[Events] [Bpw-staff] Boston Python Workshop news: $3300 grant from the PSF!

[Lukas Blakk]

Getting others on the call would be a good idea - I'm going to extend 
this invitation to the PyStar mailing list.

Friday at 4pm works for me best of the three time slots you've suggested.

We can talk about it more on the phone but I'd like to address a couple 
of the issues you've raised:

PyStar SF/BayArea has connections with existing local groups - CodeChix 
and some of the BayPiggies have participated and been teachers at 
previous workshops. We promote our workshops within both those groups. 
I'm definitely on board with solidifying that connection as we continue 
with these efforts but I would like to hear more from other PyStar 
organizers on how it's been working in their cities.

The name PyStar is a play on Py* as in 'python for all' and calling it 
PyStar in text form continues that positive encouragement that anyone 
and everyone can be a Python Star.  It's not coming up in the top hits 
of Google searches yet but I hope that will change over time as there is 
more reach and promotion for both BPW and PyStar.

At the end of the day I think merging will get everyone further than 
having separate projects, I have no dog in the fight about where the 
organizational home is, PyStar has and will continue to be free, and the 
goal (for me anyway) was always about creating community and connecting 
with the existing communities in whatever city the workshops are run in.

So I think we could make this work and look forward to a phone chat soon.

Cheers,
Lukas



On 11/3/11 9:49 AM, Asheesh Laroia wrote:
> Excerpts from Lukas Blakk's message of Mon Oct 31 20:27:22 -0400 2011:
>> Not sure what the exact terms of the grant are but is 'giving up' the
>> domain name necessary? If a partnership is possible that would be great.
>> PyStar has a decent community already and the existing framework as well as
>> core organizers in several cities.
>>
>> Would it be good to set up a phone meeting to discuss this idea more?
> Hi Gregg and Lukas!
>
> I think that it would be splendid if PyStar and BPW worked together
> more. I think chatting on the phone would be great.
>
> Three possible times, US/Eastern:
>
> * Friday Nov 4, 4 PM
>
> * Mon Nov 7, 1 PM
>
> * Tue Nov 8, 6 PM
>
> Jessica and I can make any of those! Lukas and Gregg, which work for
> you? (I'd say others are welcome, too; you are the people I consider it
> crucial to have on the call.)
>
> Lukas and Gregg, you seemed to bring up different points so I'll respond
> quickly to both of them so that we're all on the same page.
>
> Lukas, you asked about us collaborating with PyStar events, I think
> that's very likely what we'll do! This grant only covers a small number
> of workshops outside of Boston, so sadly it can't be a general source of
> money to fund outreach initiatives generally. The Python Software
> Foundation (and the Outreach and Education Committee) are likely good
> places to send grant proposals to fund similar events, though!
>
> Gregg asked if PyStar might be willing to lend the PyStar name to our
> events. That would be interesting, and leads me to think about what it
> would be like to merge the two efforts.
>
> So the rest of this email is my thoughts about merging (or not) PyStar
> and the Boston Python Workshop.
>
> On merging
> ----------
>
> First, it's totally okay for the world to have lots of active
> programming teaching efforts. Actually, it's a great thing to have lots
> of these efforts.
>
> For BPW and PyStar, I do think that we have so much in common that we'd
> be better-served to work directly together!
>
> In organizing the Boston Python Workshop, our goals are to diversify
> existing communities, and also to take advantage of existing
> communities' capacity for mentorship of newcomers. For the events we've
> put together, working with a local user group has been a driving force.
>
> For the workshops we want to do with the grant, we want to retain that
> commitment to diversifying existing communities rather than creating
> islands of excitement that might die out for lack of membership. We
> think it's a key part of what has made our efforts successful in Boston.
>
> On the topic of PyStar and BPW working together more closely -- when BPW
> goes on the road, we hope to give these workshops a name that applies to
> workshops with this commitment. To put things more concretely, I'm
> really happy to have been able to talk with Dana in Philadelphia about
> PyStar Philly, and I'm glad that now they're more of a part of the
> Philly Python User Group.
>
> The materials about the on-the-road BPW should emphasize that sort of
> collaboration because it's part of our effort's DNA. We also think it's
> something great that PyStar can adopt generally. It means that attendees
> can benefit from the existing user group when the diversity-oriented
> volunteers want to take a break!
>
> So one of the things I'd want to talk about is if PyStar would be
> willing to adopt that commitment.
>
> Also, as OpenHatch turns into a non-profit of its own, BPW is becoming
> more closely a part of that. I think it will help with fundraising. I
> hope you have been pleased with the discussion and do-ocracy approach we
> take to our efforts, and I think it might be great to join our efforts
> on those terms.
>
> What PyStar has already done is impressive. It is no small feat to put
> together teaching workshops, and the website makes it super clear how to
> run your own workshop. I'm honored to have been a part of the process
> that got things started.
>
> My only other qualm with the PyStar name is that when I search for it on
> Google, the search engine thinks that I'm looking for computers running
> OS X made by Psystar.
>
> So -- in terms of expanding BPW into something bigger, here are the key
> points for me in the workshops we organize:
>
> * Emphasis on diversifying existing communities
> * Free of cost
> * Organizational home of OpenHatch
>
> That's what we're going to do, and if it's something that makes sense to
> roll PyStar into, that'd be exciting to talk about. I'm looking forward
> to catching up and learning more about what's important to you folks!
>
> -- Asheesh.
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