By Erni Wade
The UniForum Association long ago recognized the value of related local and regional peer groups that would provide ongoing educational programs and networking opportunities for their members. We established our first UniForum affiliate group in 1986 and today we have 34 groups worldwide. We are in the process of establishing new groups in Montreal, Toronto, Moscow, Paris, and Portland, OR. These groups provide members with the chance for year-around interaction with peers and professional growth. In addition, members get exposure to the latest technologies, hottest topics of discussion, and a source of knowledge and encouragement for solving problems.
We recently asked our affiliates to complete a survey that will provide us with the information we need to provide additional support and benefits for our members. Our Professional Training Series seminar recently held in Burlingame, CA, is a perfect example of a program that could be cosponsored by an affiliate, allowing its members local access to an outstanding educational program. Ongoing training is essential to career growth and the association is considering several options that would help our affiliate groups expand their membership and encourage local involvement, thereby providing an educational forum to an even larger group of people.
Annual fees to join an affiliate group vary, but all are reasonable compared to the benefits. In New York, Ohio, Seattle, Washington D.C., Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago we have a joint membership structure that allows an individual to join both the affiliate group and UniForum at a rate that is lower than joining both groups separately. Affiliate groups vary in size and style but all are dedicated to providing an atmosphere of learning, networking, and help for you to increase your organization's information systems effectiveness through the use of open systems.
Knowing the importance and value of having a group of peers that open systems professionals can turn to for help, education and shared experiences, the association is actively looking for user groups interested in becoming UniForum affiliates. Affiliation requirements are simple and there is no cost. The potential affiliate group must have five UniForum general members, hold monthly meetings, support UniForum Association membership, and follow trademark guidelines if they use "UniForum" in their affiliate name. Each year during our annual trade show and conference, we host an affiliate meeting that is attended by a worldwide delegation. This forum is used to share ideas and successes, and hear first hand from UniForum's executive staff about new programs that are being planned. If you are interested in starting a group or currently belong to a group that would like to become a UniForum affiliate, please contact me at 408/986-8840 x16 or erni@uniforum.org.