Joao,

Good to hear from you.  Although I might be a catalyst in the rebooting of the Houston PHP user group, I am perhaps not the best candidate to be its leader.  You served that role for long time, and I was proud to be the co-leader for a while.  Today, my workload does not permit me to serve this function properly, although I am glad to act in a subordinate role and host of the next several meetings, as so suggested.

My notion of having a sort of leadership meeting in the next two weeks was to organize core leadership into areas of responsibility, which would then be ratified at the next general meeting of the group.  Thus, those in the general group need not be saddled by mundane organizational issues, and those interested in leadership of this group might settle and resolve those administrative issues outside of general meetings.  Of course, these admin meetings are open to the general, and if all works well, the group as a whole functions well.  I now have much experience in these dynamics, and when done well, everybody rises nod needs and wants are satisfied and often exceeded.  Think of it as front-end vs back-end.  We need a balance and governance mechanism, which an offsetting core might provide, and avoid the unfair burdens on individuals to carry the group, as devolved to you.  I would suggest that you are appointed ex-officio board member and advisor to the group, and that we find a balanced group of core leaders who are willing to take assignments for agenda, communication, facilities, treasury, etc, on behalf of the group.  

We can be what ever we want to be, but interested souls need to be somewhat organized, and leaders and volunteers will emerge, and then really interesting things might arise.

I would strongly suggest that we separate the initial rebooting organization meeting from the general meeting, so that we can make a strong semi-thought out plan ant the general meeting next month.

Control of the meetup website is key to our structure.  Then delegation into functional areas for meeting design and promotion.  That will drive attendance at the general meetings, and growth for all.

Bill

Sent from my iPad

> On Aug 8, 2014, at 4:46 PM, Joao Prado Maia <[address removed]> wrote:
> 
> Bill,
> 
>> Our location is 710 N Post Oak Rd, 77024, at corner of I-10 & 610 loop, so easy.  Free parking.  The Houston transit center is a block away for those who might want to ride Metro.  This might be easiest starting point.
>> 
>> Another option might be to use IBM in Riverway.  You might remember IBM is a backer of PHP and might be willing to host larger meetings.
>> 
>> Lastly, we might be able to meet at a local church parish hall in the area.  I have one in mind that can easily accommodate up to 200.
>> 
>> As for meetup leadership, any volunteers to contact Joao?  
> 
> No need for that. It looks like you just volunteered to organize the first few meetings! :)
> 
> Feel free to schedule any meetings at the meetup site. I will flag your account as an organizer as soon as I get back to the office.
> 
> Regards,
> --Joao
> 
> 
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