[Ottawa_users] Proposal to expand Chapter

[Kralidis,Tom [Burlington]]

> Kralidis,Tom [Burlington] wrote:
> > Thanks Debbie; correct, I've been working on creating a GTA 
> chapter in 
> > recent weeks.  I agree with J.F. here, there would be pros and cons 
> > here to starting a Canadian chapter.
> > 
> > I would see a Canadian chapter to be of value to those in a 
> Canadian 
> > locale who do not have a chapter (which, currently, is 
> everyone not in 
> > Ottawa).
> 
> Tom,
> 
> What value do you see a Canadian chapter having for these 
> people?  If it is for support, I'm not sure why Canadian's 
> wouldn't just participate directly in project and 
> international mailing lists.  To me a Canadian chapter is 
> primarily of utility to pursue "Canada specific" objectives 
> such as promotion or influencing public policy.
>

I would see the value of a Canadian chapter to be an overarching body of
local branches (which may not do very much in reality), and a space for
those who want to discuss OSGeo issues pertaining to their locale, etc.
where a local [insert_Canadian_locale_here] branch/etc. does not exist.

> But from a practical point of view, not that many people are 
> interested in such objectives.
> 
> In my humble opinion the reason we don't have active 
> Canadian, US or UK chapters of OSGeo is because they would be 
> too broad for really local organizing, and yet artificially 
> narrow when we can participate directly in the English 
> language activities of OSGeo and the projects at the global level.
> 

I would see this as analogous to the Aust-NZ chapter.

> Many national chapters really exist primarily as a language 
> based support group for those who find it somewhat difficult 
> to participate in the global English mailing lists.  We don't 
> need that, which (I think) has limited interest in a national chapter.
> 
> > On the other hand, putting things "national" could (could) cause an 
> > oversight into recognizing / dealing with local issues.
> > 
> > What about having a Canadian chapter with branches?  This 
> way, anyone 
> > across Canada can participate, and those with a critical 
> mass can call 
> > themselves a branch.  The bottom line IMHO is being as inclusive as 
> > possible.
> 
> Why not just have Canadian's participate directly in OSGeo?
> 

Believe it or not, a lot of folks are not comfortable in participating
directly.  While I personally wonder why this happens, it is a reality.
I can give you specific examples offline if you like.

..Tom