The groundwork has been laid and ICON has begun moving ahead with plans for significant changes and several additions to our existing programs. Because of our extended outreach, we must expand support to provide programs of interest for a much broader range of users. Support for existing members at every level of expertise will be expanding, and we will also offer support for those who use a computer every day at work, or who, for whatever reason, just want to become more proficient at some aspect of their personal use.

To accomplish this, we will reorganize and streamline our operations and the various resources we already have in place, and develop new ways to help beginners choose, and reach, the level of proficiency that satisfies their own needs. We will make more effort to teach new ICON members how to use the available resources. Our education library will be in a constant state of review for needed updates and will be available at all regular functions. The education committee will also regularly hold hands-on classes on topics such as Windows, Security, Internet, E-mail, accessing resources, etc.

By providing all the elements included in our March of Technology event, we were able to present a thorough overview of the user group environment. We brought together local vendors, educators, user’s groups, and people; providing a forum for each to meet, and interact with, the others.

Providing a relaxed, fun, and friendly atmosphere helps remove the fear of computers, and makes learning to use them easier and much less burdensome. Couple this with the low cost / high return ratio of users’ group membership (compared to the cost of training in a traditional setting), and we have the basic tools necessary for ICON to succeed.

ICON’s officers and committee chairmen must find ways to:

• Fill the gap between beginner and intermediate user.
• Address the diverse needs of our members.
• Continually re-invent the organization.
• Embrace the ever changing technologies driving the industry that created the need (25 to 30 years ago) for users’ groups to exist in the first place.
• Open the inner circle of ICON’s leadership to allow and encourage participation by all of our members.
• Encourage as much participation from others as we can get.

In order for the formula of growth and progress we have set in motion to succeed, we have to change. Those of us entrusted by you with stewardship of the organization should be earning the right to wield an officer’s vote every single month. We are obligated to do the best job for ICON that we can possibly do...if we don’t, we are not serving the organization well. Any of us who isn’t actively working to further the organization, should not hold an officer’s position! I for one will be working hard to earn the power of my officer’s vote!

As ICON’s officers, we have a responsibility to the organization and to each individual member as well...but remember; your knowledge and proficiency are ultimately your responsibility. We can’t help you if you won’t help yourself. As I’ve said before, “ICON belongs to each of its members, not just to the officers.” In order to do all that we want to do for you, we need your help.

Hope to see you at the next function,

Terry