Local Chapter Guidelines

This page documents the current discussion and has not yet been approved as official OSGeo policy!

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.

Open Issues

• Please also read the 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?

How to start a Regional or Language Group

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

• Similar to the idea of a Linux User Group - language or geographic regional
• Start a new Wiki page as a link from the Local Chapters page.
• Work out which of the above versions makes most sense (suggest others...)
• 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)
• Start a member list (people who show interest) on that page
• Find out and link to other Like Minded Regional Organizations
• Contact those organizations and try to get a representative to sign up at OSGeo.org

Level two - Chapter

• 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

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...

Guidelines

These guidelines might be split into three categories. See also on discussion.

• The OSGeo does not want to highjack or take over any groups that already function well!
• In all cases it must be warranted that the OSGeo does not interfere but cooperates with existing groups.
• Ideally OSGeo supports existing groups without imposing strong restrictions.
• All the same OSGeo adheres to its principles. If these are not compatible to the existing local groups a consensus might be worked out.
• At least one representative of the local chapter must be a member of the OSGeo Foundation.
• 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.

New Draft of Guidelines (3 Tier Framework)

OSGeo Guidelines for “OSGeo Interest Group”, “OSGeo Chapter” and “OSGeo Branch”

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;

• 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.

This guideline does not differentiate between a geographic or linguistic grouping and strongly encourages self-organization of localized OSGeo partnership and presence at three levels as described below.

Level One – OSGeo Interest Group hereafter referred to as OIG

• OIG functions in an independent framework similar to User Groups for other Open Source Projects
• OIG does not formally represent OSGeo
• OIG can start and maintain Wiki document on the OSGeo Wiki
• OIG must provide a short introduction in English language describing the special needs, if any, of this geographic or linguistic grouping.
• OIG is not permitted to use OSGeo Logo and other branded resources
• OSGeo will provide necessary infrastructure to promote visibility of OIG. The infrastructure will include hosting of wiki pages pertaining to the OIG
• OIG must start a maintain member list on the Wiki
• OIG must develop “Directory Listing” of companies, people, universities and government departments involved with or using OSGEO projects
• OIG must strive at networking with organizations to enlist participation and support for OSGeo
• OIG must support OSGEO projects at large
• OSGeo reserves the right to terminate its relation with an OIG if OSGeo has reasons to believe that the activities of the OIG are contrary or detrimental to the Mission and Objectives of OSGeo

Level Two: “OSGeo Chapter”

• “OSGeo Chapter”Official represents OSGeo and is formally recognized as OSGeo Project
• “OSGeo Chapter” Representative must make an official “expression of intent” to OSGeo Membership and OSGeo Board
• “OSGeo Chapter” must prepare a draft proposal and start a motion with the OSGeo Board seeking approval as “OSGeo Chapter”
• “OSGeo Chapter” must elect an official representative to liaise with the OSGeo Board. The official representative of the “OSGeo Chapter” will automatically be member of OSGeo.
• “OSGeo Chapter” must hold regular meetings and provide annual report of activities to OSGeo 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 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”.
• “OSGeo Chapter”must 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 Chapter” must support OSGEO projects at large
• 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

Level Three: OSGeo Branch

• Official represents OSGeo and formally recognized as an independent OSGeo entity
• “OSGeo Branch” is entitled to qualify as a OSGeo Branch after not less than one year of existence as an official “OSGeo Chapter”.
• “OSGeo Branch” representative must make an official “expression of intent” to the OSGeo Mebdership and OSGeo Board to function as “OSGeo Branch”
• “OSGeo Branch” must elect its own Board Members and Officers
• “OSGeo Branch” must be a registered not-for-profit organization
• “OSGeo Branch”hold regular meetings and provide annual report of activities to OSGeo membership and OSGeo Board
• “OSGeo Branch” must not entail any financial commitment from or on-behalf of OSGeo.
• OSGeo may allot budget assistance to the “OSGeo Branch”
• “OSGeo Branch” 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 Branch. The infrastructure will include mailing list, hosting of wiki pages, domain service for OSGeo Branch.
• “OSGeo Branch” must develop and share “Directory Listing”of companies, people, universities and organizations involved with or using OSGEO projects
• “OSGeo Branch” must strive towards networking with organizations to enlist participation and support for OSGeo
• “OSGeo Branch” must support OSGEO projects at large
• OSGeo reserves the right to terminate its relation with an “OSGeo Branch” if OSGeo has reasons to believe that the activities of the “OSGeo Branch” are contrary or detrimental to the Mission and Objectives of OSGeo

New Draft of Guidelines (No tier Framework)

OSGeo Guidelines for “OSGeo Chapter”

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.

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” Official represents OSGeo and is formally recognized as OSGeo Project
• “OSGeo Chapter” must hold regular meetings 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 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”.
• “OSGeo Chapter” must 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 Chapter” must support OSGEO projects at large
• 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

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

1. "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
2. "OSGeo Chapter" should prepare a mission and objectives indicating the scope of the planned chapter (geographic or linquistic extent for instance)
3. “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.
4. “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.
5. The OSGeo board shall then consider passing a motion forming the chapter, and designating the liason officer.