Difference between revisions of "Local Chapter Guidelines"

From OSGeo

Latest revision as of 03:44, 9 September 2019

For a quick overview of getting started see Local_Chapters/Starting. For details read below...
Please also consider joining the dedicated Local Chapters Mailing List.

This document was approved by the OSGeo Foundation at the Fifteenth Board Meeting and is available at http://www.osgeo.org/content/chapters/guidelines.html

Chapter Roles

Open Source software has come to be a proven environment for building stronger software through open global collaboration. The Open Source Geospatial Foundation, hereafter referred to as OSGeo, has been created to support and build the highest-quality geospatial software.

The OSGeo's goal is to promote the use OSGeo projects globally by fostering strong localized OSGeo partnership and presence in different geographic and linguistic domains. Apart from being a strong local voice for the OSGeo, some of the major tasks whereby localized OSGeo partnership and presence could enrich and enhance global geospatial initiatives would be;

Provide member networking opportunities for support and job opportunities
Software Internationalization and Localization
Development of prototype applications to demonstrate Open Source geospatial capabilities to local and regional audiences
Software Packaging and Customization for local and regional needs
Training, Support and Development of e-Learning Contents in local languages
Support Open standards and Open access to geospatial data in region
Promoting OSGeo and enhancing visibility in various forums

The above activities would complement and strengthen the efforts of OSGeo in increasing awareness about available Open Source Geospatial solutions and stimulating adoption in education, industry, government and non-profit organizations in various geographic and linguistic domains.

Chapter Responsibilities

OSGeo does not differentiate between a geographic or linguistic grouping and strongly encourages self-organization similar to "User Groups" or "Special Interest Groups" in other Open Source Projects. "User Groups" or "Special Interest Groups" do not formally represent OSGeo but can avail some of the services such as the use of OSGeo Wiki. "OSGeo Chapter" offer a more formal framework for self-organization based on a few simple guidelines listed below;

“OSGeo Chapter” officially represents OSGeo and is formally recognized as OSGeo Project.
“OSGeo Chapter” must support the OSGeo Mission and Objectives of OSGeo.
“OSGeo Chapter” must hold regular meetings (at least annual) and provide annual report of activities to chapter membership and OSGeo Board.
“OSGeo Chapter” will not entail any financial commitment from or on-behalf of OSGeo. OSGeo will also not provide any budget assistance to the “OSGeo Chapter”.
“OSGeo Chapter” is encouraged develop and maintain “Directory Listing” of companies, people, universities and organizations involved with or using OSGeo projects.
“OSGeo Chapter” must strive at networking with organizations to enlist participation and support for OSGeo.
OSGeo reserves the right to terminate its relation with an “OSGeo Chapter” if OSGeo has reasons to believe that the activities of the “OSGeo Chapter” are contrary or detrimental to the Mission and Objectives of OSGeo.

Chapter Benefits

“OSGeo Chapter” is permitted to use OSGeo Logo and other branded resources for promoting the Mission and Objectives of OSGeo.
OSGeo will provide necessary infrastructure to promote communication and visibility of “OSGeo Chapter”. The infrastructure will include mailing list, hosting of wiki pages, domain service for “OSGeo Chapter”.

Chapter Formation

In order to form a chapter, the following steps should be taken:

"OSGeo Chapter" should self-organize (for instance in the OSGeo wiki, via OSGeo mailing list, etc), seeking to determine if a critical mass of interest exists to justify a chapter.
"OSGeo Chapter" should prepare a mission and objectives indicating the scope of the planned chapter (geographic or linquistic extent for instance).
“OSGeo Chapter” should propose an official representative to liaise with the OSGeo Board. If accepted by the board, the representative will be an officer of OSGeo.
“OSGeo Chapter” should submit an official expression of interest to form a chapter to the OSGeo board, listing initial members, mission, representative and other supporting information.
The OSGeo board shall then consider passing a motion forming the chapter, and designating the liason officer.

In considering the formation of new OSGeo chapters, the board will consider issues including:

Does the mandate (geographically or linguistically) conflict with other existing chapters or chapters-in-formation?
Does the chapter appear to have sufficient interest to justify official formation?
Does the chapter appear to be open to broad membership, and representative of the target geographic or linguistic community? (eg. if a chapter had the objective to cover all Spanish speakers, it would be inappropriate if the only interest demonstrated was from one country)

Guideline for creating a Local Chapter logo

This is a proposal for logo usage at local level.

