I've received a good bit of follow-up from the CIT event in Houston referring to what a great group we have. Should I argue back? We're not a group! But wait, are we? Multiple people, like minded, trying to share ideas, dealing with common challenges. Hmmm...that does sound like a group, doesn't it?
Had breakfast this morning with Jeffrey Thompson and Rich Kowalske, and we discussed the same topic. They each said something along the lines of "of course we're a group!" OK...this is sounding more and more like there is something to this.
So, if we are a group, then what group are we? Are we a national group? A local group? A regional group? Maybe even an international group? I expect that we're all the above, whatever that might mean...
Should whatever group we are have a name? Do we want to be particular about who can be part of the group? I would really like to hear your thoughts.
Here are my quick thoughts (feel free to disagree! [did I need to say that?]):
- The name should mention both Church and IT. My favorite thought (of the moment) is Church IT Association, or CITA. (I especially like CITA as it also stands for "Christ Is The Answer") If the "National" organization were CITA, then maybe we also have a local Atlanta Area group AACITA? I don't like that as much. Atlanta Chapter of CITA? Maybe...
- Even though we are probably Church-centric, it makes sense to allow non-church people to have some level of involvement. Associate membership?
- Local groups would be good. [I'm suddenly motivated to connect with other nearby churches]
- Is it time to pull together ITdiscuss, the Church IT Roundtable, the various Wikis being put together by [at least] Jason Kergosien, Jeffrey Thompson, Jim Walton; and what would that all-together thing look like?
So..share your ideas, please! Do you want to be part of a named group?
I should have mentioned that Jason Powell already had a similar topic on his blog.
