As summertime draws to a close and the deafening, rhythmic buzz of cicadas is replaced by the high-pitched chirping of crickets, I’m always a bit sad, but I find myself looking forward to cooler temperatures, the colors of autumn, and ICON’s annual picnic. Lots of good food and a chance to visit with friends is a surefire recipe for success—whatever the occasion!

I love to eat, and I thoroughly enjoy visiting with all of you, but what I enjoy most about ICON’s picnic is seeing evidence that great things are accomplished when we work together for the benefit of all. Our picnic epitomizes this concept. Everyone shares the responsibility by providing some of the food, and everyone shares in the benefits by having plenty to choose from. All of us contribute to the success of the event, and of the organization.

If we could get the same level of participation on a continuing basis, all of us would receive more help and support with our computing questions, and we would all be better off.

Your leaders are working really hard to do a better job of providing the help we know you need, and we are looking for ways to offer additional support in areas we haven’t previously addressed, but we still need your input. What do you need help with? Please let us know.

In order to provide the help you already receive, a few of us do hundreds of small tasks that many of you are unaware of. It might come as a surprise to you, but our jobs as officers are to manage ICON’s business and resources, and to provide an environment that enables group participation and contribution. Providing all the training and help you receive is not part of our job descriptions. Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. Most of us really enjoy helping you, but we need your help too.

Following are a few of the hundreds of ways almost every one of you could help out :

• Distribute promotional brochures in local businesses near where you live.
• Arrive 30 minutes early once each month (or even once every other month) to help get coffee and refreshments set up.
• Man the Education Library part-time.
• Maybe you have a friend or relative who would benefit from membership in ICON. Bring them with you to a meeting or SIG.
• If you are a reasonably good typist, you could help take attendance as people sign in at some of our various functions. (ICON could provide a laptop for this purpose.)
• Help a beginner who knows less than you do. There are lots of them!
• Help new members learn to navigate our web site in order to take advantage of the resources we have available.
• Do you know someone who does computer-assisted embroidery, machine quilting, drafting, design, or some other great idea for a program or SIG? Ask them if they would share with us.
• Post our upcoming events on KY3’s Community Calendar or other public information forum.
• We can teach you how to check the accuracy of links on our web site.
• Provide a ride to and from a meeting for someone who isn’t able to drive.

The list is endless! Please help us help you! Volunteer!

Hope to see you soon,
Terry