[Europe] Urgent: Status of [OSGeo Europe] (Till Adams)

Peter Löwe peter.loewe at gmx.de
Thu Sep 9 04:08:31 PDT 2021 

Till, all,

apologies for not responding earlier. While I strongly believe that OSGeo should have an active dialogue with the European Commission, I'm unable to put ressources into this effort. FOSS4G could be a good opportunity to jump start this group and get enthusiastic new people on board (BOF or similar ?).

Best,
Peter

<peter.loewe at gmx.de>


> Gesendet: Donnerstag, 09. September 2021 um 09:55 Uhr
> Von: europe-request at lists.osgeo.org
> An: europe at lists.osgeo.org
> Betreff: Europe Digest, Vol 24, Issue 2
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> Today's Topics:
>
>    1. Re: Urgent: Status of [OSGeo Europe] (Till Adams)
>    2. Re: Urgent: Status of [OSGeo Europe] (Mar?a Arias de Reyna)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2021 09:40:29 +0200
> From: Till Adams <till.adams at fossgis.de>
> To: europe at lists.osgeo.org
> Subject: Re: [Europe] Urgent: Status of [OSGeo Europe]
> Message-ID: <6a4559e1-2d22-2d23-02a6-f1ccca940558 at fossgis.de>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> Dear Europe list and especially hello Dirk,
>
> I fear that the silence after my email (see below) is self-explaining. I
> think we should execute the liquidation of OSgeo Europe (or transfer it
> to another status, e.g. a loose group of willing people without any
> organisational status).
>
> Regards, Till
>
>
> Am 01.09.21 um 15:39 schrieb Till Adams:
> > Dear Dirk and @OSGeo Europe again,
> >
> >
> > I now had the time to look little deeper into what Dirk wrote. Sorry for
> > bothering you again, but I think we are in a situation, where decisions
> > need to be taken:
> >
> > First of all, regarding our presentation at OSGeo's AM: I would say,
> > that we have nothing really interesting (and new) to present to the
> > community, so I would propose to skip the part of OSgeo-Europe and
> > instead of that, take a look on ourselves:
> >
> > If you browse to the end of Dirks email (see below), he claerly says,
> > what needs to be decided:
> >
> > Option a: Restart of OSgeo Europe with "fresh" people, new ideas and new
> > power
> >
> > Option b: give up and execute liquidation
> >
> > I totally agree with Dirk, that "Opition b" is the least option we all
> > want. But - as you all should know - it is impossible to power a
> > community without people. Don't understand me wrong: This is not
> > fingerpointing to anybody !! -- I know that I did not give much input to
> > OSGeo Europe in the past two years - to say it carefully ;-).
> >
> > The question is:
> > Is there still a community around OSGeo Europe? Are there people, that
> > have power, ideas and time for a re-start?
> >
> > What about you?
> > Are you/we willing to dare a re-start of OSGeo-Europe?
> > Where are the "fresh" people with new ideas and a lot of power??
> >
> > Maybe FOSS4G BA gives a good opportunity for a community meeting?
> >
> > Please comment.
> >
> > Till
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Am 31.08.21 um 16:46 schrieb Till Adams:
> >> Dear Dirk,
> >>
> >> thanks for the input - but: No, no one is going physically to BA, me
> >> neither. FOSS4G BA is an onlien conference ;-)
> >>
> >> All I could do is put your thoughtsi nto slides, record it and send it
> >> to Vicky, so that she can add it to the AM video.
> >>
> >> I will ask her for some more time and will do.
> >>
> >> Till
> >>
> >>
> >> Am 29.08.21 um 12:08 schrieb Dirk Frigne:
> >>> Hi Till,
> >>>
> >>> It took me a bit longer that I wanted. I hope it was worth the waiting...
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Dear list,
> >>>
> >>> As a preparation for the AGM of Friday 01 October 11:00 AM AST or
> >>> 16:00 CET, I prepared some input.
