Since there's a spot, here, I'll ask the obvious question: what does it take to be considered a Local Chapter or what have you? Minimum membership I would presume? Regional designation as well? And certainly the SPA Board or whatnot would have to approve it, but I'm curious what it takes to get to that step.

Well, really, without steadfast rules in the charter, cause the charter is still not translated here and I forget if there is anything in it about local - basically, this is something we need to examine, and see how we WANT it to work. even if there are words in the charter already, we can change them and vote a new system in.

Let's start with goals: What would the GOALS of local chapters be?

Thus far there is nothing in the charter about local chapters. Doesn't mean there can't be.

Goals wise, I'll toss some in there.

1. Educate. I think people out there WANT to enjoy comics both from a readership and a production aspect, but they just feel disconnected. I think one of the main functions of the local chapters should be to teach people about comics and how cool they are. How they aren't JUST for kids, but they are totally acceptable and enjoyable for kids. We need to unplug these rugrats and get them reading again, and education is the path to doing that.

2. Training. A big brother to the education, but this is hands on. Teach people who want to make comics how to do it better, more professionally, and faster. Teach the importance of deadlines, why certain software is used over others, and the end results you can obtain.

3. Stewardship. If this has the SPA name on it, it needs to be aboveboard, and it needs to be a positive. Meaning you want good people having good productive meetings, not a beer bash where someone's pool gets crashed and people go to jail. (Trust me, good things get out of hand in a hurry) We want the SPA word out there in a bright light, not as 'those jerks!' type thing.

I'm sure I've got more. Marinate on that and I'll be back.

Do you think we could get enough people in a local charter enough to constitute a beer bash? I've got a few brews in the fridge… no bashing necessary.

You're on a good track there Cary. The SPA has ALWAYS - since it's inception - had an eye on education. I never had more fun than when I got invited to my daughters school to teach 2nd graders how to make minicomics, but there's obviously so much more both individuals and individuals working together, can do on local levels, that would be GOOD for community, career, and just plain fun to do.

AIPman1 said

You're on a good track there Cary. The SPA has ALWAYS - since it's inception - had an eye on education. I never had more fun than when I got invited to my daughters school to teach 2nd graders how to make minicomics, but there's obviously so much more both individuals and individuals working together, can do on local levels, that would be GOOD for community, career, and just plain fun to do.

Well see this is what I thought CAG was about…and it just didn't turn out like that. Not dogging those folks, they do what they do, but it's not what I personally perceived it to be, and for that reason I think it fell short of my own personal expectations as well as those of others. So maybe the SPA locals can fill that void, because I know for a fact it exists. It's just a matter of getting the word out there and forming the groups that make them up. These things have a way of snowballing.

Proper advocacy and nurturing, with a structured environment, that brings national recognition to local activity, IE - gives clout to Joe Iwannadoit in the eyes of Tim Canmakeithappen.

Imagine getting permission to have a float in a local parade, and passing out minicomics instead of candy…I've wanted to do that for years…haven't had the time or local help to accomplish it yet, but my wife, who is currently running a Baton group locally and handles getting into parades for it, has made it incredibly clear how easy it would be to actually do, on a small local level.

Not that I want to get ahead of ourselves and put the functions before the structure, but that is stuff we can get organized enough to make happen anywhere.

Now that the URL functions are working, I can start adding CONTENT to the site again, and I'll get the Charter up soon, so we can take a look at it's CURRENT STATE, and start adding wording that will allow, and guide, this sort of activity.

I can just see Barry and I holding a local SPA chapter meeting on a Sunday at the hospital we work at, in one of the function rooms there.
GJ

Cary said

AIPman1 said

You're on a good track there Cary. The SPA has ALWAYS - since it's inception - had an eye on education. I never had more fun than when I got invited to my daughters school to teach 2nd graders how to make minicomics, but there's obviously so much more both individuals and individuals working together, can do on local levels, that would be GOOD for community, career, and just plain fun to do.

