New GNHLUG SIG

[VirginSnow at vfemail.net]

For those of you who weren't at lastnight's GNHLUG board meeting, the
Board expressed favor for the idea of creating a new SIG.  In order to
get the final thumbs up, the SIG must have a slick-sounding name and
something at least resembling a mission statement.

I'm going to propose the name "Community Outreach SIG".

I like "Community Outreach SIG" because it's got the word "Community"
in it, it avoids terms like "Newbie" and "New User", and conveys the
"outreach" that will be done without sounding gay (like "Outreach SIG"
or "Support SIG" would).

I'll also propose the following purpose:

  "The mission of the GNHLUG Community Outreach SIG (COSIG) is to
   foster and promote, when appropriate, use and adoption of Linux,
   Free, and Open Source software and solutions in communities
   throughout New Hampshire, and to aid and support users and groups
   making that transition."

The rationale behind this mission statement:

  "foster and promote" - we want to get more people aware of and using FOSS

  "when appropriate" - FOSS isn't always appropriate for a given situation.
                       We don't want to force FOSS upon people who have good
                       reason to be using proprietary software.

  "Linux, Free, and Open Source" - includes both operating systems
                                   (like Ubuntu) and standalone apps
                                   (like firefox), as well as
                                   non-Linux OSs like FreeBSD.

  "software and solutions" - includes end users, employess at work,
                             workplace networks, government
                             installations, all potential FOSS
                             converts.

  "aid and support" - having people switch to using, say, Ubuntu is
                      not enough. to provide help and support to new
                      blood is absolutely critical to the success of
                      FOSS.

  "users and groups" - not just individuals users, but companies,
                       departments, and government bodies as well


What do others think?  Are there any other names you like for the SIG?
Any wording you would like to see in the mission statement?  Any other
mission statements to propose?  Let's hear your ideas!