[PLUG] Call for workshop participants

[NGO-in-a-box South Asia]

Dear Friends,

This is a call for participants of NGO-in-a-box a series of workshops
aimed at addressing the needs of voluntary sector organisations by
providing tailored Free and Open Source software and training. The
workshops will be held across India over the coming two years. The first
one will be held from the 19th to 24th of March 2007 in Pune,
Maharastra, India. Another three events are planned for 2007 in the
states of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Karnataka. Dates of these
events will be confirmed. Supporters include Hivos, Netherlands and
Tactical Technology Collective, Netherlands. This event is organised by
Mahiti.org, Bangalore. Please visit http://ngoinabox.mahiti.org for
further details of the event. 

DATES

NGO in a Box Pune is a 5 day long workshop, to be held from 19th March
to 24th March 2007. Participants are required to attend the entire
event, which means arriving at the venue on or before 19th March and
leaving on or after 24th March. The venue will be finalised shortly and
communicated to successful applicants.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This is an event for experienced professionals actively working in
advocacy NGOs, educational organisations, NGO resource centres,
community centres and information dissemination organisations in Western
India. Applicants will be chosen to represent organisations addressing a
broad cross section of issue topics. These will include education,
environment, health, economic development and rights. 

Demonstrating that you have worked in one or more of the above areas
will make your application stronger.

The workshop will cover the following broad thematic areas:

Topic 1 - Base Free and Open Source Applications: What to consider when
migrating to open source, installation of a linux operating system,
commonly used office and internet packages.

Topic 2 – Open Publishing: Desktop publishing, image editing, web
publishing and collaboration, content management.

Topic 3 – Audio Visual: Audio editing and distribution, CD burning and
ripping, media capture, audio visual playing tools.

Topic 4 - Security: Internet security, passwords, data storage and
backup, communication and encryption.

All participants should be proficient desktop users of computers and
have some past experience of using technology in the voluntary sector.
They should have an existing awareness of the concept of Free and Open
Source Software.

EXPENSES AND SUBSIDIES

For selected participants travel expenses by rail or bus to Pune will be
reimbursed and local travel from the train / bus station to the venue
will be arranged. Meals and accommodation during the workshop will be
provided by the organisers.

BACKGROUND

NGO-in-a-box is a collection of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)
tools selected for use by voluntary sector organisations. The project is
an initiative of Tactical Technology Collective, Netherlands. The tools
are distributed in downloadable form and as a physical box set of CDs.
Several needs oriented editions of NGO-in-a-box aim to provide
organisations with software relevant to their requirements. NGO-in-a-box
is designed to increase the accessibility of FOSS to non-profit groups
in developing and transition countries. 

The project seeks to firstly increase awareness of FOSS among NGOs in
the region, then develop and increase the capacity of key/influential
individuals and NGOs in FOSS usage, and finally increase the FOSS user
community. The project also seeks to establish a network of NGOs that
use FOSS at various levels to exchange skills, experiences and support
each other.

Please download an application form from http://ngoinabox.mahiti.org

-- 
Edward Crompton - Coordinator
NGO-in-a-box South Asia
Mahiti Infotech Pvt Ltd
314/1 Vijay Kiran Building
7th Cross Domlur Layout
Bangalore 560071
Phone: +91 80 41150580 
Fax: +91 80 41150583
www.mahiti.org/ngoinabox