[Local-chapters] The next step

[Henk Hoff]

As mentioned in the "Starting Over" thread, the OSMF board has not approved
the proposed agreement.

Next to several issues Ulf already mentioned in the thread mentioned, the
board had an thorough discussion about the implications of the LC in
relation to the organizational structure of the Foundation. Several options
were discussed including a structure similar to the Wikimedia Foundation. In
light of this discussion the board could not decide on a proposed agreement
for Local Chapters, since it first need to have a clear view on the
organizational structure for the near future.

However, the board did decide on providing a Memorandum of Understanding for
those who want to start up a local chapter and (for doing so) need some form
of agreement with the OpenStreetMap Foundation. Such a MoU is voluntary: if
a local organization wants/needs their relationship with the Foundation on
paper they can ask for a MoU.
The proposed boilerplate text for the MoU will be sent to this mailing list.

OK, but what's next....

Like Serge suggested it's good to go back to the basics: should we have
local chapters and if yes, what does it do? And work upwards from that.
We could ask ourselves the following:
- What does a LC wants to do (for it's members)
- What does a LC expect of the Foundation
- What can the Foundation expect of a LC
- Should a LC have influence on the Foundation (eg. does it have voting
rights)
- Should the Foundation have influence on a LC
- ...
Since there are already several initiatives to set up a local chapter around
the world, we should not have to much difficulty in answering those
questions. ;-)

I would like to continue with the phone meetings. It looks like the need for
phone meetings are more urgent with our members in the America's then in the
Australia area. Maybe it's good to reschedule these meetings to a time that
is more suitable for the US. Does 7PM GMT sounds like good option?

The coming 8 weeks I would not be able to make meetings on Thursday (on 7pm
GMT). Can we reschedule to Friday?

The first meeting I would like to discuss procedure.

Who wants to join a LC phone meeting on Friday Jan 29th at 7pm GMT (
http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com)? Let me know and I'll send you the dail-in
details.

Cheers,
Henk Hoff
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