Welcome to the heart of innovation and collaboration, the vibrant hub of FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani!
At our club, we don’t just embrace open source; we live and breathe it. From exhilarating events and dynamic club activities to enlightening workshops, meetups, and groundbreaking project work, we’ve got it all! It’s not just a club; it’s a thriving ecosystem where tech enthusiasts converge to share, learn, and innovate.
If you’re passionate about open source or technology in general, you’ve found your ideal haven.
This thread is your gateway to the pulsating discussions and conversations that fuel our community’s growth.
Join us, be a part of a dynamic network dedicated to open source exploration, collaboration, and collective advancement.
Get ready to level up your tech skills and be part of a community that’s not just about coding but creating a culture of growth and collaboration.
The future of tech starts here – let’s shape it together!
The establishment of the core team is presently pending, primarily due to unavoidable college activities, such as elections and mid-semester examinations. Nonetheless, we are actively involved in the process of selecting the core team, adhering to the following proposed structure:
There will be two main teams: the Core Team and the Member’s Team. The Core Team will consist of an equal number of individuals with expertise in the following domains:
Managerial Backbone
Tech Folks
Creative Ones
Word Spreader
I know everything
For each event, a unique combination of these core team members will be assembled into an Atomic Team and tasked with organizing the specific event. This approach ensures that multiple Atomic Teams can concurrently manage preparations for various events.
We initiated the submission of Core Team forms around October 3rd, and the submission window remained open until October 18, 2023, due to the aforementioned reasons. Over 50 individuals completed the form, with some expressing interest even after the closure. Currently, we are in the process of conducting interviews for Phase 1. Our goal is to select approximately 15 members for the core team and 5 for the members’ team from the first round of interviews.
Introduction to FOSS and FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani: A concise session designed to acquaint participants with the principles of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and the objectives of FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani. (Completed)
Deployment of Core Team Forms (Completed)
Establishment of Social Media Presence and Promotion of Club Activities and Updates: Social media accounts have been created on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, and Discord. Plans include the creation of Mastodon and IRC channels in the subsequent months as club activities intensify. (Completed)
November:
Core Team Interview Rounds - we had 30 min one-on-one interviews for each applicant, results Underway.
Announcement of FOSS Evangelist (FE) Program: The FOSS Evangelist Program involves the selection of a committed student passionate about FOSS and its applications. The chosen student will act as the official representative of FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani at their campus, promoting club events and actively participating in networking opportunities. The program aims to develop marketing proficiency, enhance event planning and execution skills, and contribute to the FOSS community’s growth within the campus.
Promotion of the program is planned to start soon. No additional activities are planned due to end-of-semester examinations on campus.
December:
Core Team Training: Training the core team for the Linux Installation Fest and familiarizing them Forum, Figma, FOSS principles and the ideals of FOSS United.
FOSS 101 (Online Event): An online session featuring speakers providing an in-depth introduction to FOSS, programs related to FOSS, the role of the community, and the impact of FOSS projects.
First Iteration of Monthly FOSS Day: A comprehensive summary of the month’s events and achievements, encompassing activities on our campus, FOSS Evangelists’ campuses, awards for Contributor of the Month and Project of the Month, an open speaker forum, promotion of next month’s events, and the latest FOSS trends and news.
Commencement of Activities on the FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani social media, YouTube Channel especially, including features such as “FOSS Alternative of the Week” and “FOSS Fridays” (news related to FOSS).
Project: Initiating the planning and execution of our first project.
January 2024:
Linux Installation Fest (Offline Two-Day Event): – Day one focuses on introducing participants to Linux, its benefits, reasons for choosing it over other alternatives, and information about the best Linux distros for beginners. Distinctive distro booths during the event will showcase core team members with different distros on their devices, providing insights and assistance with installations. – Day two covers Linux Ricing, helping participants interact with the terminal and gain a basic understanding of Linux usage. A small Linux Ricing Competition with prizes for winners will be conducted. Support from FOSS United, including swags and monetary assistance, is sought for this significant event.
Intro to FOSS and FOSS Clubs Session ( 03/10/2023 )
A concise session conducted to familiarize participants with the principles of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and the objectives of FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani.
Goal
The goal was to simply introduce folks to FOSS and FOSS Clubs
Activities
Here we introduced the difference between proprietary and FOSS software.
