This was first posted here: http://ixdaphoenix.ning.com/profiles/blogs/helping-ixda

I joined IxDA’s discussion a couple years ago. I was just graduating from my master’s program, and was looking to meet other professionals for networking and hopefully a job. For a couple years, IxDA was just a discussion list to me. I read some interesting conversation about common practices and discovered interesting job leads.

Almost a year ago, job searching lead me to Phoenix, which would be a huge move from the Midwest where I had spent most of my life. Along with that, I began researching other local UX/IxD professionals in the area and organizations that existed. One of my coworkers was helping start a local UPA chapter in the area, which was exciting, but I also wanted a space where we could come together and collaborate and learn in a more hands-on environment. I imagined bringing the community together to geek out and tinker with new ideas and philosophies, and maybe work on something to help the community. That’s when I discovered IxDA local groups and decided to inquire.

I was flattered by how much support I was given by the IxDA board, members, and other local leaders in this endeavor. I was given guidance and suggestions by others that were just starting up and those that had well established groups. This support only encouraged me more in my efforts, so much so, that I decided to attend the Interaction ’09 convention, and along with that, the opportunity to attend the local leaders workshop being held prior to the beginning of the conference.

After I returned, I scheduled the first IxDA Phoenix meetup. We met at Gangplank, a collaborative coworking location in the Phoenix metro area. I had no clue who was going to show up. I had been spreading the word via twitter, facebook and our newly done ning site. I was nervous, not only about no one showing up, but about people disliking my approach to meetings. It ended up being a success. Attendees had a blast and said they were looking forward to coming back.

IxDA has helped me tremendously in more ways than I can even begin to count. I have been connected with so many amazing and absolutely inspiring people through this organization. I have learned more about myself, and my thoughts in regards to the UX/IxD profession and have become more sound in standing up for my thoughts and ideas. I have started to think outside the box and discover new ways to use and share my knowledge.

I have enjoyed becoming a local leader so much that I have decided to volunteer for IxDA in other ways. I recently accepted the task of being the IxDA Local Group Initiative Community Lead. I have such a passion for the local groups and believe they are the starting point for great things within the community and worldwide. So much starts at the local level.

Additionally, I have been involved with a group of IxDA members that are helping to create a new IxDA site. For months, many IxDA members have been giving their time and efforts to researching platforms, brainstorming ideas, and creating artifacts to assist in the creation of the new site. Local groups, discussion, multimedia, jobs, and more will be represented in the new site.

I want to encourage everyone reading this to think about donating a little to IxDA. More information on how the money will be spent, is available on the board blog.

“As a thank you to all that contribute, we will hold a drawing each day and select one name to receive a complimentary registration to interaction’10, being held in Savannah, GA next February! (Note: Each day starts at 12:01 am GMT. No IxDA Board Members are eligible for the drawing. All registrations are transferable but not eligible for cash exchange.)”

Give back. Help IxDA as they’ve helped you.

I am.