[Chapter-delegates] Application to form the Internet Society Chapter on Internet of Food

[James Galvin]

On 4/2/15 3:51 PM, John More wrote:
> Chapters strength comes from their having at their core a geographic
> base. I would not like to dilute that.

I'm catching up on this thread and choosing to respond to this 
particular comment.

The discussion seems to be moving in favor of requiring Chapters to have 
a geographic base and creating a framework for "activities" that do not 
have a geographic base and calling them a "SIG" (or perhaps something else).

While I don't have any issue with the creation of SIGs if we decide they 
have a role, as a very long time participant in ISOC I would feel a loss 
from choosing to restrict chapters to geography.

The official definition of a chapter has always been that it requires a 
community that is committed to furthering the mission and purpose of the 
Internet Society.  From my perspective, the only judgement required when 
evaluating a chapter is to ask whether or not its purpose and scope 
further the goals and objectives of the Internet Society.  Yes, I know 
there are some other edge issues to be concerned about, e.g., we don't 
want duplicative chapters, but the primary point is still valid.

A chapter derives its strength from the commitment of its volunteers, 
and that has nothing to do with geography.

The success or failure of a chapter has nothing to do with geography.

The discussion of voting rights and the potential for abuse has nothing 
to do with whether a chapter is based on geography or something else. 
That problem exists regardless.  If it is a problem then let's work to 
solve it; surely we can agree that the solution is not to restrict 
chapters to be geographically based.

In my opinion, repeating myself here, the primary question regarding 
this chapter is whether or not its purpose and scope further the goals 
and objectives of the Internet Society.

And I'll take it a step further and suggest that we should ordinarily be 
very open minded and inclusive when answering that question.  If there 
is no obvious reason to reject a chapter then it should be welcomed.  It 
is difficult to say what the Internet is likely to become and what is 
likely to be important to the Internet of the future.  I would prefer to 
give most things a chance.

Jim
ISOC Philadelphia Chapter