The recruitment process is over and we have selected folks out of the applicants for the team.
Recruitment Process
We first released a form, where people had to fill their details, domains, answer 3 questions and submit their proof of work in the mentioned domains. form link - https://forms.gle/evqd9TxzQmDKENuFA
Shortlisted Candidates were sent emails where they could select a time slot for interview
The candidates were interviewed on said times, focus was put upon their past experience in FOSS, their understanding and vision and willingness to give back to the community.
Their past experience in event management, community activities, leading communities / clubs / teams were also taken into account.
Individuals were judged on the basis of their experience in community activities as well as skill and experience in their said domains.
based on this the following Team Structure was formed -
Core Team: Comprising individuals with a wealth of prior experience in event management, community activities, and leadership within a community, club, or team. Their exceptional passion for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and its evangelism is characterized by a unique and visionary approach. Members of the Core Team bear the responsibility of active participation, oversight, and management of all club activities throughout the year. Total 7 folks were offered position in Core Team.
External Core Team: Comprising individuals with lesser experience in event management, community activities, and leadership roles. Their responsibilities include dedicated focus on specific club activities and projects, aiming for excellence in execution. Organized into Atomic Teams, each team concentrates on a distinct activity, facilitating the planning of concurrent events. External Core Members actively contribute to events on an individual basis, enhancing their involvement and experience in a step-wise manner. Total 8 folks were offered position in External Core Team.
Fresh Faces: Encompassing individuals with minimal to no prior experience in event management, community activities, and leadership roles—essentially, newcomers whose standout enthusiasm has earned them a place in this team. Members of the Fresh Faces category contribute to events by assisting Core and External Core Team members. Simultaneously, they engage in a learning and growth process, gaining valuable experience. Like their counterparts, Fresh Faces are also organized into Atomic Teams, each focusing on a specific club activity. Total 8 folks were offered position in Fresh Faces Team. This comprised first years who are still in their learning phase but wish to contribute.
What is Atomic Team and Why ?
An Atomic Team will comprise 5-10 External Core and Fresh Faces Team Members, forming flexible combinations, each possessing expertise in distinct domains such as Management (Managerial Backbone), Creative (The Creative One), PR and Outreach (Word Spreader), Technology (The Tech Folk), and one with the ability to assist in all four areas (I know everything). Each Atomic Team will focus on a specific club activity, enabling the planning and execution of multiple activities simultaneously. This structure also facilitates the execution of activities even in the absence of some members due to unavoidable commitments, thereby allowing members the flexibility to take a hiatus.
Poster
A poster was released announcing Interview Rounds Commencement.
An onboarding call will be done within next few days to discuss plan for the year and familiarize the team with ideals and principles of FOSS United and provide them the FOSS Handbook and other materials.
FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani FOSS Evangelist (FE) Program
What is this FE program ?
This program, referred to as the ‘FOSS Evangelist (FE) Program’ entails the selection of a dedicated student with a fervor for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and its applications. The chosen student will serve as the official representative of the FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani at their campus, undertaking responsibilities such as the promotion of club events, and actively participating in networking opportunities. Through this program, participants will have the chance to cultivate marketing proficiency, hone their event planning and execution skills, and contribute to the development of the FOSS community within their campus. The FE will be an official member of FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani.
Who can be a FE ?
Timeframe : Must have at least one academic year remaining before graduation.
Enrollment Status : Must be a full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program.
Program Commitment : Expected to commit to the program for one year, subject to evaluation after the first three months.
Leadership and Organization : Previous experience in planning events and leading a team is highly desirable.
Passionate about promoting and using FOSS : An individual with a profound enthusiasm for the advocacy and promotion of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is required. We are seeking someone who genuinely possesses a fervor for FOSS.
Quality FOSS Contributions : Should have made some valuable contributions to free and open-source projects.
Passion for Impact: Keen interest in making a significant contribution to their campus through the FOSS club.
What will a FE do ?
FOSS Evangelist will do the following activities :
Promotion of events of FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani in their campus and its reach.
Promotion of events of FOSS United in their campus and its reach.
Promote and Foster culture and community of Open Source and FOSS at their campus.
Building quality FOSS for Public Good.
Increase membership of FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani.
