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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MadTech.

1. What is MadTech?
   MadTech is a new user group formed in and for Madison, WI. We are insanely interested in the convergence of nonprofit organizations and technology. We are the group to join for anyone interested the confluence of nonprofits, technology, and social networks.
   
   
2. Are we just for Madisonians?
   Not at all. Anyone interested in nonprofits and technology; and technology for public good is welcome to join. Obviously, face-to-face meet-ups, will mostly be limited to people from Madison or surrounding areas will.
   
   But on the web, you can still actively, as a full-fledge member. Join MadTech.Join any of our subgroups. Participate in conversations. Make friends. Access information and resources.
   
   
3. Why should I join?
   Join because you love nonprofits, social organizing, technology, doing good, and helping others.
   
   Join because your overwhelmed and are looking for support and assistance in using technology in your nonprofit.
   
   Join because you're a service provider, consultant, and or volunteer who wants to help nonprofit organizations better use technology.
   
   Join because you are a nonprofit administrator or executive looking to further the reach of your organization.
   
   There are a multitude of reasons to join! The best one is 'because I'm interested.'
   
   
4. I'm not from Madison, why should I join?
   To meet people. To be challenged. To learn. To help. MadTech wants to serve all of Wisconsin, and to that goal, we have created a subgroup system. Click the 'Groups' tab to see.
   
   Subgroups (aka Groups) can be location-based, for those wanting to start face-to-face meet-ups elsewhere or just requiring the ability to communicate with a specific subset of people; say nonprofit techies from Green Bay.
   
   Groups can also be formed around interest. Undecided. Post a question to the forums or send one of the groups administrators a message. Group admins are: Alnisa Allgood and Gale Petersen.
   
   
5. How did MadTech form?
   Finally! An easy one. I'm Alnisa, I went to BarCamp Madison 2, this summer (2008). I met some pretty cool techies, but what I enjoyed most was the nonprofit subculture of the event. There were folks like me, there. We worked for or with nonprofits, and had the desire to talk, share, and learn from each other. During and after, Barcamp Madison, we lamented that there was no user group specificaly for us. So I started one.
   
   
6. When are Meetings?
   Darn it! Back to the hard ones. We're working on a first meet date. Hopefully a recurring one—like 1st Monday of the Month or so. Help us decide by participating in the conversation. It's in the Forums, under Ideas, Requests, and Recommendation.