APCUG

Summer/Fall 2024

This NOOZ is sent to all officers listed in the UGLS (APCUG’s membership database).

The Q1 and Q2 2024 Spring APCUG Reports are linked below, and you can also find a copy of it at http://apcug2.org/reports/

In this edition of NOOZ:

1.  2024 Contests: ePub, Newsletter, and Website
2.  Volunteer of the Year (VOTY)
3.  Q1 and Q2 2024 Spring APCUG Reports
4.  Let your Advisor know what you would like to see in the Reports
5.  Advisors are your communication link
6.  Info for members going on vacation
7.  Notes from your Region 8 Advisor

1. 2024 Contests. ePub Emails, Newsletters, and Websites
These contests are exclusively open to APCUG member groups, allowing them to showcase their communication efforts and how they engage with fellow members. Here are the details:

• Contests: The contests include three categories: ePub Emails, Newsletters, and Websites.
  Submission Period: The submission period begins on September 2, 2024, and ends on September 30, 2024.
• Submission Process: The contest rules and instructions, which will be sent to all officers in early August, clearly outline the process for submitting entries.
• Recognition Opportunity: Participating in these contests is a fantastic opportunity to earn recognition for your group. Showcase your hard work and creativity!
• Judging and Results: The contests will be judged in October, and the results will be announced at the annual meeting on November 9.
• Logos for Winners: The winning ePub Emails, Newsletters, and Websites will receive APCUG logos for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place.
• Results Announcement: The results will be posted on APCUG’s website and shared with all groups through NOOZ and APCUG Reports.
• Make sure to mark your calendar and participate!

2. Volunteer of the Year (VOTY).
Nominate a volunteer in your group as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year.

Do you have a volunteer using their skills and experience to make a significant difference in your group? APCUG is seeking nominations for the Volunteer of the Year award, which recognizes the importance of volunteers to APCUG’s member groups.

Volunteers are the backbone of APCUG and its member groups; they keep their groups viable. Volunteers come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities and have different reasons for volunteering. They are idea people and do-it people. All user group volunteers have this in common: their advocacy for technology and their dedication and commitment to their group.

This year’s nominations will begin on September 2 and end on September 30. The recipient will be announced at the November 9, 2024, annual meeting. The group will receive a plaque to present to their VOTY.

The judges will objectively evaluate candidates against the selection criteria.

• Briefly explain why your group’s nominee should receive the VOTY.
• Thoroughly describe how your volunteer has impacted your group. If you have any questions, please email jtaylour (at) apcug.org

3. The Q1 and Q2 2024 Spring APCUG Reports can be found here.

4. What would you like to see in Reports?
Send your ideas to your Advisor. Presentations, fundraisers, how to get volunteers, how to grow your membership, whatever? Tech tips? Security tips?

5. Advisors are your communication link with APCUG.
Is your Advisor on your newsletter and meeting distribution list? Do you regularly update your website? Newsletters and websites are where your Advisor learns about what is happening with your group and can include it in their quarterly report. No information from your group results in no information about your group in Reports. You can also email them about what is happening with your group (wjames(at)apcug.org) We want to hear from you.

6. Members taking vacations might be interested in this information.
https://staysafeonline.org/resources/vacation-and-travel-security-tips/
https://geeksontour.com/2024/03/show272-time-zone-tips-and-tricks/
https://geeksontour.com/2022/09/242-keeping-your-devices-charged-while-traveling/login

7. Notes from your Region 8 Advisor:
What Keeps Your User Group Relevant? Keeping a computer user group relevant and ensuring members return involves several strategies focused on engagement, value, and community. Here are six elements to consider:

1. Regular and Varied Meetings

• Consistent Schedule: Regular meetings help members plan and maintain their commitment.
• Diverse Topics: Cover a wide range of topics to cater to the group’s different interests and skill levels. Topics might include new technologies, software tutorials, industry trends, and troubleshooting tips.
• Guest Speakers: Invite experts to speak on relevant subjects to provide fresh perspectives and advanced knowledge. The APCUG Speakers Bureau is a great resource for in-person and virtual speakers. The bureau’s content is constantly being updated. Speakers Bureau – APCUG (apcug2.org)

2. Community Building

• Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs to support new or less experienced members, fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Social Events: Organize online and offline social events to strengthen bonds between members. Folks love food, so consider having an event that involves food. You will be surprised about the turnout.

3. Educational Resources

• Workshops and Training: Offer hands-on workshops and training sessions to help members develop new skills.
• Resource Sharing: Create a repository of resources, including articles, tutorials, and tools that members can access. Newsletters and ebulletins are great tools to use to facilitate this.

4. Communication and Engagement

• Regular Updates: Send newsletters or updates about upcoming events, industry news, and group activities.
• Online Presence: Maintain an active online presence through social media, forums, and a dedicated website or platform where members can interact and share information. Keeping your website up to date promotes interest in your club for members and guests.
• Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for collecting feedback from members to understand their needs and preferences and adjust accordingly. Develop a survey asking members what they want their club to be and how it can be useful to them.

5. Value Addition

• Exclusive Content: Provide access to exclusive content, such as webinars, e-books, or early access to software/tools. Utilize APCUG’s Speaker Bureau and promote the APCUG Wednesday Workshops and Saturday Safaris. These events are exclusive to APCUG members and are a benefit of membership.
• Discounts and Perks: Negotiate discounts on relevant products or services. Check and see it your local computer stores will offer your member discounts.
• Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and reward active members or contributors to encourage ongoing participation. Please be sure to recognize your members during meetings that do work for the club. The APCUG Volunteer of the Year Award (VOTY) is another opportunity to recognize your outstanding members.

6. Innovation and Adaptation

• Stay Current: Continuously adapt to new trends and technologies to keep the group’s content relevant.
• Innovation: Encourage innovative thinking and the exploration of new ideas within the group.
  By focusing on these areas, a computer user group can stay relevant, provide substantial value to its members, and foster a strong, engaged community that members will want to return to.

Bill James
Region 8 Advisor
wjames(at)apcug.org

.