What will a FE get ?
Skill Development:FEs have the opportunity to develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, event planning, marketing, and networking. These skills are transferable and can be beneficial in their academic and professional careers.
Networking Opportunities: By representing FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani, FEs can connect with like-minded individuals, both within and outside their campus. They can build a network of contacts in the FOSS community, which can be beneficial for future collaborations and career opportunities.
Personal Growth: Serving as a FE can lead to personal growth and increased self-confidence. It can help them become more organized, responsible, and capable of taking on leadership roles.
Resume Enhancement: Involvement in a FE Program can be a valuable addition to a FE’s resume. It demonstrates their commitment to a cause and their ability to take on responsibilities beyond their academic coursework.
Access to exclusive resources:FEs may gain access to exclusive club resources, which could include learning materials, tools, or support from the FOSS Club. These resources can aid in their personal and professional development.
Recognition and Awards: Efforts of FEs will be recognized through awards, certificates, and public acknowledgments, which can boost their motivation and reputation within the FOSS community.
Opportunity to make a difference: Being a part of our FOSS Club’s mission allows FEs to contribute to the promotion of open-source software, which aligns with the broader FOSS philosophy of collaboration and knowledge sharing. It can be fulfilling to be a part of a meaningful cause.
Access to Mentorship:FEs might have the chance to work closely with experienced members of FOSS Community, benefiting from mentorship and guidance in their FOSS journey.
Free or Discounted Access to Events:FEs may receive free or discounted access to FOSS Club IIIT Kalyani events, workshops, or conferences, which can enhance their knowledge and networking opportunities.
Benefits to Campus ?
Cost Efficiency: Reduce expenses related to proprietary software licenses.
Innovation : Encourage a culture of creativity and problem-solving.
Reputation : Position the college as a modern institution aligned with global tech trends.
Collaboration : Strengthen ties with the global FOSS community, opening doors to partnerships and collaborative projects.
Benefits to Clubs ?
Enhance PR and Outreach
Aid in finding other colleges where future clubs and FOSS Communities can be setup.
Greater impact.
The objective of this program is to facilitate swift and effective communication with other colleges. By assigning a dedicated individual to establish a network and foster a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) culture in their college, as well as promote club events and FOSS United Events, we can expedite outreach with minimal effort. This approach not only establishes a robust network for flagship events but also encourages collaborations on a larger scale.
We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments, as we value your input on how we can enhance and refine this program for the better.
I think this list also should include that the FE Lead needs to have good and considerable skills in public speaking and communication. They should be able to build faster and healthier connection with say other campuses or speaker whom you’ll be inviting. This does not mean that the person randomly goes and starts connecting with folks on Linkedin (have seen many students do so).
Honestly speaking, this should be mandatory. Assuming some “x” student has all the qualities that you seek for this role. But, he is doing some kind of internship, then it is a huge block for him even if he wants to take up this role. Of course, you’ll have to verify and validate if the student is really able to and capable of managing both the things simultaneously. This is a two way benefit, the student will learn how to do task management and you will get a slight idea/experience of how to observe someone’s work.
A fast learner who can pick on these skills would do good.
@mangeshm
Yes, the FEs will be selected keeping in mind that they should have good communication, networking skills, availability for devoting themselves to the program as well as previous experience in outreach, community building and evangelism.
By “Campus” I simply mean college. As an FE will be responsible for promoting use and creation of FOSS in their campus. So that each college has one FE and the FEs can focus on their campuses.
Thanks for your feedback Mangesh. Was indeed helpful!
I think we should not be thinking/caring about how the college is scaling because of the FOSS Club. FOSS Clubs was solely started so that the students in the institute learn, get together and tinker around things and in general explore the FOSS ecosystem. They will always find profit and status of their institute only form you.
Colleges (authorities) very specifically ask about this part actually, and in these exact terms.
Most colleges/faculties don’t care about free software and our philosophy. FOSS club is just another technical club for them and to kickstart the projects there needs to be a set of potential advantages for the campus that we can showcase whenever introducing a program.
@Subroto_Banerjee I am interested in the overall idea behind the FE program assuming this is not rushed and planned out well, considering FOSS club IIIT Kalyani is itself in an initial phase.
