User Groups
What are User Groups?
User groups are clubs, organized by people interested in sharing information about their computers. Apple has more than 600 user groups registered worldwide - some with fewer than 30 members, others with over 1000.
What benefits do user groups offer?
User groups help members with technical questions, give honest advice on software selection and provide a friendly environment where people can learn more about their computers. Most groups offer classes, one-on-one support, monthly meetings, an informative newsletter, member discounts, special interest groups, and of course, the inevitable camaraderie that all Mac users share. Larger groups offer extensive training programs, computer labs and resource libraries.
What happens at user group meetings?
Most user group meetings begin with a question and answer session (Q&A). Here you can ask any question imaginable about your computer, easy or difficult, and get an immediate answer from a knowledgeable fellow user. After the Q&A, there’s usually a presentation or two demonstrating new things you can do with your computer. Speakers are either user group members with specialized knowledge or computer industry vendors showing what you can do with their latest product offerings. When the speakers finish, it’s time for the raffle. User groups often receive software and merchandise donations from industry vendors, and most groups share these items with their members via the monthly raffle. Once the raffle concludes, the meeting is over, and socializing begins.
What else do user groups do?
Many user groups initiate technology-related community service projects. They donate used computers to local charities and provide ongoing support, refurbish older computers for use in schools that don’t have the funds to buy new, donate equipment to the elderly and help them get started on the internet. User groups also sometimes produce special events - training days, swap meets, gaming parties, computer shows, trivia contests, summer camps, picnics and more.
How are user groups organized?
User groups are independent organizations run by local volunteers. Apple promotes and supports its user groups, but the company does not own or direct them. They are not organized into a formal hierarchy; each operates alone. User group members usually elect officers - a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, meeting coordinator, newsletter editor, webmaster and volunteer coordinator - who manage the day-to-day operations of the club.
Aren’t all user group members fanatics, freaks and geeks?
A few are, but most user group folks are regular people - accountants, doctors, lawyers, policemen, artists, consultants, airline pilots, clerks, caterers, businessmen, teachers, publishers, retired people, medical technicians, corporate executives, retail managers, students, musicians, firemen, writers, producers, editors, film makers, secretaries, web designers and small business owners.
Why should I join a user group?
Joining gives you full access to all the benefits a group offers. Though membership offerings vary from group to group, you can at least expect a newsletter, personalized email or phone support, regular meetings and a welcoming atmosphere.
What does it cost to join?
Membership prices vary from group to group. While some groups have no membership fee, most charge $10 - $60 a year to cover expenses.
Where can I get more information about user groups in my area?
Visit our online user group locator to find a group near you. You can search by city, state or area code. When the locator returns a list of groups, click on the ones that look interesting to learn more. Summary pages provide a description of the group, contact information and group meeting dates, times and locations. You will also find a link to their web site, which is a great place to go for more detailed information.
How do I give user groups a try?
Use the online locator to find a couple of groups near you. Look closely at their web sites to see what they offer. If they’ve posted a sample newsletter, read through it to evaluate the quality of the publication. Find out when the group meets and visit one of their monthly meetings. This is an excellent way to get to know the group. Introduce yourself to one of the group leaders and explain what you’re looking for. Chances are, they’ll know just where to find it.
I can’t attend meetings. Can user groups still help me?
Yes. Even if you don’t attend regular meetings, many user groups still offer enough benefits to make membership worthwhile. This is especially true if the group offers a top-notch monthly publication and specialized technical help. Or consider joining an online-only user group. If you’re comfortable using the internet, online groups can be a good resource for support and camaraderie via email discussion lists and/or message boards. Online groups are a bit different - they usually don’t charge for membership and are often run by one or two non-elected individuals who dictate policy based on community input.
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