[OSGeo-Discuss] Canadian Chapter (call for interested individuals)

[Ken Sanderson]

Should we just edit the wiki to add our selves to the interested list?

Ken

Dave Sampson wrote:
> Calling all Canucks,
> 
> Over at the Ottawa Chapter there has been a gaggle of discussions 
> concerning chapters and OSGEO activity in Canada.
> 
> The Ottawa chapter up until now has been the only Canadian OSGEO chapter 
> and it looks like that other chapters are popping up now.
> 
> Some of the feedback that came from the OSGEO conference this year is 
> that the local structure of Ottawa seemed to be an exclusive group. Some 
> have said that we even resemble a social club. Geeks being social is not 
> a new concept. This perception may be because we have focused on monthly 
> face to face meetings. Drinking beer and socializing is a very exclusive 
> and social activity for any Canadian so I can see the misunderstanding.
> 
> Seriously though we discussed a bunch of options. Everything from 
> dissolving the Ottawa chapter to represent all of Canada to setting up a 
> national chapter with regional branches.
> 
> This is where I present the concept of the Canadian chapter of OSGEO. 
> http://wiki.osgeo.org/index.php/Canada
> 
> Right now we are looking for people to post their name indicating they 
> are interested in such a concept and hashing out some ideas of what such 
> a club, errrr I mean chapter might represent.
> 
> In our discussion over here in politic ville some of us think that while 
> local chapters can really focus on grassroots and local issues and 
> represent locally, a Canadian chapter might have a place too.
> 
> A Canadian chapter could be a gathering place for those that are facing 
> issues specific to Canada but don't have a local chapter YET. Perhaps 
> this could be a group that helps other local chapters organize. perhaps 
> local chapters can have a representative that keeps tracks of things in 
> the Canadian chapter and their local chapter and make sure the gaps are 
> bridged across the country.
> With FOSS4G 2008 in Capetown, South Africa perhaps the Canadian chapter 
> might be responsible for organizing a regional conference for all of 
> those who might not be able to attend over seas but still want to 
> network and chat, some code sprinting and BOF. Maybe even run 
> consecutively and linked via web to the other conference.
> 
> The Canadian chapter could keep its eye out for national level 
> conferences that move around the country. They can help mobilize 
> resources to get local groups to participate to represent OSGEO. perhaps 
> even a lobbying body for policy and advocacy for getting open source GIS 
> into government, education and other areas. Collaboriation on Canadian 
> group projects.
> 
> Two large realms that OSGEO has lots of opportunity to play are 
> Academics and Government. A National chapter might have more leverage 
> than a local chapter.
> 
> There are plenty of possibilities.
> 
> perhaps if we get enough interest we'll move towards requesting a 
> mailing list.  The count is 7 right now with the following distribution:
> BC - 2
> Ottawa - 3
> Quebec - 1
> Charter member - 1
> 
> lets see if you can't get 5 people from every province and territory. if 
> you know someone that might be able to gain from this endeavor then seek 
> them out and bring them on board. And you folks in BC and Southern 
> Ontario wanting to or already setting up a chapter lets share your 
> experiences with others.
> 
> Cheers
> 
> 
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