 Do your members know what FACUG is?
Most of the FACUG newsletters include the FACUG
logo and the
APCUG logo, usually on the credits page. However, do the members know
what FACUG is or what it does for them? I have spoken to many of the first
time attendees at the FACUG Spring and Fall Conferences, and they had no
idea of what to expect, other than they probably will go home with some
software.
We as members and leaders of our groups sometimes forget that that many,
if not most our fellow members are new to computer user groups. We say
things similar to “It’s FACUG conference time. Are any of the officers
or
SIG leaders interested in attending?” Many may have no idea what that
means, so they are not interested in attending another meeting, especially if
it means traveling, paying a fee, and perhaps staying over night.
With the user group movement losing members, it is important for us as
experienced leaders to pass on information to the newer or potential leaders.
Those who do attend FACUG conferences go back to their groups with
renewed enthusiasm and ideas for their group. However, if more of our
members know and understand what information is shared at the FACUG
conferences, more potential leaders will be interested in attending, and
perhaps running for those offices that you find so hard to fill.
There are many ways to spread this
FACUG information. All attendees
should emphasize what is learned at
the breakout sessions. The freebies
should not be the attraction or your
group’s representation loses its value.
Making a written report for your newsletter
or web site should be mandatory
for all attendees. Those who attend
could hold a discussion at your group’s
main meeting and summarize each of
the conference’s roundtables.
There is so much great information
shared at each FACUG event, the attendees
need to pass this information
to all of the members and leaders who
were unable to attend. There are many
great articles about FACUG and user
groups in the “FACUG Proceedings”that should be shared with your
group.
How many of your officers and members
actually get to read the publication?
Did you know that an Acrobat
edition is available at the FACUG website?
It can be posted on your group’s
website or even e-mailed to each of
your members. Articles from “FACUG
Proceedings” can be printed in your
newsletter.
Encourage your newest and potential
leaders to attend the FACUG conference.
They will reap the most benefit
for your group. They will return to your
group, enthused and armed with a lot
of great ideas.
Author: Hewie Poplock
FACUG Proceedings Springs 2005
Reprinted with permission
Date: 03 / 05/ 2005
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