indyhike GOOGLE GROUPS SWITCHOVER TO GOGGLE GROUPS IS COMPLETE On October 1, 2020 the IHC switched from Yahoo! Groups, a free broadcast email service we have used for about 10 years, to Google Groups also a free email service for broadcast emails. The Club has made the switch to Google Groups because it is easier to administer and enroll new members. All former Yahoo! Groups users (i.e., email addresses) have been automatically enrolled in Google Groups, as have all of the other Club members who we have an email address for. For everyone else, there is a place on the 2021 dues notice (went out with the October schedule) for you to designate an email address where you would like to receive broadcast Google Group emails. If you fill in this field the Google Groups administrator will automatically enroll you in Google Groups. HOW DO I SEND A GOOGLE GROUPS EMAIL TO ALL MEMBERS? The process of sending an email to everyone enrolled in Google Groups (hopefully most club members) is very simple and almost indentical to what you were used to in Yahoo! Groups, that is you will simply send an email to indyhike@googlegroups.com. WHEN SHOULD I SEND A GOOGLE GROUPS EMAIL? It is appropriate and desired that you notify all Club members by a Google Groups email of any hike cancellations, new hikes inserted into the schedule after it has been mailed, or changes to the directions in the hike description (e.g. new place to park). Also, it is appropriate for the Board of Directors to send a Google Groups email informing you of a policy change (update to Covid-19 policy), website issue or new hike schedule availability. Members can also use broadcast emails for personal related Club business, like soliciting a roommate for an away trip or ride sharing. Members also appreciate hearing about member health related issues (e.g., member is recoving from an broken ankle suffered on a hike). WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE TO RESPOND TO A GOOGLE GROUPS EMAIL? In most instances the content of a Goggle Groups is purely imformational (e.g., hike cancellation) and a response is not necessary or desired. In other situations were a response is appropriate (e.g., request to share a ride), than please select the option to "Respond to Sender", that way your response will only be addressed to the originator and not the entire club. NEED HELP? If you have any questions regarding Google Groups or your email address changes and you no longer receive Club broadcast emails, please don't hestitate to contact our Google Groups administrator Joan Griffitts at jkgriffitts@gmail.com (preferred) or by phone at 317-297-7312.