A Mapping User Group, also known as a MUG, is one way you, the client, can support and reinforce the application of Information Mapping in your organization. This page provides details on MUGs and includes these topics:

• What is a Mapping User Group?
• Why start a Mapping User Group?
• How to get members
• Starting a MUG
• What to do at MUG meetings
• Keeping a MUG going
• How Information Mapping Canada can help

What is a Mapping User Group?

A Mapping User Group is an affiliation of people trained in the Information Mapping method who meet on a regular basis to improve their communication skills. MUGs work well when you have a group of people you work with or you know in your general region. Information Mapping Canada can help provide meeting topics and providing speakers.

Why Start a Mapping User Group?

MUGs are a great way to

• coach new mappers
• pool resources, expertise, and ideas
• bring cross-functional people together to help Mappers master their skills, and
• educate others about Mapping.

How To Get Members

There are three ways to get in touch with trained Mappers within your company.

• Ask your account manager.
• Contact your training or HR department.
• Send an all company email.

To get members from other companies, try contacting local professional organizations such as CSTD, STC or ISPI.

Starting a MUG

Before you begin a MUG, you need to make sure that your MUG has a clear purpose and addresses the topics your members want. You should survey members to learn what their writing and Mapping interests are.

The first meeting is the most challenging. The best way to ensure the success of the meeting is to manage expectations from the start. Discuss what everyone would like to get out of membership. From this you can create a purpose or objective and determine how frequently and when and where to hold meetings.

What To Do At Meetings

Choose a topic or theme for each meeting. Some popular meeting activities include:

• Bringing in documents for the group to review and practice editing.
  • Members can break into teams to do this.
  • Members then share the results with the whole group.
• Discussing new and different ways they've seen Mapping used:
  • as an interview tool
  • for preparing PowerPoint presentations.
• Sharing communication challenges they are facing and brainstorm solutions.
• Discussing how to approach content re-use through Blocks and Maps that can be recycled in other information deliverables.

Keeping a MUG going

Once started, a MUG is easy to keep going. Continue asking members for topics of interest and keep posting e-mails and notices for upcoming meetings and topics.

Support From Information Mapping Canada

Information Mapping Canada is happy to support your MUG in any way possible.

• We can provide speakers for meetings, ranging from instructors who provide a refresher in Mapping skills to consultants who address specific Mapping application issues.
• We may also be able to put you in touch with others who have MUGs, allowing you to network.
• We can provide you with a free MUG Facilitator's Guide that details how to set up and run a MUG.

Contact us to find out more at info@infomap.ca.