From http://www.drcharity.com!)