> >>> Till will go physically to? Buenos Aires. I will not make it but I'll
> >>> try to connect online if possible.
> >>>
> >>> It would be good if Till could present the Local European Chapter on
> >>> stage during the AGM.
> >>>
> >>> It would also be good if there is a specific meeting about the future
> >>> of OSGeo Local Chapter, as we hit some damage during the last 2 years.
> >>>
> >>> For those new to the content, a short recap:
> >>>
> >>> *History* (See also:
> >>> https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Local_Chapter_EU_History + update)
> >>> (please feel free to update where I missed some activities or actions)
> >>>
> >>> the first ideas for OSGeo Europe Chapter were launched in 2014.
> >>> Actually the first idea?s started in 2013 on the FOSS4G CEE Conference
> >>> in Bucharest.
> >>>
> >>> In 2015 there was some need to promote open standards for ICT
> >>> procurement in Europe.
> >>> Proposal to start an initiative on the Foss4G conference in Bonn 2016.
> >>> Bylaws discussed and prepared during 2016 / 2017.
> >>>
> >>> *Birth of the organisation*
> >>> Bylaws signed 20 July 2021 during the FOSS4G conference in Paris.
> >>>
> >>> OSGeo was founded with a legal status as a non-profit organisation
> >>> based on Belgium law. We have 2 bankaccounts and a legal status with
> >>> rights and obligations.
> >>> One of the interesting rights is that we don?t have to pay value added
> >>> tax (VAT) when buying goods, but when we sell services we need to
> >>> apply for VAT.
> >>>
> >>> 2017 - 2018 was also the year I tried to find out how to behave as a ngo.
> >>>
> >>> Some contacts where initiated with UN Committee, discussions amongst
> >>> members how to work on a common tender, investigating what are the
> >>> obligations to report for the Belgian authorities in a way we could
> >>> recuperate the VAT.
> >>>
> >>> November 2017: preparation for first board meeting OSGeo Europe
> >>>
> >>> Board meeting 15 December 2017: no of the board members attended
> >>>
> >>> Jan- February 2018:
> >>>
> >>> Further administrative burden to check all the signatures and ID?s of
> >>> the board members,
> >>> the publication of bylaws of the organisation in the Belgian
> >>> registers. Opening the bank accounts.
> >>> (Since the terroristic attacks in Belgium, these procedures became
> >>> more difficult than before).
> >>> This took more time as expected.
> >>>
> >>> March 2018: Meeting in Brussels about the Copernicus program . Goal:
> >>> promote OSGeo and promote Copernicus @OSGeo.
> >>>
> >>> Jul 2018: FOSS4G Conference Guimr?es:
> >>> Presentation of OSGeo EU initiative to promote OSGeo software and
> >>> projects on non FOSS events.
> >>>
> >>> Aug 2018: organisation of first initiative in collaboration with 5
> >>> OSGeo projects.
> >>> OSGeo Europe did the coordination of the INSPIRE 2018 event in Antwerp
> >>> and in return we could promote OSGeo on that event.
> >>>
> >>> 26 ? 30 Aug: FOSS4G Bucharest: short status update by Joachim
> >>>
> >>> 19 September? 2018? there was a first event with OSGeo on the INSPIRE
> >>> conference in Antwerp with a presentation about the eco-system of
> >>> OSGeo. OSGeo had one of the big boots during the conference.
> >>>
> >>> The goal was to promote OSGeo and the OSGeo projects, the companies
> >>> behind them and to create a European contact point for information to
> >>> the non FOSS world.
> >>>
> >>> With 5 paying contributors we had a budget of 10.000 EUR to organise
> >>> the event and the boot. By using the scale advantage, it was of
> >>> intrest to the participants, OSGeo Europe could present itself as host
> >>> and we had a small benefit of approx 1000 Eur to pay for the
> >>> administrative overhead (the accountant responsible for the official
> >>> registrations and publications).???
