<meta http-equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <title></title> <meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Linux)"> <style type="text/css">  </style> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">US Team,</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I am adding some ideas to the idea pool on the US Team wiki. I wanted to keep them a decent length so I am sending a more detailed version of my ideas out to you on the Mailing List. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Nationwide Project Organization. I am working on the Ubuntu in Libraries project for my LoCo. The materials and letters I am putting together could be, with minimal effort, replicated and used by any LoCo in the U.S. I have noticed that some LoCo's have been created and then virtually abandoned by their creators. People who are excited to do something to help the Ubuntu community join these LoCo's. They then place a post on the forum and mailing list stating their enthusiasm. Without any kind of leadership or infrastructure, this post or Email goes unawnsered and the person quickly loses interest and moves on. We need a framework or system in place that fills gaps left by unattentive LoCo leadership. The US Team could propose and help organize projects, say 3 or 4 a year, for the State LoCo's. Members could pick up these projects on their respective mailing lists and have something they can participate in. Secondly, I think having nationwide projects would also serve to inspire State LoCo's. There are LoCos who are more organized and active then what I just described, however they are in a lull. Just as a reinvigerated leadership woke up my individual LoCo, I think the US Team can serve to do the same for the individual State LoCo's. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I think a "membership drive" by the US Team could help increase membership. Most people in my LoCo were not really aware of the US Team, what it does, or why they would want to participate. I think an Email sent out to all the State LoCo's explaining what the US Team does, why a central resource is nescessary, and why a strong US Team is important would be very beneficial. I think this could increase the membership of the US Team and allow it to take on some responsibilities that would ensure we have a strong, active LoCo in every state.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I look forward to any input the members might have.</p> <br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Duane Hinnen<br><a href="mailto:duanedesign@gmail.com">duanedesign@gmail.com</a><br><a href="mailto:sip%3Aduanedesign@ekiga.net">sip:duanedesign@ekiga.net</a><br>