Agreed,
I am saying not thinking about the college and faculty by any means. But trying to do things their own way. I think the club will already cover and take care of those 4 aspects
So, anyways if the club folks get this thing running good. It will anyways be a win-win for the institute.
About workshops : Workshops would involve talking about Basics of Go, Basics of GoFr, and building a simple REST API
Discussions on when sessions can be conducted : @glitchyi has winter vacations right now, there will be examinations in January, also a lot of college activities are already planned for upcoming months so he will give tentative dates around end January. @Subroto_Banerjee also has winter vacations going on this month. Will be able to tell about dates by first week of January. As a lot of events and Hackathons are already planned for February in West Bengal Region in addition to college examinations, deciding a tentative date would be best once semester schedule is received.
Deliverables from GoFr - session for club members to be prepared for the workshop, stickers, goodies, maybe GoFr team can also join if distance and schedule permits etc.
@glitchyi Suggests to conduct session during technical conference they are gonna organize. He also mentioned that students also need to be taught the prerequisites before they can attend GoFr workshop. Hence suggests an Online Session Before the actual GoFr session to prepare the students.
Almost all the Core Team Members have shifted to Linux and have started using it on daily basis.
We have been working consistently on our first online series - FOSS Alternative of the week. Have made some drafts, the PR team is still working on it under Suprakash Biswas. We plan to start with a simple post, then later move to short videos and reels.
We are also extensively planning the FOSS Evangelist Program. The final brochure will be provided soon.
We are planning to organize a FOSS Foundations session on 16th January 2024, a detailed account of which will be provided and we would need monetary support from FOSS United, details of which will also be provided.
We are also planning to organize Linux Installation Party either in January Last Week or after our mid semesters in February. A confirmed date and necessary support we need from FOSS United will also be provided in a separate thread as soon as we find a slot for the session.
An 8 hour internal campus hackathon is under plan, three college clubs together including FOSS Club will be organizing it. Need to discuss its planning and support we need from FOSS United.
We are planning to expand our activities online as well, as due to other activities and events in college by other societies and clubs, finding slots for offline event is a bit tough.
Regular club online internal meets are being conducted. Offline meet would be conducted from now on as Winter breaks are over.
Support needed from FOSS United
Swags for events
Monetary Support for upcoming events like FOSS Foundations, Linux Installation Party, 8 hr Hackathon etc.
A session to Introduce the participants with Free and Open Source Software, the 4 software freedoms, difference between free software movement and open source camp, communities etc.
Goal
The Goal was simply to familiarize participants with the principles of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) its objectives, aims and goals. The intended highlights include Introduction to FOSS revolving around the FOSS movement, principles of freedom, collaboration, and open access to software source code, origins of the FOSS movement, founding , role played by the Free Software Foundation (FSF).
The session was conducted Offline, at Room G02, Webel IT Park, Kalyani, West Bengal
Participants
We released cryptpad forms for folks to RSVP for the event so we could arrange snacks accordingly.
A total of 73 folks did RSVP for the event.
The actual turnout was 55 as first year students had a previously unannounced class test the following day due to which many went back home.
After around an hour, we distributed the snacks to each student. The remaining snacks were later distributed in the post session quiz where winners were awarded a sticker as well.
We urged students to join our weekly meetups to discuss open source and tech in general.
We also introduced FOSS Project of the month with this , where we urged folks to submit their open source projects and we provide them a platform to showcase them.
Events photos and videos will soon be uploaded on the socials.
Future plans
We plan to conduct weekly meetups each Wednesday in after college hours from 5 - 6/7pm where we discuss about open source, FOSS and Technology in general. We try new things, code together and build stuff.
We plan to conduct our first monthly meetup as @ansh suggested to convert our “Monthly FOSS Day” plan to a monthly meetup, it is still in planning phase. Would soon like to have a discussion regarding that.
We aim to regularly bring the community together in these weekly and monthly meetups so that enthusiastic folks can find a platform to talk, code and find quality FOSS and technology in general.
We have our mid semester exams from 12 - 19 February so we plan to not have any offline session/event before that.
Would really love if @wisharya@ansh would have a meet with our core team and boost their enthusiasm.
Date - 19th Jan 2024
Venue - Room G02, Webel IT Park, Kalyani , West Bengal
Timings - 5pm to 6:45pm
RSVP Link : 
