User groups provide training and support for members as they use technology for work and hobbies. Dr. Martin Emanuel, a family physician in West Belfast, turns to the Northern Ireland Macintosh Users Group for help as he integrates technology into his surgery and practice. Ninety year-old Ben Penners, a San Diego user group member, communicates with other Macintosh users around the world as he tries new technologies. “Using my Macintosh and a digital camera, I have learned to create collages which family members say are heirlooms,” says Penners.

Macintosh user group veterans often remain active members because they love to share the knowledge and experience they’ve gained through the years. Many members became the experts they are today because of user groups. Now, they want to give back to the community of members.

Bradley Dichter, who co-founded the Long Island Macintosh Users Group in 1984, continues to offer a popular MacHelp session. “I tell it like it is,” says Dichter. “The crowd relishes my comments like a kind of Jerry Springer show.”

User groups offer more than training, technical support, discounts, product reviews, and newsletters. They also offer members an opportunity to develop lifetime friendships.

“I’m really not a computer geek,” says Marganne Meyer. “I just pretend to be one at work.” As a member of the Women in Technological Sisterhood (WITS) of MacNexus, Meyer has received more than just help for her work as a web designer. She saw firsthand the benefits of belonging to the Mac community as she battled colon cancer.

“I’ve been very personally touched by the friendships I’ve made through MacNexus. While I was in surgery, there were five WITS members waiting at the hospital to support me. My friends at MacNexus provided an electronic lifeline for me during my cancer treatments. And to think — that never would have happened if I hadn’t joined MacNexus.”

Apple user groups always welcome new members. Find a user group, get involved, and experience the wonderful community of Macintosh users waiting for you.

— David Roemer