SocialSource Voluntary & Community Sector Open Source Initiative

Overview

This wiki is a central point for an advocacy initiative ("SocialSource") seeking to promote and assist the practical use of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) within the UK Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS)*.

SocialSource Activities

SocialSource held events in 2004 and 2005 to bring together stakeholders interested in the use of FOSS in the VCS. These initiatives are hoping to be followed-up, but activities are somewhat dormant at the moment (February 2007).

SocialSource 2005

SocialSource again held an event in 2005 to act as a meeting-point for those interested in the potential of Free & Open Source software and methods for the Voluntary and Non-profit sector. It was very much in the style of 2004's, building on the enthusiastic reception it received.

Around 50 attendees came along to listen and participate in the packed programme. The event was held in London on 9 November at City Temple Conference Centre.

Programme for SocialSource 2005

A programme is still in place at EventProgramme, featuring:

• introductions for those who have had no hands-on contact with Free/Open Source Software (F/OSS)
• case studies
• details of projects going on within the sector using F/OSS tools.
• demonstrations of Open Source software in action
• opportunities for discussion

2004 Inaugural event successful

An inaugural event, that took place in London on 15 September 2004 was very well received, attracting around 50 attendees who came to listen to and experience a selection of the 20 speakers and demonstrations.

The organisers would like to thank all who took part, whether a speaker, demonstrator or attendee. The day had a very much peer-led feel and proved (to us) how well OSS and the VCS are matched. It was very encouraging to see at least 75% of attendees still there at the end of the day!

You can see some photos of the event on Photos Page

More details and links to the Event Content can be found via the Event Programme and Event Documentation Page.

This wiki will serve as a central point for the initiative, certainly for the time being. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see/hear next, please go to our What's next section.

Feedback

If you'd like to feedback on this initiative, there are several alternatives:

• get in touch via email or register your interest and sign up for an e-mail list via ContactUs
• add content to this wiki, via an existing page, such as WhatsNext, FeedBack, or notes relating to some of the event items, or create an entirely new page

Updating the wiki

Please explore the links and content already in place - for more details on the event, please see EventSept04 Please feel free to add content where appropriate. If you would like to add a page, please put a link to it on the Navigation Page (Sitemap), in order to help us keep the wiki organised and up to date. Thanks!

* Those familiar with US terminology may identify "Voluntary and Community Sector" with "NGO/Non-profit". These terms are used loosely and interchangebly for the purposes of this event.

This event was affiliated to the global Penguin Day movement and Lasa's Circuit Rider Conference.