[Aust-NZ] What is the point in formalising OSGeo Local Chapters?

[Cameron Shorter]

OSGeo Discuss,

In Australia/New Zealand we have been discussing whether we should 
legally "formalise" the Aust-NZ OSGeo chapter, and come to the 
conclusion that we gain little, and loose a lot by becoming legal. Email 
discussion here:
http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/aust-nz/2012-January/thread.html

Highlights:

On 3/01/2012 1:12 PM, Jody Garnett wrote:
> Where did we get to on this Aust-NZ local chapter stuff? As I recall 
> we still need to register as a non profit; have a meeting with 
> minuets, and set up a back account. 
On 5/01/2012 11:06 AM, Jody Garnett wrote:
> The benefit would be an OSGeo local chapter; right now we have not 
> "formed" as I understand it and are still listed as under construction 
> on the OSGeo wiki. 
On 6/01/2012 6:51 AM, Cameron Shorter wrote:
> Right, so osgeo aust-nz would change from unofficial to official in 
> the eyes of osgeo. I see very little benefit from that. I don't think 
> we will attract any more osgeo converts from such a title. (If we need 
> an official title, we can always call upon the greater OSGeo 
> organisation).
>
> However, I do see a large drain on volunteer time. As soon as we 
> require money to run, we need to worry about chasing people or 
> organisations for membership fees, which is an unpleasant task which 
> sucks up lots of valuable volunteer times.
On 6/01/2012 7:58 AM, mapbutcher wrote:
> In this modern age of 'meetups' do such chapters have a place? What 
> does a chapter actually provide?
>
> The organic development of groups across the country in the past year 
> has evidenced a growing interest and adoption of open source. It has 
> not required a chapter to support this growth. There are adequate 
> means of communication to support cross pollination between these 
> groups IMO. We even managed to organize a [international foss4g] 
> conference without a chapter if my memory serves me correctly
On 6/01/2012 8:49 AM, Bruce Bannerman wrote:
> I see greater benefit from a 'virtual' community, particularly 
> considering the broad geographic region the we cover.
>
> We don't necessarily need an 'entity' as the 'go to' body for the 
> Local Chapter. The mailing list and Wiki could perhaps suffice.
>
> As I see it we have a reasonably robust community as it is (if rather 
> quiet at present). 



-- 
Cameron Shorter
Geospatial Solutions Manager
Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050
Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254

Think Globally, Fix Locally
Geospatial Solutions enhanced with Open Standards and Open Source
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