[Ottawa_users] Proposal to expand Chapter

[Andrew Ross]

Hi Jeff, All

I noticed that too. 

I thought it was something to be proud of. The Ottawa chapter's existence up
beside national (& state) chapters, combined with the level of activity, and
depth of experience here in Ottawa are remarkable. I'd like to suggest the
notion of continuing to strengthen Ottawa as a geospatial hotspot and centre
of excellence. A vibrant local OSGEO chapter is consistent with this
approach. Doing so will help bring more awareness and attract more local
support. Prior to getting involved, I wasn't aware of all that was going on.
Now that I am, I am very impressed.

Besides the types of things we'd do as a national chapter would be different
than a local chapter. I think there is need for a national chapter. This may
arise as a partnership between local chapters in Canada.

I know you said it in jest, but I can assure anyone who wants to know that
the Ottawa chapter doesn't operate as an exclusive group in any way. I'd
also like to extend my thanks to everyone for being so welcoming and
supportive. It is my hope that I can reciprocate to others in time.

Andrew


-----Original Message-----
From: ottawa_users-bounces at lists.osgeo.org
[mailto:ottawa_users-bounces at lists.osgeo.org] On Behalf Of Jeff McKenna
Sent: October 4, 2007 2:11 PM
To: ottawa osgeo chapter
Subject: [Ottawa_users] Proposal to expand Chapter

I was approached, in the form of friendly teasing, throughout the FOSS4G
conference regarding how we are a very "exclusive" group, as we call this
chapter the "Ottawa Local Chapter".  Several members of the OSGeo community
pointed out to me over and over again how all other local chapters include
their entire countries:

Official OSGeo Chapters

     * China OSGeo Chapter
     * India OSGeo Chapter
     * Japan OSGeo Chapter
     * Ottawa OSGeo Chapter
     * New Mexico, USA OSGeo Chapter
     * Italian language OSGeo Chapter

OSGeo Chapters "In Formation"

     * Brazilian OSGeo Chapter
     * German language OSGeo Chapter
     * French language OSGeo Chapter
     * Australia OSGeo Chapter
     * Taiwan OSGeo Chapter

So, as co-chair of our "exclusive" chapter, I propose that we change from
our single city-based thinking to a much broader approach: as in the
Canadian OSGeo Chapter.  (our wiki page is down as I write this,
but...) Our goal could be to promote Open Source geospatial activity in
*Canada*.

Of course Ottawa meetings will still happen, but there is nothing to stop
members in, for example, Quebec City to organize a "Canadian OSGeo Local
Chapter" meeting in their city, and inform the rest of the chapter of its
happenings.

I am throwing this out there so we can all think about it, and then discuss
it over several beers next week (my kind of meeting hehe).

--
jeff








_______________________________________________
Ottawa_users mailing list
Ottawa_users at lists.osgeo.org
http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/ottawa_users