##(see the SpecSpec for an explanation)

 * '''Launchpad Entry''': https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu-minnesota-projects/+spec/area-groups
 * '''Created''':
 * '''Contributors''': [[LaunchpadHome:katakaio]]
 * '''Packages affected''': None

== Summary ==
Seek out other groups in Minnesota with computing-related focus and communicate this group's existence to them and offer an invitation for collaboration where appropriate.

== Rationale ==

A lot of people in Minnesota still aren't aware of our group, but might be excited about it if they did.  Also, communicating with other groups in the state will foster relationships that will be helpful for working together on common goals.  For instance, at a face-to-face meeting with members of TCLUG a few months back, members were interested in our LoCo but not yet aware.

== Implementation ==

=== Communication Standards ===

We should have a pre-written script of sorts written to save people time and effort and to make sure we have a consistent message.  This would apply to e-mail, letter, or phone contact.

=== List of Groups and contact tracking ===

==== LUGs ====

|| '''Location''' || '''Abbr ''' || '''Web site''' || '''IRC''' || '''Mailing List''' || '''Assigned Member''' || '''Contact Status''' ||
|| Twin Cities || TCLUG || http://tclug.org/ || #tclug || [[http://mailman.mn-linux.org/mailman/listinfo/tclug-list|General]] || [[LaunchpadHome:katakaio]] || Unknown ||
|| St. Cloud || SCALUG || http://scalug.mn-linux.org/ || #scalug || || || Unknown ||
|| Northfield || NORLUG || http://norlug.org/ || || || || Unknown ||
|| Mankato || MAUG || http://maug.wireless.mnsu.edu/ || || || || Unknown ||
|| Duluth/Superior || DSLUUG || http://www.dsluug.org/ || || Non-functional || || Unknown ||
|| Rochester || K-LUG || http://www.k-lug.org/ || || || || Unknown ||

==== Other types of groups ====

|| '''Name''' || '''Location''' || '''Web site''' || '''Assigned Member''' ||  Contact Name''' || '''Contact Status''' || '''Type / Notes''' ||
|| Penguins Unbound || Minneapolis || http://www.penguinsunbound.org/ || [[LaunchpadHome:tonyyarusso]] ||  Brian D-G || Existing - Expanding || Linux/FLOSS user group ||
|| Beyond the Yellow Ribbon || Scott Co. || http://www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org || || Al Frechette || Not started (via [[LaunchpadHome:akgraner]]) || Refurbs. comps w/Ubuntu, need training/support ||
||Free Geek Twin Cities || Hennippen Co. || http://freegeektwincities.org || || Community-Driven || Opening Spring 2010 (via [[LaunchpadHome:rschreiner]]) || Refurbs. comps w/Ubuntu LTS ||
|| Twin Cities Maker || Minneapolis || http://tcmaker.org/ || [[LaunchpadHome:smcgrath23]] || Steve !McGrath || New || Diverse group of tinkerers, uses Ubuntu ||

== Unresolved issues ==

This should highlight any issues that should be addressed in further specifications, and not problems with the specification itself; since any specification with problems cannot be approved.

== BoF agenda and discussion ==

Proposed:
    * Frequent the #tclug channel on IRC and promote our LoCo
    * Join TCLUG and stay informed about local Linux activities
    * Investigate possibilities for joint events (both online and in person)
    * Recommend LoCo members to join their respective LUGs in Minnesota
    * Search for non-Linux computing groups to contact and promote our LoCo to

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CategorySpec