PASS Elections 2011 Discussion Forums

SQLPASS are making great efforts to reach out internationally.However, how do you propose to reach out to SQL Server user groups that are not PASS chapters? What strategy will you put in place to help PASS appeal to non SQLPASS Chapters (AKA user groups)?

Hi ,

I agree with the view Denise has here. There must be a symbiotic relationship else it is doomed for failure. The appeal for each other has to come by mutual respect of what each of the organizations are doing on their own and why each of the orgs leadership think it is beneficial to come together to achieve some common goals.

Sri

Let me rephrase that question in light of what we (PASS) has learned over the past several years.

First, how do we NOT reach out.

We don't go in and demand. We don't go in and make their organization fit our model. We don't ignore local advice and recommendations. We don't try and run events without understanding the local culture and environment.

We do reach out by bringing local advisors on at the Board level so we can understand how to work together. PASS is how Microsoft has chosen to express much of its community support resources for SQL Server. As such we have an obligation to share those resources with all SQL communities, not just the ones formally affiliated with PASS. But we have to work with each local community as they are. We know we have to change our governance model for international support, we just don't know exactly how yet. But we are learning, starting in places with strongly established local communities and then extending that model to areas with many SQL users but not necessarily strong communities. I would note that one sign PASS is committed to this strategy is the international advisors were appointed by unanimous vote.