> >>>
> >>> Plans for organising more events in Germany, France and other
> >>> countries did not materialize.
> >>>
> >>> But then all activities on my part were paused due to ...
> >>>
> >>> *(Some personal notes)*
> >>>
> >>> Nov 2018 - Nov? 2019: black out for me (literally ?)
> >>>
> >>> Dec 2019 ? Feb 2020: personally: try to find the energy to reboot the
> >>> Local Chapter but I still missed the energy to do so.
> >>>
> >>> And then there was Covid?
> >>>
> >>> Engagement in a community (like OSGeo) takes a lot of energy.
> >>> Luckily this energy is fuelled by attending the activities,
> >>> participating conferences, meeting other people and work together
> >>> promoting FOSS and stimulating the FOSS industry.
> >>> When this falls away, like it was in times of Covid this is even more
> >>> challenging (see the presentation
> >>> https://callforpapers.2021.foss4g.org/foss4g2021/talk/3MNBBB/).
> >>> For me personally, it was very hard to find the energy back.
> >>>
> >>> Personally I need a mission I want to work on.
> >>> The world is changing very fast, so the reasons I started engaging for
> >>> FOSS now more than 15 years ago,? changed over time.
> >>> One of the strengths of FOSS is that it starts from *?givving?*. But
> >>> to be able to *?give?* you need others who receive and who are glad
> >>> with the *?gift?*. I need to find the right focus where my
> >>> contribution helps our community forward, preferably with other people.
> >>>
> >>> It is this exercise we should do again.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> *Status of the ngo OSGeo Europe vzw*
> >>> To fulfil all the obligations the Belgian law describes, I asked a
> >>> account to help me with the legal stuff.
> >>> This costs some money.
> >>> Almost every year,? laws change in Belgium (and I think also in
> >>> Europe), this also has impact on? ngo?s.
> >>> The reporting becomes more demanding. f.i. a UBO-register is a new
> >>> obligation. (https://financien.belgium.be/nl/E-services/Ubo-register).
> >>> As we have an international board, this is a bit more complex than
> >>> with only Belgian id?s.
> >>>
> >>> Also, as intrest rates are below zero, banks that previously provided
> >>> free services now also charge a monthly fee. This also takes money
> >>> from our accounts.
> >>>
> >>> June 30, 2021 we closed our accounts with a claim on the VAT tax
> >>> department of dept to the accountant of 314,30 EURO. This is the
> >>> amount of money we get back from government because we aply to the VAT
> >>> rules.
> >>> But for the work done by the accountant the last 3 years, we have an
> >>> unpaid dept of 693,55 EURO. Every quarter this grows a bit.
> >>>
> >>> The status on the accounts is (OSGeo EU : 38,43 EUR, GRASS: 1389,57
> >>> EURO).
> >>>
> >>> The income of OSGeo Europe is zero.
> >>>
> >>> Without organising events that produce the necessary income and VAT
> >>> taxes that we can recuperate, this has no sense.
> >>>
> >>> So it is no rocket science that we only have 2 options (imho):
> >>>
> >>> Option a:
> >>> Find the money to pay for the current depts.
> >>> Find a way to get the minimal income to pay for the necessary Yearly
> >>> costs (+/- 1000 Euro / Year)
> >>> Organise elections for a new board
> >>> Define/update/reactivate the mission and activities OSGeo Europe wants
> >>> to do
> >>>
> >>> Option b:
> >>> Execute the liquidation of the ngo
> >>>
> >>> option b would be a real shame, since we've devoted a lot of energy
> >>> and community discussions to building this organization.
> >>> If there is no other option, then this is unfortunately the only way
> >>> to go.
> >>>
> >>> If option a is chosen, I want to organize the elections and help find
> >>> the new mission. I am also available to engage myself if I can
> >>> contribute to the mission and get the necessary energy from it.
