OSGeo Ambassador

'''This is a draft page and does not represent regular OSGeo policy. Once stabilized it will be proposed for approval by the Board. '''

Introduction
There are many more opportunities to make high level representation of OSGeo at events around the world than can be done by a colunteer board of directors and limited number of officers. Additionally the need for people authorized to act on behalf of OSGeo is growing, for example to communicate with other organizations. To be able to better address these needs the Board suggests to create the OSGeo Ambassador role. OSGeo Ambassadors officially represent OSGeo at events, help to coordinate associations with other organizations and helps to stand up Memoranda of Understanding. In return OSGeo can provide limited resources to reimburse travel and accommodation costs.

Needs
 Copied from a mail sent by Cameron Shorter to Discuss
 * Conference organisors, who have a primary goal of attracting attendees, look for authoritative figureheads to talk at conferences. They are expected to have a deep insight into a specific domain, such as OSGeo. They should also speak well, even better if they are entertaining.
 * OSGeo is a sexy topic has many conferences, and there are hundreds, if not thousands of conferences around the world which would like to see an OSGeo presence.
 * OSGeo is fortunate to draw membership from around the world, including boasting a number of very healthy local chapters. As such, we are likely to have potential ambassadors in most counties. (We might be a bit short in Antarctica)
 * There are times when negotiating MOUs or similar with other countries, it would be useful to have someone local speak with authority on behalf of OSGeo.
 * Note that there are conflicting interests here of wanting to open up the role for anyone who volunteers, versus maintaining a selectiveness and prestige for the role which is the key selection criteria for conferences asking for an ambassador.

Process
Who is eligible to become an OSGeo Ambassador and how to apply.

 TBD 

Other Resources
Links to other organizations running a simliar process.
 * http://www.ogcnetwork.net/node/1585