On Sun, 25 Jul 1999, Albert Ruel wrote:

> Kelly, I listened to your interview on Handi-talk the other day.  I
> think it was recorded on July 20 and included people from Boston and
> Philadelphia.  The topic of discussion was the computer users groups
> that you all belong to and manage.  I live on the West Coast of Canada
> in a community of about 200,000 people, and would love to have such a
> group at my disposal.  How does one get something started?

Albert,

This is a question that many have.  Organizing a vicug is like organizing
other kind of groups.  YOu can start small.  some vicugs have computer
demonstrations and speakers at member's homes.  Talk to some blind people
you know and ask if they are interested in getting together to share
skills, ideas, and techniques of using their computer.  it is good to have
a computer available so that people can demonstrate and learn.  Don't
worry about size.  We are large in Chicago because we live in a big city
and many are interested.  A well matched group of four or five can be very
worthwhile and informative.  It's a different dynamic from a meeting of
40, but each has its pluses and minuses.

Let others know about your group or a meeting you have planned.  Radio
reading services, talking newspaper services, rehabilitation agencies, and
organizations of the blind are all good places to send printed
announcements.

All it takes is a few people, setting a time and location, showing how you
use some applications, inviting others to show theirs, typing an
announcement and you are off and running.  Please let us know of your
progress.  One book I have found quite helpful is:

Kahn, Si.  Organizing.  New York: McGraw-Hill, 1982.

It is available from Recording for the Blind on cassette.

Kelly


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