> >>>
> >>> In case it becomes option b, I will take steps in October to organize
> >>> the liquidation.
> >>>
> >>> Any comments are welcome,
> >>> Thanks in advance for your contribution.
> >>>
> >>> Dirk
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On 24/08/2021 09:07, Till Adams wrote:
> >>>> Hi Dirk,
> >>>>
> >>>> thanks for the "food" - that's a good idea. No, I am not going to
> >>>> Finland, it's tha AM on FOSS4G Buenos Aires ;-)
> >>>>
> >>>> Till
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Am 19.08.21 um 14:40 schrieb Dirk Frigne:
> >>>>> Hi Till,
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I will give you some food for tought, later today.
> >>>>> Good to hear you go to Finland!
> >>>>> I've not yet decided.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Dirk
> >>>>>
> >>>>> On 19/08/2021 08:10, adams at osgeo.org wrote:
> >>>>>> Dear European chapter!
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> I know there was not much activity, but at least we planned (and
> >>>>>> postproned) a FOSS4G Europe! Did any further activities under the
> >>>>>> European chapter umbrella take place and is someone willing to
> >>>>>> present them.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> In case no one wants to, I can also present them, as I will join
> >>>>>> the AM
> >>>>>> anyway - but I need some "food" for this ;-9
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Regards, Till
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Am 18.08.21 um 18:13 schrieb Astrid Emde (OSGeo Secretary):
> >>>>>>> Hello Europe Local Chapter,
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> we invite you and your team to present the local chapter at the OSGeo
> >>>>>>> AGM 2021.
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> This year we will publish the OSGeo AGM video in advance of FOSS4G
> >>>>>>> [1].
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> You find all important information about the AGM at [5].
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> It would be great if someone could volunteer to present the status at
> >>>>>>> the AGM. Please send me an email and I will provide an upload link
> >>>>>>> for
> >>>>>>> the video.
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Timeline
> >>>>>>> -----------------------
> >>>>>>> - 2021-08-30: upload your video and update the AGM slides [2]
> >>>>>>> - 2021-09-10: AGM 2021 complete video will be published
> >>>>>>> - 2021-10-01: 11h Argentinian Time Zone (14:00 UTC) Join the OSGeo
> >>>>>>> AGM
> >>>>>>> 2021 meeting at FOSS4G [3] [4]
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> If you have questions or problems with the upload of your video
> >>>>>>> please
> >>>>>>> let us know secretary (at) osgeo (dot) org.
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Stay safe,
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Astrid Emde
> >>>>>>> OSGeo Secretary
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> [1] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvJEf8hXbyeVqaYaS8sLvw
> >>>>>>> [2]
> >>>>>>> https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1brbBb7-sKRI6U4dZ7LKnBT_-NnWzyS2TaZqVXzy8RDo/edit#slide=id.p4
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> [3] https://callforpapers.2021.foss4g.org/foss4g2021/talk/WDEW3P/
> >>>>>>> [4]
> >>>>>>> https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meetingdetails.html?year=2021&month=10&day=1&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=51&p2=26&p3=49&p4=155&p5=217&p6=312&p7=250&p8=71&p9=248&p10=240
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> [5] https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Annual_General_Meeting_2021
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>>> Europe mailing list
> >>>>>> Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> >>>>>> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
> >>>>>>
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> Europe mailing list
> >>>> Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> >>>> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
> >>>>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Europe mailing list
> >> Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> >> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
> > _______________________________________________
> > Europe mailing list
> > Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> > https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2021 09:54:39 +0200
> From: Mar?a Arias de Reyna <delawen at gmail.com>
> To: Till Adams <till.adams at fossgis.de>
> Cc: europe at lists.osgeo.org
> Subject: Re: [Europe] Urgent: Status of [OSGeo Europe]
> Message-ID:
> 	<CAERgKeA5S_agcx3YKqgUUoQz20LFPg8x7jBQHWXWS6m_TS0ejA at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Hi Till,
>
> Thanks for the effort.
