GraphQL Local Initiative

.prettierignore

@@ -2,4 +2,5 @@ public/
 pnpm-lock.yaml
 *.mdx
 !src/pages/blog/2024-04-11-announcing-new-graphql-website/index.mdx
+!src/pages/blog/2024-08-15-graphql-local-initiative.mdx
 *.jpg

src/pages/blog/2024-08-15-graphql-local-initiative.mdx

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+---
+title: "Launching the GraphQL Local Initiative"
+tags: ["blog"]
+date: 2024-08-15
+byline: Benjie Gillam and Jory Burson
+---
+
+The GraphQL Foundation's primary mission is to ensure the continued evolution of
+the GraphQL specification and reference implementations. As part of this
+mission, we strive to provide collaboration infrastructure that fosters a
+culture of community and innovation. Local get-togethers play a crucial role in
+this, bringing together developers, library maintainers, vendors, and
+enthusiasts to share knowledge and collaborate.
+
+That's why we've expanded our support for local communities with the launch of
+the **GraphQL Local Initiative**. This initiative aims to recognize and support
+local efforts by providing a framework and resources for organizing local
+GraphQL events.
+
+## What the GraphQL Local Initiative Offers
+
+We recognize how much effort is required to organize local events: from finding
+venues, speakers, sponsors and refreshments to preparing slides, driving
+awareness, ensuring inclusivity, and much more - there's a lot to do! The
+GraphQL Local Initiative enables us to lighten your load a little by offering a
+modest sponsorship, slide templates, code of conduct, guidelines, swag,
+promotion, and more.
+
+## Requirements for GraphQL Locals
+
+To ensure the success and consistency of these local events, organizers must
+adhere to the GraphQL Code of Conduct and Brand Guidelines, and ensure events
+are inclusive and accessible. For the full list of requirements, see the
+[program page](/community/foundation/local-initiative).
+
+## How to Get Involved
+
+We encourage all community members passionate about GraphQL to get involved.
+Whether you want to organize an event in your local city or simply participate,
+your involvement helps strengthen the GraphQL community.
+
+To find out more and apply for official recognition and support for your local
+event, please
+[visit the GraphQL Local Initiative page](/community/foundation/local-initiative).
+
+Let’s keep building a vibrant, supportive, and innovative GraphQL community
+together!

src/pages/community/events.mdx

@@ -97,8 +97,8 @@ export function Events({ events }) {
 
 <Events events={upcomingEvents} />
 
-<Button href="mailto:operations@graphql.org" className="mx-auto my-6 !block">
-  Start a meetup in your area!
+<Button href="/community/foundation/local-initiative" className="mx-auto my-6 !block">
+  Start a GraphQL Local!
 </Button>
 
