Local Ambassador FAQ

What is a UXnet Local Ambassador?

A Local Ambassador (LA) is a UXnet volunteer who makes connections between people, resources and organizations related to user experience (UX) within a specific geographic locale.

Should I become a Local Ambassador?

If you are interested in UX and are a natural at networking, chances are good that you are already doing some of the things that a UXnet LA does. If you are speaking to peers and others involved in related fields you are partway there to meeting the expectations of a UXnet LA.

UXnet is seeking LAs to facilitate communication between all the groups working in fields related to the user experience. So, if you have the drive and desire to help make connections between the groups in your area, and open the door for them to the world of UXnet, being an LA is for you.

What locales are covered by Local Ambassadors?

As of this writing, there are 96 Local Ambassadors representing 72 locales in 28 countries on six continents.

What’s in it for me?

LAs enjoy quite a few benefits:

  • Access to all of the resources at the disposal of UXnet and the Local Ambassadors
  • Potential funding to reimburse cost-generating activities in your locale, when available
  • Identification as a Local Ambassador on the UXnet website, as well as on the pages for your specific locale (and on your resume)
  • Entrance into an active peer network with dozens of knowledgeable user experience professionals from all around the world
  • Access to our extended leadership that includes some of the best-known and most prestigious names in the user experience industry
  • Various Local Ambassadors have earned speaking engagements, professional engagements, and other key UX leadership opportunities through the network of Local Ambassadors
  • Opportunities for free or discounted conference and event passes as they are available

What are an LA’s responsibilities?

There are three main responsibilities:

  • Maintain useful and up-to-date information about local activities and groups on your UXnet locale web page
  • Make connections between local UX organizations and chapters
  • Be the local UX hub by gathering and broadcasting information and opportunities

You may also decide to help in other ways, including:

  • Solicit sponsorships and donations within your locale
  • Become an active participant in the Local Ambassadors group by sharing experiences and advice, and occasionally volunteering for special projects
  • Help recruit new Local Ambassadors for other locales

How long is an LA’s term?

Two years.

Can an LA be removed from his or her role?

Yes, LAs can and are removed for lack of activity or for intentionally misrepresenting UXnet. But it is something we would prefer to avoid; we are a volunteer organization, not a police state!

I have not been in my area long; does that disqualify me from being an LA?

LAs are not necessarily long-time members of their local UX community. Often newcomers are in the best position to research the local “lay of the land” when it comes to UX, and can capture the big picture of who’s who, and which organizations are important.

I am not too experienced with UX; does that disqualify me?

There is no minimum level of UX experience required to be an LA, and many of us already have more UX experience than we know — we just call it something else. However, you at least should be planning to enter the industry and learn about your local UX community. If you are something of a networker, activist, or investigator, this introduction will take place much more quickly.

How do I sign up to become an LA?

The process is quite simple. First read this FAQ to make sure this is something you want to do and can commit to. Then simply contact us (with Subject: Local ambassadors), and we will get you signed up and introduced to the UXnet community.

There is already an LA in my area; can we be joint LAs?

Yes, especially if the skills and the networks you bring are complementary. However, we suggest limiting the number of LAs in any given locale to two; more than a pair often becomes unmanageable. Contact us (with Subject: Local ambassadors), so we can work with you to determine if your locale could use an additional LA.

What happens once I sign up to be an LA?

You will be asked to join the LA mailing list and add yourself to the UXnet wiki. You will be given access to an area of the UXnet website that is dedicated to your locale where you can publish information about UX-related groups and events in your area (as well as your own contact information). The Membership chair will announce you to the rest of the LAs, and that’s it. You’re ready to go!

My locale is pretty large and active. Any advice on how to get started?

If your area is buzzing with UX activity, you are in luck. Your major role will be to identify and introduce yourself to the people running local UX-related organizations and discussion lists. Here are some basic steps you can take:

  • Describe UXnet and its goals, and provide some information to forward on to their colleagues, including UXnet’s introductory brochure (and uxnet.org, our site address)
  • Remind them that UXnet is not a competitor, also seeking members: we are a supporting organization
  • Ask if you can make a brief presentation about UXnet at an upcoming meeting
  • And most of all, make it clear how you can help them — by making it easier for people to find them, their organizations, and their events.

Do this in person if you can, over coffee. And remember: you may have to repeat these steps at least once per year, as local organizations — and the people who run them — turn over regularly.

My locale has little or no activity, and I am pretty much starting from scratch. Any advice on how to get started?

If you are in a position to jumpstart the local UX community, realize that you will need to engage in a fair amount of research and education. Your research will include:

  • Casting the net especially widely by approaching groups geared toward broader (and often less-professional) topics like web design, HTML coding, web marketing.
  • You may also consider approaching local educational institutions with vocational programs in web design, as well as student chapters of UX-related professional associations.

In both cases, approach them with the goal of educating them about UX and, specifically UXnet. Ask yourself: what was it that drew you to UX? And what might be especially interesting about UX to the people you are approaching? If you can make a case for UX , it will be much easier for people to understand the value of UXnet. Rely on the UXnet LAs discussion list for advice and inspiration on how to get UX going in a low-activity locale.

Are there UXnet marketing materials available for LAs?

We make a brochure and other materials available. You will receive access to this when you become an LA.

Can we create our own marketing materials?

We would love to have more people volunteering their creative talent for UXnet’s marketing materials, but these materials do need to be approved by our Board of Directors to ensure consistency in our messaging and brand. Contact us (with Subject: Local ambassadors) so we can discuss your needs and how you might volunteer.

Are there opportunities to meet other LAs?

Yes. All LAs join a discussion list where you can share questions, advice, success stories, and more. Via the list, LAs often organize dinners and other informal get-togethers at annual meetings and conferences. And of course, you are free to organize other activities; we are a very social group.

I cannot serve as an LA any longer; what should I do?

First: thank you for your efforts! Second: don’t feel guilty; we would prefer to hear from you that you cannot continue rather than have you disappear.

It is critical that your good work as an LA does not go away when you do. Your regular care and feeding of your locale page on the UXnet site will make the handoff of your role much easier for your successor.

If you plan to end your role as an LA, your first step is to let the Membership Chair know of your plans. He or she may already have information on local candidates to assume your role, but you might consider that yourself: who have you met in your locale’s UX-related community who seems interested in connecting people and organizations? A natural successor might be sitting at the next cubicle; if you talk with even two or three potential candidates a month before you finish up your role, you are likely to find a replacement.

When a replacement is in place, you can help them make the transition in two ways:

  • Show them the ropes: Let them know who your contacts are, paint them a picture of local UX-related activities, show them how to maintain the locale pages, and explain to them how UXnet really works. This can probably be done in an hour over coffee.
  • Let the community know: Send out a note to leaders and on lists explaining the transition, and introducing your replacement.

I am taking over an existing locale from someone else; what do I do?

First things first: contact the LA Membership Chair to get your UXnet web site login and other information. If possible, have your predecessor introduce you to the local UX network in your locale (both individuals and organizations). One of you should also mention the handoff on UX-related local discussion lists.

Once you have the basics of the transition complete, take a critical look at what has been done in your locale so far. Are there gaps in terms of relevant people and groups that should be approached to be involved in UXnet? Here is your chance to improve the locale’s presence while putting own stamp on your locale.

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