>
> Personally I don't have the bandwidth to invest relevant time here. I still
> thinks this is important, that we should be closer to the European
> Commission to push FOSS enforcement laws, that we should improve the
> business network among European companies and, of course, that we should be
> more active in general.
>
> But as much as it saddens me, unless we inject here "fresh blood" or some
> company sees the benefit of investing their effort (for the political and
> business?), I doubt we will get many volunteers. Specially during the
> pandemic. We are all tired and overworked with personal things.
>
> Maybe we should try to contact universities to get younger volunteers who
> are looking for a place to help and are not already busy with other duties?
>
> Cheers!
> Mar?a.
>
> On Thu, Sep 9, 2021 at 9:41 AM Till Adams <till.adams at fossgis.de> wrote:
>
> > Dear Europe list and especially hello Dirk,
> >
> > I fear that the silence after my email (see below) is self-explaining. I
> > think we should execute the liquidation of OSgeo Europe (or transfer it
> > to another status, e.g. a loose group of willing people without any
> > organisational status).
> >
> > Regards, Till
> >
> >
> > Am 01.09.21 um 15:39 schrieb Till Adams:
> > > Dear Dirk and @OSGeo Europe again,
> > >
> > >
> > > I now had the time to look little deeper into what Dirk wrote. Sorry for
> > > bothering you again, but I think we are in a situation, where decisions
> > > need to be taken:
> > >
> > > First of all, regarding our presentation at OSGeo's AM: I would say,
> > > that we have nothing really interesting (and new) to present to the
> > > community, so I would propose to skip the part of OSgeo-Europe and
> > > instead of that, take a look on ourselves:
> > >
> > > If you browse to the end of Dirks email (see below), he claerly says,
> > > what needs to be decided:
> > >
> > > Option a: Restart of OSgeo Europe with "fresh" people, new ideas and new
> > > power
> > >
> > > Option b: give up and execute liquidation
> > >
> > > I totally agree with Dirk, that "Opition b" is the least option we all
> > > want. But - as you all should know - it is impossible to power a
> > > community without people. Don't understand me wrong: This is not
> > > fingerpointing to anybody !! -- I know that I did not give much input to
> > > OSGeo Europe in the past two years - to say it carefully ;-).
> > >
> > > The question is:
> > > Is there still a community around OSGeo Europe? Are there people, that
> > > have power, ideas and time for a re-start?
> > >
> > > What about you?
> > > Are you/we willing to dare a re-start of OSGeo-Europe?
> > > Where are the "fresh" people with new ideas and a lot of power??
> > >
> > > Maybe FOSS4G BA gives a good opportunity for a community meeting?
> > >
> > > Please comment.
> > >
> > > Till
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Am 31.08.21 um 16:46 schrieb Till Adams:
> > >> Dear Dirk,
> > >>
> > >> thanks for the input - but: No, no one is going physically to BA, me
> > >> neither. FOSS4G BA is an onlien conference ;-)
> > >>
> > >> All I could do is put your thoughtsi nto slides, record it and send it
> > >> to Vicky, so that she can add it to the AM video.
> > >>
> > >> I will ask her for some more time and will do.
> > >>
> > >> Till
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Am 29.08.21 um 12:08 schrieb Dirk Frigne:
> > >>> Hi Till,
> > >>>
> > >>> It took me a bit longer that I wanted. I hope it was worth the
> > waiting...
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Dear list,
> > >>>
> > >>> As a preparation for the AGM of Friday 01 October 11:00 AM AST or
> > >>> 16:00 CET, I prepared some input.
> > >>> Till will go physically to  Buenos Aires. I will not make it but I'll
> > >>> try to connect online if possible.
> > >>>
> > >>> It would be good if Till could present the Local European Chapter on
> > >>> stage during the AGM.
