Scope and Role
It is generally recognized that Outreach and Education (O & E) activities exist in many - if not all - MGISAC activities. O & E are among the primary reasons for MGISAC’s existence. Committee members perform O & E every time they present, write, provide data or even speak informally in such a way that it furthers GIS activities in the state and/or supports approved MGISAC activities. This is what we all do nearly everyday.
The question isn’t what “potential” for overlap with other committees exists but recognizing that overlap already exists in nearly every aspect of any MGISAC activity – for the reasons stated above – and proactively dealing with that fact. The purpose of this written scope is to better familiarize O&E subcommittee - and other MGISAC - members with one of the co-chair’s views on the committee’s work-scope and roles. I hope this will spark discussions and changes as the committee helps the co-chairs define its scope and role.
With so much overlap the question already occurring in several forms is: Are we going to be repeating the activities of other subcommittees? The short – and definitive answer - must be: No – at least not intentionally. How do we avoid this? Two methods come to mind – both equally important to success. Communication and adherence to the principals outlined below for discussion.
Four words best describe our purview or focus – Communication, Coordination, Support and Promotion. Some examples – certainly not all inclusive – are below.
Communication – to the extent possible – discover from the greater MGISAC committee and its subcommittees the message they want to present and help them deliver that message to our stakeholders – and anybody else that will listen.
Coordination – (not necessarily leading) but coordinating the various elements of the outreach and education activities of the MGISAC. Insuring activities don’t conflict, assisting with dates, times, facilities etc... We should maintain a schedule and timeline of activities and events insuring maximum MGISAC participation where possible.
Support – provide suggestions for speakers, workers to setup and operate booths at events, presenters when necessary, input for other subcommittees and help plan outreach and education events.
Promotion – Provide or funnel web content updates or additions, the same for the list servers. Gather content for fliers and conference postcards. Utilize email and phone lines where appropriate to promote MGISAC sanctioned activities and message.
A recent example that might better illustrate our role is our support of regional mini-conferences or meetings or what ever combination of the two becomes the method of outreach to those interested in GIS in the outlying regions of the state.
The Local Government (LGov) subcommittee has been working on this idea for some time – O&E’s role can be drawn directly from above – all four focus areas have roles in supporting LGov if - and when - they move forward on this effort. None of the focus areas above speak to conference/meeting content, actual determination of attendees, breaks, food or costs. We may be able to assist - if asked– with some of these items or others such as dates, times and facilities. And if others are utilizing the same communications courtesy that we extend – we should be asked. We can help contact potential presenters when content is determined and prepare materials if required. We can promote and advertise. But the actual determination of the majority of these items falls with the entity that we would be providing assistance to – in this case LGov. We are there to help them get whatever message they wish to get out and to help them collect what ever message they want return from the regions with for the MGISAC to ponder.
Finally – since we acknowledge the overlap – why have a separate O & E subcommittee?
Because so many of the O & E activities (MGISAC brochure, booth, Conferences, GIS Day and training) don’t exist in the purview of other subcommittees. And because – when circumstances allow – MGISAC should have one message – we will help define that message and deliver it.
Please feel free to comment on these thoughts.
