1. Forming a Regional GIS User Group
How and Why to Put the Pieces Together
10 sec Good morning/afternoon. I’d like to speak to you about how and why to put the pieces together to form a regional GIS user group. There is a little work involved in forming a user group but the benefits outweigh the effort.

2. Why Form a Regional GIS User Group?
Peer Networking
Info/Idea Sharing Forum
25 sec There are several good reasons to form a regional GIS user group. User groups help promote peer networking by allowing you to form new relationships with your counterparts from other agencies and to strengthen existing relationships. The group can also be a great forum for idea and information sharing between GIS agencies. We often face similar issues so a successful solution by one of us may work for others while an unsuccessful solution may help others avoid similar mistakes.

3. Why Form a Regional GIS User Group? Part II
GIS Development Assistance
Unified Professional Voice
25 sec User group members can help advance GIS development in their region and in the State by providing support and advice to newly-developing GIS departments and/or guidance to fellow GIS staff seeking to advance within their profession. The user group provides a body whereby GIS professionals can collectively voice their support and/or concerns

4. Why Form a Regional GIS User Group? Part III
Support for GIO, IGIC and GIS initiatives
Cooperative Study of GIS Improvements
25-30 sec In addition to

5. Group Focus may Define Membership
Who Should Be Included?
State & Federal Government
Academia
Utilities
Local Government
40 sec User group members can come from many different areas. Local gov’ts typically have a GIS dept or, if not, then other depts that have GIS interests. Many State and Federal agencies have internal GIS departments or staff. Utilities often have GIS staff to manage their infrastructure. Universities may have GIS departments to support other university activities. Others groups such as historical societies, economic development partnerships or regional planning agencies may also be interested in participating. The group’s focus may ultimately define membership.
Others
Group Focus may Define Membership

6. Grass Roots Foundation Identify and Invite Local Players
Starting A User Group
Grass Roots Foundation
Identify and Invite Local Players
Host A Meeting to Discuss Group and Define Goals
30 sec

7. Organizing The User Group
Formal Organization
(Officers, Charter, Committees)
Informal Organization
(Organizer, Ad Hoc Workgroups)
Choose What Best Fits Your Group
30 sec

8. Peer Support for User Groups
Two User Groups Active in Northern IN
NW IN GIS Forum & NIGIC are willing to help by sharing experiences, ideas
30-35 sec

9. State Support for User Groups
IGIC can provide some administrative support & ideas
State GIO can provide info to/from State & Federal organizations
30-35 sec

10. So What is Your Role?
Be a Local Champion; Support GIS by forming a User Group in your region!
20 Sec