On Tue, Mar 19, 2002 at 03:04:42PM +0100, Rudi Angela wrote:

I applaud any european initiative in this field. There are a couple of issues that affect us Europeans more directly, like languages and localization. In the English-dominated world people tend to forget the importance of e.g. special characters, as they don't deal with this issue everyday (so I can't blame them). I have found people in the Dutch educational market that are willing to give Squeak a chance in schools. But in this market language localization is a prerequisite. But the same issue of language is probably going to form a barrier for me participating in a German or French Squeak community, as my German is very basic and my French non-existent. I guess this applies to more Europeans. Language keeps deviding Europe! I doubt if currently there are enough European Squeakers to justify a per country approach to a community initiative (thought I do hope I'm wrong!). So i would strongly advocate for one multinational community, otherwise we won't reach the critical mass. As a consequence, the language used should be English. Of course I would personally prefer good old Dutch, but I'm willing to sacrifice that to gain a stronger European Squeak movement.

Ok... Hmm... so we're back at "one european thingy". Does anybody know if there is something like a "Verein" on an EU-wide basis?

The whole idea of a german organisation started because we were thinking about making it easy for corporations and individuals to donate money. Easy means: Like with everything else.

If you want to raise money here in Germany, you need to be a "e.V." Think about it as an interface we need to implement.

Of course having diferent legal entities does not mean that we're not working together: We are *one* community. There would be no point in not working together...

The question is how to integrate the people from countries without a local organisation? Do we need an EU-based organsiation for that? Or could they join one of the other local organisations?

Don't know... any other ideas?

Marcus

On Wed, 20 Mar 2002, ducasse wrote:

...

The question is how to integrate the people from countries without a local organisation? Do we need an EU-based organsiation for that? Or could they join one of the other local organisations?

Don't know... any other ideas?

Marcus

There is no objection in Swiss law that Non-Swiss and Non-Resident cannot be part of a Swiss association.

So my suggestion would be that we invite everybody from other countries (including for example as well Argentina) to join the Swiss association as long as there is a need. This means as long as there are not yet enough members to found a country specific association.

Of course the benefits will be somewhat lower as it is not possible or more costly to attend the meetings. But with telecooperating, web-sites even perhaps doing a presentation over the internet with Nebraska and voice over the phone lines there could be some possibility to include the non-residents.

The language of communication (oral and written) will be English for the Swiss association for the most part. Actually that is what happened last Saturday. (We had French, German and Spanish speaking attendees)

Hannes Hirzel

marcus@ira.uka.de said:

Does anybody know if there is something like a "Verein" on an EU-wide basis?

There is not, but that's not an issue because a German e.V. is accepted as a legal entity anywhere in the E.U. (and outside). For corporations, it's easy enough to setup facilities to make donations (hold back here, the ESUG is working on something and we'll be able to surf with them I think) - whether for a charity or not, everything they spend is a cost and therefore deductable (that's why I converted myself into a GmbH last year ;-)); for persons, people need to check with local tax authorities whether charities are recognized across borders - but I don't think we need to be worried about *that* right now.

Don't know... any other ideas?

Yes, DTSTTCPW - proceed with Squeak e.V.; shoot first, ask questions later.