Whenever you refer to the "OSGeo Foundation" (the headquarters legally incorporated in Delaware, USA), you should use the unchanged, official OSGeo Logo.
Feel free to reuse parts of the design (the compass, colors, fonts, proportions, etc.) to create your own distinct logo version.
Your logo should be distinctly different to not easily confuse it with the official OSGeo Logo.
In presentations, banners, etc. you are welcome to also use the unaltered OSGeo Logo to refer to the legal international foundation. Feel free to use both, one on the left, the other on the right, top / bottom, whatever.
Get inspired by other Local Chapters, check out what others have done:
- http://www.fossgis.de - OSGeo German Language
- Logo de OSGeo-ES - Hispano Hablante (Spanish speaking)
- Oceania
If in doubt: Ask.

Retrieved from "http://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=Local_Chapter_Guidelines&oldid=121732"

Categories:

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-''This page documents the current discussion and has not yet been approved as official OSGeo policy!''
+* ''For a quick overview of getting started see [[Local_Chapters/Starting]].  For details read below...''
+* ''Please also consider joining the dedicated [http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/local-chapters Local Chapters Mailing List].''
-The idea of Local Chapters is to provide for Wiki pages and later mailing lists and webspace for documents and files in the native language of the members focusing on main OSGeo activities and approved policies. Local chapters are operated as all Open Source projects with a Project Steering Committee that has to be approved by the board, a list of members, etc.
+----------
+''This document was approved by the OSGeo Foundation at the [[Fifteenth Board Meeting]] and is available at http://www.osgeo.org/content/chapters/guidelines.html''
-== Open Issues ==
+= Chapter Roles =
-* ''Please also read the [[Talk:Local Chapter Guidelines | discussion page]]''
-* Should there rather be local (or localized) chapters for languages or regions or both? Three examples:
-* German language is spoken in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. One local '''language''' chapter would make sense.
-** Switzerland has three several official languages, one is German. So one local Swiss chapter with several language sections would make more sense.
-** Portuguese is spoken in Portugal and Brazil (and some other places). One local '''language''' chapter would make sense but the regions are so very different that a separate local chapter would be healthy.
-* Wording and semantics: Can the three phases/levels be given names/labels that progress as you move up?
+Open Source software has come to be a proven environment for building stronger software through open global collaboration. The Open Source Geospatial Foundation, hereafter referred to as OSGeo, has been created to support and build the highest-quality geospatial software.
-== How to start a Regional or Language Group ==
+The OSGeo's goal is to promote the use OSGeo projects globally by fostering strong localized OSGeo partnership and presence in different geographic and linguistic domains.  Apart from being a strong local voice for the OSGeo, some of the major tasks whereby localized OSGeo partnership and presence could enrich and enhance global geospatial initiatives would be;
-There are several ways to build a localised OSGeo presence.  There are three specific levels of involvement that a local/regional or language group can have with OSGeo.  This document does not differentiate between a Local/Regional (geographic) or Language-based group.  Groups start first as an Interest Group, then become a Chapter and finally a Branch.  Some groups may never desire or need to advance beyond an Interest Group.
-=== Level one - Interest Group ===
+* Provide member networking opportunities for support and job opportunities
-* Similar to the idea of a Linux User Group - language or geographic regional
+* Software Internationalization and Localization
-* Start a new Wiki page as a link from the [[Local Chapters]] page.
+* Development of prototype applications to demonstrate Open Source geospatial capabilities to local and regional audiences
-* Work out which of the above versions makes most sense (suggest others...)
+* Software Packaging and Customization for local and regional needs
-* Add a short introduction in English language describing what the special needs of this language or localized group are (if its 'only' the language, fine)
+* Training, Support and Development of e-Learning Contents in local languages
-* Start a member list (people who show interest) on that page
+* Support Open standards and Open access to geospatial data in region
-* Find out and link to other [[Like Minded Regional Organizations]]
+* Promoting OSGeo and enhancing visibility in various forums
-* Contact those organizations and try to get a representative to sign up at OSGeo.org
-=== Level two - Chapter ===
+The above activities would complement and strengthen the efforts of OSGeo in increasing awareness about available Open Source Geospatial solutions and stimulating adoption in education, industry, government and non-profit organizations in various geographic and linguistic domains.
-* Introduce your Chapter initiative to the Discuss List
-* Start a motion (with the Board) to make your Chapter an official OSGeo project
-* Hold regular meetings and report regularly to membership and board
-=== Level three - Full Branch ===