 <details>

src/pages/community/foundation/local-initiative.mdx

@@ -0,0 +1,140 @@
+---
+sidebarTitle: GraphQL Local
+description:
+  The GraphQL Local initiative helps the GraphQL Foundation foster a culture of
+  community and innovation, contributing to the success, health, and
+  sustainability of our ecosystem.
+---
+
+import { Button } from "../../../app/conf/_components/button"
+
+# GraphQL Local Initiative
+
+The GraphQL Foundation's primary mission is to ensure the continued evolution of
+the GraphQL specification and reference implementations. As part of this
+mission, we strive to provide collaboration infrastructure that fosters a
+culture of community and innovation. Local get-togethers play a crucial role in
+this, bringing together developers, library maintainers, vendors, and
+enthusiasts to share knowledge and collaborate.
+
+To better support these meets and clarify the process, we are excited to
+announce the official **GraphQL Local** initiative. This initiative provides a
+framework for organizing local GraphQL user groups and offers support to each
+approved group (hereafter, a "Local").
+
+We're happy to support both new and existing GraphQL meets; here’s what you
+need to know to get involved:
+
+## Requirements
+
+Organizers of a Local must agree:
+
+- All official events and related channels will be governed by the
+  **[GraphQL Code of Conduct](https://graphql.org/codeofconduct/)**.
+- Official communications will comply with the
+  **[GraphQL Brand Guidelines](https://graphql.org/brand/)**.
+- The Local accepts **GraphQL TSC oversight**:
+  - At least one
+    [GraphQL Technical Steering Committee (TSC) member](https://github.com/graphql/graphql-wg/blob/main/GraphQL-TSC.md#tsc-members)
+    must be granted administrator access to the Local’s online platforms (we
+    will assign a TSC member and supply the relevant details on approval of
+    your Local).
+  - In case of a serious Code of Conduct breach, an organizer may be replaced.
+- The Local has 1 or more organizer from the area. (We're pretty flexible on the
+  definition of "from the area", just be reasonable.)
+- Each official event will have at least least one **organizer present**.
+- Official events will be held in an appropriate **professional setting**.
+- Official events will feature at least one GraphQL-related talk (the format can
+  vary: lecture, lightning talk, panel, AMA, etc).
+- These **talks will be recorded** and made freely available online.
+- Official events will be be **announced at least two weeks in advance**.
+  Popular ticketing platforms include Eventbrite, Guild.host, and Meetup.com.
+- Attending official events will be **affordable**.
+  - If not free, attendance fees must not exceed USD $10 or local equivalent
+    without explicit approval from the GraphQL Marketing and Content committee.
+    Events charging fees waive their entitlement to GraphQL Foundation
+    sponsorship.
+- Organizers will **report back on attendance**, general feedback, and any
+  suggestions for future events in a timely manner.
+
+Groups may of course organize other events, e.g. a summer barbeque, but these
+are currently out-of-scope of GraphQL Foundation support. These other events
+shall not be referred to as "official", but are still encouraged to follow the
+guidelines that are applicable (in particular, the Code of Conduct and Brand
+Guidelines must still be honoured).
+
+## Support
+
+Each approved Local is entitled to request the following support for each
+event:
+
+- **Sponsorship** up to USD $200 per event (max 1 per quarter) for approved
+  costs (see below). More sponsorship might be available directly from
+  individual foundation members, see details below.
+- **Swag bundle**\* to distribute to speakers, attendees, or organizers (max 1
+  per quarter).
+- **Google Slides templates** for:
+  - Code of Conduct
+  - Call for Papers (CFP)
+  - Sponsors
+  - Schedule
+  - Speaker/talk introduction
+- **Promotion** through GraphQL’s Twitter and LinkedIn channels.
+- **Local artwork** adhering to the GraphQL Brand Guidelines; including
+  avatars, event banners, and slide templates. \*\*
+
+\* The content of swag bundles may change from time to time depending on
+available inventory.
+
+\*\* There may be a significant delay on the delivery of local artwork
+currently, we're still figuring out designs.
+
+## Approved Costs
+
+Sponsorship funds may be used towards:
+
+- Food (be sure to consider dietary restrictions and allergies)
+- Non-alcoholic drinks (alcoholic beverages, if provided, require sponsor
+  approval or should be paid out of alternative funds)
+- Venue hire
+- Swag for speakers or attendees
+- Promotional materials
+- AV resources (e.g., camera stand, microphone)
+
+On approval of your GraphQL Local you will be provided with invoicing
+instructions.
+
+## Caveats
+
+All support is subject to the finite resources (both financial and temporal) of
+the GraphQL Local initiative. Sponsorship may be adjusted both up and down based
+on expected attendance and is discretionary. Bespoke work, e.g. local artwork,
+may have long and unpredictable lead times. Your application may be declined for
+any reason, but in particular if we think it is likely that the initiative will
+exhaust its budget we will decline all further applications until more budget
+becomes available.
+
+If you'd like to help support the GraphQL Foundation's various programs and
+initiatives, consider becoming a GraphQL Foundation member.
+
+## Additional Support
+
+If you need extra support for your event (e.g., transportation costs or higher
+venue fees/larger food and drinks budget for larger get-togethers), individual
+GraphQL Foundation member organizations may be able to offer additional support,
+often with a small ask such as saying a few words about them during the event.
+If your gathering is approved, you will be provided with contact information for
+member organizations who have expressed interest in supporting gatherings.
+
+## Get in Touch Now!
+
+We’re excited to see the GraphQL community grow and thrive through these
+gatherings. For more information or to get started, please contact us on
+`operations@graphql.org`:
+
+<Button
+  href="mailto:operations@graphql.org?subject=I+want+to+start+a+GraphQL+Local+in+CITY_NAME_HERE"
+  className="mx-auto my-6 !block"
+>
+  Start a GraphQL Local!
+</Button>