> > >>>
> > >>> It would also be good if there is a specific meeting about the future
> > >>> of OSGeo Local Chapter, as we hit some damage during the last 2 years.
> > >>>
> > >>> For those new to the content, a short recap:
> > >>>
> > >>> *History* (See also:
> > >>> https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Local_Chapter_EU_History + update)
> > >>> (please feel free to update where I missed some activities or actions)
> > >>>
> > >>> the first ideas for OSGeo Europe Chapter were launched in 2014.
> > >>> Actually the first idea?s started in 2013 on the FOSS4G CEE Conference
> > >>> in Bucharest.
> > >>>
> > >>> In 2015 there was some need to promote open standards for ICT
> > >>> procurement in Europe.
> > >>> Proposal to start an initiative on the Foss4G conference in Bonn 2016.
> > >>> Bylaws discussed and prepared during 2016 / 2017.
> > >>>
> > >>> *Birth of the organisation*
> > >>> Bylaws signed 20 July 2021 during the FOSS4G conference in Paris.
> > >>>
> > >>> OSGeo was founded with a legal status as a non-profit organisation
> > >>> based on Belgium law. We have 2 bankaccounts and a legal status with
> > >>> rights and obligations.
> > >>> One of the interesting rights is that we don?t have to pay value added
> > >>> tax (VAT) when buying goods, but when we sell services we need to
> > >>> apply for VAT.
> > >>>
> > >>> 2017 - 2018 was also the year I tried to find out how to behave as a
> > ngo.
> > >>>
> > >>> Some contacts where initiated with UN Committee, discussions amongst
> > >>> members how to work on a common tender, investigating what are the
> > >>> obligations to report for the Belgian authorities in a way we could
> > >>> recuperate the VAT.
> > >>>
> > >>> November 2017: preparation for first board meeting OSGeo Europe
> > >>>
> > >>> Board meeting 15 December 2017: no of the board members attended
> > >>>
> > >>> Jan- February 2018:
> > >>>
> > >>> Further administrative burden to check all the signatures and ID?s of
> > >>> the board members,
> > >>> the publication of bylaws of the organisation in the Belgian
> > >>> registers. Opening the bank accounts.
> > >>> (Since the terroristic attacks in Belgium, these procedures became
> > >>> more difficult than before).
> > >>> This took more time as expected.
> > >>>
> > >>> March 2018: Meeting in Brussels about the Copernicus program . Goal:
> > >>> promote OSGeo and promote Copernicus @OSGeo.
> > >>>
> > >>> Jul 2018: FOSS4G Conference Guimr?es:
> > >>> Presentation of OSGeo EU initiative to promote OSGeo software and
> > >>> projects on non FOSS events.
> > >>>
> > >>> Aug 2018: organisation of first initiative in collaboration with 5
> > >>> OSGeo projects.
> > >>> OSGeo Europe did the coordination of the INSPIRE 2018 event in Antwerp
> > >>> and in return we could promote OSGeo on that event.
> > >>>
> > >>> 26 ? 30 Aug: FOSS4G Bucharest: short status update by Joachim
> > >>>
> > >>> 19 September  2018  there was a first event with OSGeo on the INSPIRE
> > >>> conference in Antwerp with a presentation about the eco-system of
> > >>> OSGeo. OSGeo had one of the big boots during the conference.
> > >>>
> > >>> The goal was to promote OSGeo and the OSGeo projects, the companies
> > >>> behind them and to create a European contact point for information to
> > >>> the non FOSS world.
> > >>>
> > >>> With 5 paying contributors we had a budget of 10.000 EUR to organise
> > >>> the event and the boot. By using the scale advantage, it was of
> > >>> intrest to the participants, OSGeo Europe could present itself as host
> > >>> and we had a small benefit of approx 1000 Eur to pay for the
> > >>> administrative overhead (the accountant responsible for the official
> > >>> registrations and publications).
> > >>>
> > >>> Plans for organising more events in Germany, France and other
> > >>> countries did not materialize.
