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

[Daniel Morissette]

Please also note that you do not need a legal entity to qualify as a 
local chapter, so being an OSGeo local chapter can be very lightweight 
contrary to what was suggested in the thread. Several OSGeo local 
chapters are only virtual groups with a small steering committee, 
mailing list, website and in some cases ad-hoc face to face meetings.

Daniel

On 12-01-26 2:32 AM, Jody Garnett wrote:
> 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
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>> http://www.lisasoft.com
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>
>
>
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-- 
Daniel Morissette
http://www.mapgears.com/
Provider of Professional MapServer Support since 2000