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

[Lukas Blakk]

Realized you listed those days/times in Eastern time - makes both Monday 
and Tuesday viable options for me now - Gregg what works for you?

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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