[Board] International Participation in OSGeo

[Jeff McKenna]

Hello Brian,

Thanks for this insight into the current status of activity of OSGeo 
across the globe.  In fact right after the last FOSS4G, Arnulf and I had 
a similar discussion on doing some outreach to India (we both feel that 
meeting face to face with local chapters is a critical part of OSGeo's 
growth).  Ravi Kumar, another board member, has also been actively 
looking at events in India where OSGeo-India can participate in.  So, it 
seems we are building some momentum there.

Regarding China, I am in contact with several OSGeo-China members and 
they are very active - unfortunately not as visible as other chapters. 
(for example, they very quickly translated the Sol Katz Award wiki 
recently http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Sol_Katz_Award_cn)  Sometimes the 
quietness is a cultural issue, due to language or respecting the 
existing developer's code - but I find once you invite these other 
cultures to contribute they are more than willing to participate.  I do 
agree with you though that we need to make sure our outreach includes China.

I will be sure to mention these points during the upcoming face-to-face 
OSGeo Board meeting in Barcelona.  Thanks for the perspective.

-jeff



Brian Hamlin wrote:
> Board Members and List Subscribers..
> 
>   Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Silicon Valley, the 
> international confluence is unmistakable..
> I am struck by the broad international demographic of OSGeo 
> participation as well..  For historical / political reasons, the 
> membership among Commonwealth countries is strong I think. Adding to 
> that the very strong contribution of the DACH countries, and France, the 
> Netherlands, and Italy (!), a good cross section of active OSGeo 
> participants can be seen...
> 
>   OSGeo is on the brink of perhaps the biggest FOSS4G to date, in Spain. 
> The spanish speaking world is vast, and increasingly active in FOSS. Of 
> course, the Spanish Government's investment in Geo OSS is well known, 
> and bearing great fruit. However, it is not the excellent opportunities 
> in the Spanish language world that I write about today.
> 
>   The largest population centers in the world are by far, India and 
> China. Before I cast stones regarding the Communist government in China, 
> I will confess that my own government, the United States of America, has 
> at times been a powerfully bad actor internationally, using the largest 
> military in the world, and a lot of cash, to shape the world 
> politically.. I understand there is a lot of legitimate criticism there..
> 
>   However, with that said, I say emphatically, that the Red Chinese 
> Government is repeatedly and obviously mining FOSS for its own ends, 
> while denying the right to use and benefit from Geospatial tech to its 
> own people.. I am sure there are different opinions about how to 
> respond, but I doubt there is much disagreement that this is the case... 
> In particular, I must speak out for the case of the Tibetan people, and 
> the legitimate government of Taiwan. At any rate, enough about the 
> Chinese Government.
> 
>   Which brings us to India..
> 
>   India is the home to a very substantial portion of the world's 
> population, and, is regarded across the world for its scholarship, piety 
> and intellectual achievements. Yet there seem to me to be precious few 
> developers there active in OSGeo projects !  I do not understand this. 
> If there is opportunity in India, some kind of fundamentals have to be 
> addressed. I dont know that they are, or how to do it. But I suggest to 
> you, the Board of OSGeo, that aside from the growth potential in the 
> Spanish language world, India in particular is a sleeping giant.
> 
>   Although I will not be attending FOSS4G 2010 in Barcelona, I wish all 
> attendees a splendid conference, great networking, and the best possible 
> foundation for the crucial developments to come. In particular, I point 
> out the opportunity to take meaningful action regarding Climate Change.
> 
>   very best regards from California
> 
>   Brian Hamlin
>   planetwork.net
>   OSGeo California Chapter