---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Frederick Noronha (FN) <fred@...>
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 00:04:57 +0530 (IST)
Subject: [little_league] Maintainging and growing a LUG...
To: little_league@yahoogroups.com


http://www.linux.org/docs/ldp/howto/User-Group-HOWTO-6.html#ss6.3

Maintaining and growing a LUG

* Make the barriers to LUG membership as low as possible.

* Make the LUG's Web site a priority: Keep all information current, make it
easy to find details about meetings (who, what, and where), and make contact
information and feedback mechanisms prominent.

* Install Linux for anyone who wants it.

* Post flyers, messages, or handbills wherever computer users are in your area.

* Secure dedicated leadership.

* Follow Linus Torvalds's benevolent dictator model of leadership.

* Take the big decisions to the members for a vote.

* Start a mailing list devoted to technical support and ask the "gurus" to
participate on it.

* Schedule a mixture of advanced and basic, formal and informal, presentations.

* Support the software development efforts of your members.

* Find way to raise money without dues: for instance, selling Linux merchandise
to your members and to others.

* Consider securing formal legal standing for the group, such as incorporation
or tax-exempt status.

* Find out if your meeting place is restricting growth of the LUG.

* Meet in conjunction with swap meets, computer shows, or other community
events where computer users -- i.e., potential Linux converts -- are likely to
gather.

* Elect formal leadership for the LUG as soon as is practical: Some helpful
officers might include President, Treasurer, Secretary, Meeting Host (general
announcements, speaker introductions, opening and closing remarks, etc.),
Publicity Coordinator (handles Usenet and e-mail postings, local publicity),
and Program Coordinator (organises and schedules speakers at LUG meetings).

* Provide ways for members and others to give feedback about the direction,
goals, and strategies of the LUG.

* Support Linux and free software / open source development efforts by donating
Web space, a mailing list, or ftp site.

* Establish an ftp/Web site for relevant software.

* Archive everything the LUG does for the Web site.

* Solicit "door prizes" from Linux vendors, VARs, etc. to give away at
meetings.

* Give credit where due.

* Join SSC's GLUE (Groups of Linux Users Everywhere).

* Submit your LUG's information to all the LUG lists.

* Publicise your meetings on appropriate Usenet groups and in local computer
publications and newspapers.

* Compose promotional materials, like Postscript files, for instance, members
can use to help publicise the LUG at workplaces, bookstores, computer stores,
etc.

* Make sure you know what LUG members want the LUG to do.

* Release press releases to local media outlets about any unusual LUG events
like an Installation Fest, Net Day, etc.

* Use LUG resources and members to help local non-profit organisations and
schools with their Information Technology needs.

* Advocate the use of Linux zealously but responsibly.

* Play to LUG members' strengths.

* Maintain good relations with Linux vendors, VARs, developers, etc.

* Identify and contact Linux consultants in your area.

* Network with the leaders of other LUGs in your area, state, region, or
country to share experiences, tricks, and resources.

* Keep LUG members advised on the state of Linux software -- new kernels, bugs,
fixes, patches, security advisories -- and the state of the Linux world at
large -- new ports, trademark and licensing issues, where Torvalds is living
and working, etc.

* Notify the Linux Documentation Project -- and other pertinent sources of
Linux information -- about the documentation the LUG produces: technical
presentations, tutorials, local HOWTOs, etc.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha (FN) Near Convent, SALIGAO 403511 GOA India
http://www.ilug-goa.tk (GNULinux Users Group Goa)




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