+= Chapter Responsibilities =
-A Chapter might want to set up a more legal, separate entity with its own board, funding, organization, etc. -
-* Called a Branch because it is somewhat disconnected and self-reliant
-* Maintain a representative tie back to the main OSGeo foundation and its goals
-* Aid in running annual conference, especially if local to the branch
-More details to be worked out...
+OSGeo does not differentiate between a geographic or linguistic grouping and strongly encourages self-organization similar to "User Groups" or "Special Interest Groups" in other
+Open Source Projects. "User Groups" or "Special Interest Groups" do not formally represent OSGeo but can avail some of the services such as the use of OSGeo Wiki. "OSGeo Chapter" offer
+a more formal framework for self-organization based on a few simple guidelines listed below;
-== Guidelines ==
+* “OSGeo Chapter” officially represents OSGeo and is formally recognized as OSGeo Project.
-These guidelines might be split into three categories. See also on [http://wiki.osgeo.org/index.php/Talk:Local_Chapter_Guidelines discussion].
+* “OSGeo Chapter” must support the OSGeo Mission and Objectives of OSGeo.
-* The OSGeo does not want to highjack or take over any groups that already function well!
+* “OSGeo Chapter” must hold regular meetings (at least annual) and provide annual report of activities to chapter membership and OSGeo Board.
-* In all cases it must be warranted that the OSGeo does not interfere but cooperates with existing groups.
+* “OSGeo Chapter” will not entail any financial commitment from or on-behalf of OSGeo. OSGeo will also not provide any budget assistance to the “OSGeo Chapter”.
-* Ideally OSGeo supports existing groups without imposing strong restrictions.
+* “OSGeo Chapter” is encouraged develop and maintain “Directory Listing” of companies, people, universities and organizations involved with or using OSGeo projects.
-* All the same OSGeo adheres to its principles. If these are not compatible to the existing local groups a consensus might be worked out.
+* “OSGeo Chapter” must strive at networking with organizations to enlist participation and support for OSGeo.
-* At least one representative of the local chapter [[Proposed Membership Rules | must be a member]] of the OSGeo Foundation.
+* OSGeo reserves the right to terminate its relation with an “OSGeo Chapter” if OSGeo has reasons to believe that the activities of the “OSGeo Chapter” are contrary or detrimental to the Mission and Objectives of OSGeo.
-* The chair will produce a weekly, monthly, quarternary report in English language to the OSGeo board.
-A description of issues that arise from cultural aspects of the region and language may help to focus activities.
+= Chapter Benefits =
+* “OSGeo Chapter” is permitted to use OSGeo Logo and other branded resources for promoting the Mission and Objectives of OSGeo.
+* OSGeo will provide necessary infrastructure to promote communication and visibility of “OSGeo Chapter”. The infrastructure will include mailing list, hosting of wiki pages, domain service for “OSGeo Chapter”.
+= Chapter Formation =
+In order to form a chapter, the following steps should be taken:
+# "OSGeo Chapter" should self-organize (for instance in the OSGeo wiki, via OSGeo mailing list, etc), seeking to determine if a critical mass of interest exists to justify a chapter.
+# "OSGeo Chapter" should prepare a mission and objectives indicating the scope of the planned chapter (geographic or linquistic extent for instance).
+# “OSGeo Chapter” should propose an official representative to liaise with the OSGeo Board.  If accepted by the board, the representative will be an officer of OSGeo.
+# “OSGeo Chapter” should submit an official expression of interest to form a chapter to the OSGeo board, listing initial members, mission, representative and other supporting information.
+# The OSGeo board shall then consider passing a motion forming the chapter, and designating the liason officer.
+In considering the formation of new OSGeo chapters, the board will consider issues including:
+* Does the mandate (geographically or linguistically) conflict with other existing chapters or chapters-in-formation?
+* Does the chapter appear to have sufficient interest to justify official formation?
+* Does the chapter appear to be open to broad membership, and representative of the target geographic or linguistic community? (eg. if a chapter had the objective to cover all Spanish speakers, it would be inappropriate if the only interest demonstrated was from one country)
+= Guideline for creating a Local Chapter logo =
+This is a proposal for logo usage at local level.
+* Whenever you refer to the "OSGeo Foundation" (the headquarters legally incorporated in Delaware, USA), you should use the unchanged, official OSGeo [[Logo]].
+* Feel free to reuse parts of the design (the compass, colors, fonts, proportions, etc.) to create your '''own''' distinct logo version.
+* Your logo should be distinctly different to not easily confuse it with the official OSGeo Logo.
+* In presentations, banners, etc. you are welcome to also use the unaltered OSGeo Logo to refer to the legal international foundation. Feel free to use both, one on the left, the other on the right, top / bottom, whatever.
+* Get inspired by other Local Chapters, check out what others have done:
+** http://www.fossgis.de - OSGeo German Language
+** [[Logo de OSGeo-ES]] - Hispano Hablante (Spanish speaking)
+** [[Oceania]]
+* If in doubt: Ask.
+[[Category:Guidelines]]
+[[Category:Local Chapters]]