> > >>>
> > >>> But then all activities on my part were paused due to ...
> > >>>
> > >>> *(Some personal notes)*
> > >>>
> > >>> Nov 2018 - Nov  2019: black out for me (literally ?)
> > >>>
> > >>> Dec 2019 ? Feb 2020: personally: try to find the energy to reboot the
> > >>> Local Chapter but I still missed the energy to do so.
> > >>>
> > >>> And then there was Covid?
> > >>>
> > >>> Engagement in a community (like OSGeo) takes a lot of energy.
> > >>> Luckily this energy is fuelled by attending the activities,
> > >>> participating conferences, meeting other people and work together
> > >>> promoting FOSS and stimulating the FOSS industry.
> > >>> When this falls away, like it was in times of Covid this is even more
> > >>> challenging (see the presentation
> > >>> https://callforpapers.2021.foss4g.org/foss4g2021/talk/3MNBBB/).
> > >>> For me personally, it was very hard to find the energy back.
> > >>>
> > >>> Personally I need a mission I want to work on.
> > >>> The world is changing very fast, so the reasons I started engaging for
> > >>> FOSS now more than 15 years ago,  changed over time.
> > >>> One of the strengths of FOSS is that it starts from *?givving?*. But
> > >>> to be able to *?give?* you need others who receive and who are glad
> > >>> with the *?gift?*. I need to find the right focus where my
> > >>> contribution helps our community forward, preferably with other people.
> > >>>
> > >>> It is this exercise we should do again.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> *Status of the ngo OSGeo Europe vzw*
> > >>> To fulfil all the obligations the Belgian law describes, I asked a
> > >>> account to help me with the legal stuff.
> > >>> This costs some money.
> > >>> Almost every year,  laws change in Belgium (and I think also in
> > >>> Europe), this also has impact on  ngo?s.
> > >>> The reporting becomes more demanding. f.i. a UBO-register is a new
> > >>> obligation. (https://financien.belgium.be/nl/E-services/Ubo-register).
> > >>> As we have an international board, this is a bit more complex than
> > >>> with only Belgian id?s.
> > >>>
> > >>> Also, as intrest rates are below zero, banks that previously provided
> > >>> free services now also charge a monthly fee. This also takes money
> > >>> from our accounts.
> > >>>
> > >>> June 30, 2021 we closed our accounts with a claim on the VAT tax
> > >>> department of dept to the accountant of 314,30 EURO. This is the
> > >>> amount of money we get back from government because we aply to the VAT
> > >>> rules.
> > >>> But for the work done by the accountant the last 3 years, we have an
> > >>> unpaid dept of 693,55 EURO. Every quarter this grows a bit.
> > >>>
> > >>> The status on the accounts is (OSGeo EU : 38,43 EUR, GRASS: 1389,57
> > >>> EURO).
> > >>>
> > >>> The income of OSGeo Europe is zero.
> > >>>
> > >>> Without organising events that produce the necessary income and VAT
> > >>> taxes that we can recuperate, this has no sense.
> > >>>
> > >>> So it is no rocket science that we only have 2 options (imho):
> > >>>
> > >>> Option a:
> > >>> Find the money to pay for the current depts.
> > >>> Find a way to get the minimal income to pay for the necessary Yearly
> > >>> costs (+/- 1000 Euro / Year)
> > >>> Organise elections for a new board
> > >>> Define/update/reactivate the mission and activities OSGeo Europe wants
> > >>> to do
> > >>>
> > >>> Option b:
> > >>> Execute the liquidation of the ngo
> > >>>
> > >>> option b would be a real shame, since we've devoted a lot of energy
> > >>> and community discussions to building this organization.
> > >>> If there is no other option, then this is unfortunately the only way
> > >>> to go.
> > >>>
> > >>> If option a is chosen, I want to organize the elections and help find
> > >>> the new mission. I am also available to engage myself if I can
> > >>> contribute to the mission and get the necessary energy from it.
