Local Chapter Guidelines

[Frank Warmerdam]

Arnulf,

I reviewed the Local Chapter Guidelines wiki page at:

   http://wiki.osgeo.org/index.php/Local_Chapter_Guidelines

Generally I like it, but I have a few concerns / suggestions.

1) I don't specially see that a local chapter needs to have a voting
    member of OSGeo involved.  We don't require this of projects, or
    committees, so why local chapters?

2) I think we need to imagine 2-3 "levels" of chapter.   The minimum
    level might not have any "official" existance, just existing as a mailing
    list and wiki pages.  This is roughly the same as the "working group"
    discussed in the past.

    The second level would be authorized by the board, has a "project" on the
    osgeo domain, mailing lists and is expected to designate someone to report
    back to the board (but not necessarily an officer).   The group does a
    variety of things, but maintains no chapter private chapter finances.

    The third level might actually officially exist as an organization in the
    country where it is formed, has it's own chapter board, has it's own
    bank account, etc.   This level would potentially be required if the local
    chapter wants to put on local conferences or pursue other kinds of projects
    that might require funding, sponsorship, etc.  I would not necessarily
    expect detailed OSGeo oversight of such finances.

    I imagine something like OSGeo Japan Branch being in category 3, while
    some other chapters not wanting too much organizational overhead might
    opt for category 2.  Groups working on building some momentum to form
    a chapter might start in category 1, and might never get past that level
    if there is no need.

3) I foresee some local chapters that are essentially very local "social
    and support" groups.  For instance, the mooted "OSGeo Ottawa Chapter".
    Such chapters would be focused around a local group that meets regularly
    as opposed to a "language or national" based group that might not actually
    meet in person frequently.

4) Generally I think OSGeo needs to ensure that local chapters are
    behaving in a manner congruent with the OSGeo mission, and not
    otherwise bringing the foundation into disrepute, but beyond that
    we shouldn't need to interfere much.

I do like the idea of language based chapters acting as an advocate for
translation into their language.

Best regards,
-- 
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I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, warmerdam at pobox.com
light and sound - activate the windows | http://pobox.com/~warmerdam
and watch the world go round - Rush    | President OSGF, http://osgeo.org