Welcome to the second meeting of the Sister Chapters Program Project Group #1. This gathering, scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2023, at 2 PM GMT, is set to be an exciting and informative session. Let’s dive into the agenda for this virtual event, which promises to be packed with insights and plans for the future.

Event Timings: 16th of April 2023 @ 14:00pm – 15:00pm (Bahrain Timing).

Agenda:

  1. Welcome and Introduction (Ricardo / Mohab): The meeting will kick off with a warm welcome and an introduction about the formation of the group. Ricardo and Mohab will set the stage for an engaging discussion.
  2. Austin Chapter Presentation (3-5 mins): Our friends from the Austin Chapter will provide a brief presentation, sharing their recent activities and future plans.
  3. Atlanta Chapter Presentation (3-5 mins): Next up is the Atlanta Chapter, which will offer insights into their ongoing initiatives.
  4. Bahrain Chapter Presentation (3-5 mins): We’ll hear from the Bahrain Chapter about their latest projects and ideas for collaboration.
  5. Colombia Chapter Presentation (3-5 mins): The Colombia Chapter will take the stage, sharing updates and prospects for joint efforts.
  6. Delhi Chapter Presentation (3-5 mins): The Delhi Chapter will highlight its activities and areas where collaboration can be explored.
  7. Italian Student Branch Formation Update (3 mins): We’ll receive an update on the formation of the Italian Student Branch, shedding light on its progress.
  8. Open Discussion and Finalizing an Action Plan (30 mins): The heart of the meeting, this open discussion will involve all participants in shaping the group’s action plan for the upcoming year.

Meeting Objective: Start Taking Actions

The primary goal of this meeting is to transition from discussion to action. The group aims to solidify plans for collaborative efforts among sister chapters, making this year one of progress and achievement.

AUS-ATLANTA: Proposed Initial Activities (For Discussion)

At the GCCC in RIO, both the Austin and Atlanta chapters expressed their interest in becoming sister chapters. To realize this collaboration, several potential areas of support and cooperation have been proposed, including:

  1. Student Branch Chapter Formation: Creating ComSoc Student Branch chapters in Atlanta (KSU) and Austin (San Marcos) to cater to 40 students (20 for each new chapter).
  2. Support for ATL ComSoc School Series (Under Discussion): This includes proposing two invited professors from San Marcos to cover topics like IoT and ML, and supporting these sessions with demos and student involvement.
  3. Propose a Special Exchange Program: Exploring the possibility of workshops on Python, OpenCV, ML, and other areas, in addition to a student exchange program between KSU and Texas State.

Discussions and Year Plan Proposals:

  • Atalanta Summer School: The group is considering hosting a summer school event in Atlanta.
  • Formation of Student Chapters: Plans are underway for the establishment of student chapters in Atlanta, Italy, Colombia, and Austin, marking the addition of four new chapters.
  • Virtual SCC – SC Mailing List – Invitations (May 2023): A series of virtual events and the launch of a mailing list are in the pipeline for May 2023.
  • WhatsApp Group: A dedicated WhatsApp group will facilitate quick and easy communication among the members.
  • Website (Sister Chapter Program): The group is developing a website to keep everyone informed about the Sister Chapter Program.

As we embark on this journey of collaboration and knowledge sharing, we anticipate a year filled with progress and shared achievements. This meeting will be a pivotal point in charting our course, and we look forward to the active participation of all involved. Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we work together to make this a memorable year for the Sister Chapters Program!