OSE Local Chapters
People who are geographically local to each other may choose to start an OSE Local Chapter. The local chapter is a branch of the Open Source Ecology project (OSE International) which is focused on leveraging OSE technology for local needs. See OSE Member Organizations. Reasons to create such a group include:
- Promote OSE concepts
- Network with like-minded local folks
- Explore technologies that lead towards a resource based economy
- Hold or participate in local or regional events like workshops, presentations, conferences, fairs, etc.
- Establish local projects to further OSE goals, which could include:
- Prototyping OSE tools with the aim to improve the designs and manufacture
- Experiment with improvements, enhancements, add-ons, new features, etc.
- Support centralized OSE project by local discussion, etc.
- Support local creation of GVCS tools
Local chapters enable and encourage people interested in OSE technologies and tools to discuss and apply them on a local basis. In general, local chapters should focus on the needs of the local community and how the materials, tools, and products produced by OSE can be used to solve local problems.
Starting a Local Chapter
- Collect names and email addresses of four (or more) people willing to start a local group.
- Apply for a Local Chapter Charter from the national OSE organization.
- After charter is granted (see below), the organization may refer to itself as an OSE Local Chapter.
The OSE Chapter Charter Document
In order to be recognized as an official local chapter of OSE, an application for a local chapter charter is made to OSE Interational. The application should contain the following information:
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Names and contact info of charter members | (list of names) |
| Proposed name of the chapter | OSE - Podunk Chapter |
| Justification | We want to build a CEB for the local Habitat for Humanity. |
After reviewing the application OSE National will either grant a charter document or indicate reasons for rejection.
The OSE Local Chapter Charter grants the following:
- Right to call the local group an OSE local chapter (OSE - Podunk Chapter)
- Right to use the OSE trademarks, logos, and icons subject to terms of their use.
- Listing on the OSE Wiki for local chapters.
Restrictions
The following restrictions are placed on OSE local chapters:
- Local chapters are considered to be non-profit entities, though they may raise money for projects.
- Local chapters are expected to abide by the standards and behaviors established by OSE International.
- Local chapters are expected to promote OSE concepts, technologies, and projects to the best of their ability.
Failure to meet these restrictions may result in revocation of the charter document.
Governance
Governance of local chapters is determined by the chapter itself. Generally, a chapter will elect a president or some other leader to facilitate meetings and events.