> > >>>
> > >>> In case it becomes option b, I will take steps in October to organize
> > >>> the liquidation.
> > >>>
> > >>> Any comments are welcome,
> > >>> Thanks in advance for your contribution.
> > >>>
> > >>> Dirk
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> On 24/08/2021 09:07, Till Adams wrote:
> > >>>> Hi Dirk,
> > >>>>
> > >>>> thanks for the "food" - that's a good idea. No, I am not going to
> > >>>> Finland, it's tha AM on FOSS4G Buenos Aires ;-)
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Till
> > >>>>
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Am 19.08.21 um 14:40 schrieb Dirk Frigne:
> > >>>>> Hi Till,
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> I will give you some food for tought, later today.
> > >>>>> Good to hear you go to Finland!
> > >>>>> I've not yet decided.
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> Dirk
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> On 19/08/2021 08:10, adams at osgeo.org wrote:
> > >>>>>> Dear European chapter!
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> I know there was not much activity, but at least we planned (and
> > >>>>>> postproned) a FOSS4G Europe! Did any further activities under the
> > >>>>>> European chapter umbrella take place and is someone willing to
> > >>>>>> present them.
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> In case no one wants to, I can also present them, as I will join
> > >>>>>> the AM
> > >>>>>> anyway - but I need some "food" for this ;-9
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> Regards, Till
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> Am 18.08.21 um 18:13 schrieb Astrid Emde (OSGeo Secretary):
> > >>>>>>> Hello Europe Local Chapter,
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> we invite you and your team to present the local chapter at the
> > OSGeo
> > >>>>>>> AGM 2021.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> This year we will publish the OSGeo AGM video in advance of FOSS4G
> > >>>>>>> [1].
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> You find all important information about the AGM at [5].
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> It would be great if someone could volunteer to present the status
> > at
> > >>>>>>> the AGM. Please send me an email and I will provide an upload link
> > >>>>>>> for
> > >>>>>>> the video.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> Timeline
> > >>>>>>> -----------------------
> > >>>>>>> - 2021-08-30: upload your video and update the AGM slides [2]
> > >>>>>>> - 2021-09-10: AGM 2021 complete video will be published
> > >>>>>>> - 2021-10-01: 11h Argentinian Time Zone (14:00 UTC) Join the OSGeo
> > >>>>>>> AGM
> > >>>>>>> 2021 meeting at FOSS4G [3] [4]
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> If you have questions or problems with the upload of your video
> > >>>>>>> please
> > >>>>>>> let us know secretary (at) osgeo (dot) org.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> Stay safe,
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> Astrid Emde
> > >>>>>>> OSGeo Secretary
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> [1] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvJEf8hXbyeVqaYaS8sLvw
> > >>>>>>> [2]
> > >>>>>>>
> > https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1brbBb7-sKRI6U4dZ7LKnBT_-NnWzyS2TaZqVXzy8RDo/edit#slide=id.p4
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> [3] https://callforpapers.2021.foss4g.org/foss4g2021/talk/WDEW3P/
> > >>>>>>> [4]
> > >>>>>>>
> > https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meetingdetails.html?year=2021&month=10&day=1&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=51&p2=26&p3=49&p4=155&p5=217&p6=312&p7=250&p8=71&p9=248&p10=240
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> [5] https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Annual_General_Meeting_2021
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>> _______________________________________________
> > >>>>>> Europe mailing list
> > >>>>>> Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> > >>>>>> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>> _______________________________________________
> > >>>> Europe mailing list
> > >>>> Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> > >>>> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
> > >>>>
> > >> _______________________________________________
> > >> Europe mailing list
> > >> Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> > >> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Europe mailing list
> > > Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> > > https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
> > _______________________________________________
> > Europe mailing list
> > Europe at lists.osgeo.org
> > https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/europe
> >
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