Well see this is what I thought CAG was about…and it just didn't turn out like that. Not dogging those folks, they do what they do, but it's not what I personally perceived it to be, and for that reason I think it fell short of my own personal expectations as well as those of others. So maybe the SPA locals can fill that void, because I know for a fact it exists. It's just a matter of getting the word out there and forming the groups that make them up. These things have a way of snowballing.

You schlubs stole this idea from that wonderful genius from Mohawk Valley..what's his name..Rock Inle!!!!!!

GRIMJIM said

I can just see Barry and I holding a local SPA chapter meeting on a Sunday at the hospital we work at, in one of the function rooms there.
GJ

Hmm, I can hold mine at the local Marengo roadhouse "Miss Kitty's", where mullets rule. Actually there is a comic shop opening soon, can't wait to see what kinda comic fans we have around here.

DOC said

Cary said

AIPman1 said

You're on a good track there Cary. The SPA has ALWAYS - since it's inception - had an eye on education. I never had more fun than when I got invited to my daughters school to teach 2nd graders how to make minicomics, but there's obviously so much more both individuals and individuals working together, can do on local levels, that would be GOOD for community, career, and just plain fun to do.

Well see this is what I thought CAG was about…and it just didn't turn out like that. Not dogging those folks, they do what they do, but it's not what I personally perceived it to be, and for that reason I think it fell short of my own personal expectations as well as those of others. So maybe the SPA locals can fill that void, because I know for a fact it exists. It's just a matter of getting the word out there and forming the groups that make them up. These things have a way of snowballing.

You schlubs stole this idea from that wonderful genius from Mohawk Valley..what's his name..Rock Inle!!!!!!

Why ya gotta be such a hater?
GJ

You're just a tool of SPA my friend…and a troll. I'm gonna go and play with the action figures named after me.

DOC said

You're just a tool of SPA my friend…and a troll. I'm gonna go and play with the action figures named after me.

       I do love hearing that particular fantasy. It's probably one of the ones that cracks me up the most.

Yeah it's kinda funny but anyway, I don't know if I can get a local chapter of SPA going, as I said earlierr is CAG even doing anything anymore??

DOC said

Yeah it's kinda funny but anyway, I don't know if I can get a local chapter of SPA going, as I said earlierr is CAG even doing anything anymore??

Personally, I like the CAG folks for the most part, but I think where they went off the rails was in not giving support to other areas not in the North East where the main chapter exists. There was no clear set of goals, no guidance, and no real visible benefit to joining. It was kinda like…"Just do your own thing and let us know how it goes." For that I'm paying you $25 a year? It's not the money, it's the principle. I pay dues and get what exactly? Not so much as a plastic member card or a decoder ring.

Now I also understand that ran into some issues with different personalities and clashing goals, so that well could be a lot of the breakdowns, and that's something that any organization that strives to grow in that manner needs to work to avoid. You want all these type A personalities focused on the goals rather than pulling at the seams.

I've always felt that with clearly a defined mission that includes the stuff I mentioned in my previous posts a local chapter thing could totally work. It's all about what you want to put into it.

I have a G.I. Joe action figure that was supposedly done in my likeness. Honest.
GJ

DOC said

Yeah it's kinda funny but anyway, I don't know if I can get a local chapter of SPA going, as I said earlierr is CAG even doing anything anymore??

helping find the right local person to do the work, is as good as being that person, IMB (in my book)

Well I have to much on my plate as it is to get involved with more responsibility. I also think perhaps things should be firmed up here on the site before SPA starts branching out like that. We have to show that what they would be participating in is worth their time and effort.

AIPman1 said

helping find the right local person to do the work, is as good as being that person, IMB (in my book)

To me, it almost seems like if you're in a certain area and looking to spread your own influence in that area, you're kind of a chapter as it is… just maybe not spreading the love as much as you could.

we will start planning and getting things ready for development after this holiday..day, lol...