[Board] Board meeting in two days 2011-11-10

[Mark Lucas]

I'll be on a plane one hour out from St Louis when the board meeting starts.  I'll try and log on through the wifi, but in case I'm not successful.

> 
> 1) Motion to accept Jody as new Incubation Chair - enthusiastic support!
This will be a + 1 for me as well
> 
> 2) Motion to establish a NA chapter.  I feel there needs to be substantially
> more discussion on the NA chapter list about the role of this chapter, how
> it relates to other north american chapters, and what it will do.  In
> particular I am not comfortable with the plan stated on the page to establish
> a 501(c)3 for this chapter.

The discussion and wiki page clearly states that there is no implied oversight or management role between the NA chapter and other local chapters.  It will focus on North American conferences, specifically an annual North America conference.  The 501 organization is probably not anything near term.  I believe this was actually a thought that Arnulf had.  Personally, I would like to see this become financially successful to the point where we can support staff which will require some formal financial structure.  But, that is getting ahead of ourselves, I'm looking for board approval to organize and hold an annual regional conference and using the NA Regional Chapter as a way to manage that.

> 
> The wiki page states "We formally petition" but as one of the people on the
> list I don't feel the proto-chapter has reached any such consensus yet.

So far, I believe there has only been agreement and no dissent.  If I missed anything, I'd be happy to address it. 

> 
> Note that doesn't mean things can get going.  Lots of proto-chapters operate
> for years without/before receiving formal designation.
> 
> I would be supportive of the board making a statement of support
> towards north american volunteers holding a north american FOSS4G
> branded event in the coming year if that is helpful.

I want the board to buy in before I and others put significant work into this.

> 
> 3) I am not clear on what discussion there needs to be with regard to Beijing.
> Is this about contracting someone (ie. Jeff) to provide additional support
> for FOSS4G 2012?

As I stated before, I'd be supportive of some funding to improve the probability of success of the Beijing conference.
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