[OSGeo-Discuss] What is the point in formalising OSGeo Local Chapters?

[Jody Garnett]

The magic of cross posting…

This conversation started as a discussion on a different topic -> is there any interest in having a conference, unconference or code sprint in the Aust-NZ region :-)  

As for the benefits of a local chapter; it may in fact being limited to running a regional conference (with the NA group as an example of a local chapter being formed for this purpose). The prospect of reporting in the Annual meeting or OSGeo newsletter is another benefit of a local chapter - however I tend to promote direct involvement in OSGeo projects and committees as an alternative.

--  
Jody Garnett


On Wednesday, 25 January 2012 at 7:30 PM, Cameron Shorter wrote:

> OSGeo Discuss,
>  
> In Australia/New Zealand we have been discussing whether we should legally "formalise" the Aust-NZ OSGeo chapter, and come to the conclusion that we gain little, and loose a lot by becoming legal. Email discussion here:
> http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/aust-nz/2012-January/thread.html
>  
> Highlights:
>  
> On 3/01/2012 1:12 PM, Jody Garnett wrote:  
> > Where did we get to on this Aust-NZ local chapter stuff? As I recall we still need to register as a non profit; have a meeting with minuets, and set up a back account.  
>  
> On 5/01/2012 11:06 AM, Jody Garnett wrote:  
> > The benefit would be an OSGeo local chapter; right now we have not "formed" as I understand it and are still listed as under construction on the OSGeo wiki.  
>  
> On 6/01/2012 6:51 AM, Cameron Shorter wrote:  
> > Right, so osgeo aust-nz would change from unofficial to official in the eyes of osgeo. I see very little benefit from that. I don't think we will attract any more osgeo converts from such a title. (If we need an official title, we can always call upon the greater OSGeo organisation).
> >  
> > However, I do see a large drain on volunteer time. As soon as we require money to run, we need to worry about chasing people or organisations for membership fees, which is an unpleasant task which sucks up lots of valuable volunteer times. On 6/01/2012 7:58 AM, mapbutcher wrote:  
> > In this modern age of 'meetups' do such chapters have a place? What does a chapter actually provide?  
> >  
> > The organic development of groups across the country in the past year has evidenced a growing interest and adoption of open source. It has not required a chapter to support this growth. There are adequate means of communication to support cross pollination between these groups IMO. We even managed to organize a [international foss4g] conference without a chapter if my memory serves me correctly On 6/01/2012 8:49 AM, Bruce Bannerman wrote:  
> > I see greater benefit from a ‘virtual’ community, particularly considering the broad geographic region the we cover.  
> >  
> > We don’t necessarily need an ‘entity’ as the ‘go to’ body for the Local Chapter. The mailing list and Wiki could perhaps suffice.
> >  
> > As I see it we have a reasonably robust community as it is (if rather quiet at present).  
>  
>  
> -- Cameron Shorter Geospatial Solutions Manager Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050 Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254 Think Globally, Fix Locally Geospatial Solutions enhanced with Open Standards and Open Source http://www.lisasoft.com  
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>  
>  


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