[Lopsa-regional-project] [LOPSA-Board] Q: What should go in a LOPSA Chapter Kit?

[Chris McEniry]

Everybody has different needs - I'm just going with the pieces that I 
feel I need so... ;).

Bottom line - it's about the connections.  Putting people in touch with 
people will really what makes things happen, especially when a lot of 
volunteering comes from the willingness to help out people you know.

> * a checklist of resources available

Resources include:

.) Members/Companies who have volunteered local space for hosting

.) Members who know members who could be voluneteered into volunteering 
local space and time.

> * an easy way to get mailings to people in the lopsa database within the
>   geographic area (in accordance with our privacy policy, we can't
>   release the addresses, but we can send the mail to those who have not
>   opted out)
> 
> * information on possible speakers

I sorta put this one with the "resources available" ;).  People come for 
socializing and content.  I'm not sure how to help with the socializing, 
but providing pointers on content would really go far.

> * information about what kind of help is available for "other" events in
>   the area -- like if there is a conference or other event were the
>   LOPSA local group could have a booth, what can we provide to help with
>   that

Cross-polination can do wonders for jump starting local events.  In 
fact, I think most groups actually grow out of other groups because of 
some specialization, but I could be wrong.  Putting people in touch with 
the other organizers is the way to go here.

> * a mentor (or perhaps just the other organizers) willing to help
>   especially with planning the kick-off and first 3 months 

I don't think I can overstress this one.  I think a mentor is huge - a 
mentor with local connections can really be the deciding factor that 
makes or breaks how this gets started.  If nothing else, the mentor can 
be the little nag or guilt complex(;)) that keep the volunteer organizer 
  honest.

Speaking of which - I'm still hoping to get San Diego going so if anyone 
  wants to help out or keep me honest(winkwink), please contact me offlist.

--mac