Chapter Updates and Announcements

Hello everyone!

2009 is behind us and we are almost a month into 2010. The chapter coordinators wanted to send out an email to everyone to let you know what is going on behind the scenes and share opportunities that exist for you at both the chapter and overall organization levels.

We consider the content of this email to be very important regarding the future of the Philadelphia Chapter and some upcoming activities. While it is a bit lengthy, we ask that you please take a few moments to read everything. We will also be posting this to the Chapter website.

Contents:

  1. Next Chapter Meeting
  2. Status of Chapter Chartering
  3. Upcoming Chapter Elections (And how you can be involved!)
  4. Information on the upcoming Global Game Jam (Philly is in on it!)
  5. Upcoming IGDA Board of Director Elections
  6. IGDA Lifetime Memberships
  7. IGDA Members Save $75 on GDC
  8. Information on IGDA Health Care
  9. Become an IGDA Member

If you have any questions about anything covered, please contact us at philly@igda.org.

Thank you in advance,
Tristin Hightower on behalf of the Philly IGDA Chapter Coordinators

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1. Next Chapter Meeting

The next Philly IGDA Chapter meeting will be on Friday, February 19 from 6-8PM (it is not determined if we can do food/drink yet, but if we do, food, drink and socializing done from 5:30 to 5:50 outside the room). We are still finalizing the agenda and are reserving a room, but the date and time are set. Mark your calendars!

Are you interested in making an announcement or presenting a topic? Contact us philly@igda.org with details. We love having our community involved. The Chapter doesn't exist without it!

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2. Status of Chapter Chartering

We are working to formally charter the Philadelphia IGDA chapter. Doing so will provide the Chapter with some benefits we greatly need -- like being able to raise money, have liability insurance, etc. The paperwork is being completed and we hope to find out if there are any additional tasks we need to do take care of to be offically chartered, but we are very excited to take the chapter to the next level and hope you are too.

If you have any questions regarding chapter chartering, feel free to contact us at philly@igda.org.

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3. Upcoming Chapter Elections (And how you can be involved!)

As part of becoming a chartered chapter, we need to officially fill the roles of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. As such, we will be holding our inaugural chapter election at the end of February, with official leadership taking control of the chapter in early March. Elections typically take place at the end of each year so all elected positions will be up for vote again in Q4.

Positions that must be filled*:
- Chair :: Leader of the chapter and key to its success (Chair cannot hold another elected position within the chapter)
- Vice-Chair :: Support the Chair and act on his/her behalf should Chair not be able to fulfill his/her duties; is generally considered to be preparing for appointment in Chair role
- Secretary :: Keep meeting minutes (both during Chapter Membership and Chapter Leadership meetings) and distribute/post to necessary parties (Secretary cannot hold another elected position within the chapter)
- Treasurer :: Oversees all financial administration of the Chapter; will work to find potential sponsorships, donations to chapter

* Note: These are very basic definitions of the positions that must be filled. If you have additional questions or would like the official definition regarding one or more positions, please contact Tristin Hightower (tristin@gmail.com).

Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a member of the IGDA and in good standing
- Must be an IGDA member for at least one (1) year
- Must read the IGDA Bylaws (http://bit.ly/82d4kd - PDF) and agree to be bound by them

It is also extremely important to note that if you plan to VOTE in the upcoming chapter elections, you must join the Philadelphia Chapter group on the IGDA website. To do so, log into your IGDA.org account, go to www.igda.org/philly, and select Join from the left-hand navigation.

If you are interested in running for one of the above mentioned positions OR you would like to nominate someone, please contact Tristin Hightower directly (tristin@gmail.com) for additional details and deadlines.

Deadline for nominations is February 5, 2010.

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4. Information on the upcoming Global Game Jam

Spread the world!

IGDA Philadelphia, VGI Philly and IndyHall have teamed up to provide a location in Philly for this year's Global Game Jam! Remember Philly Game Jam this past October? Global Game Jam is almost exactly the same, except we will join over 130 other locations across the globe and the location is right in Center City. On January 29 through January 31, Jammers world-wide will develop games from start to finish based on a specific theme announced at the beginning of the Jam.

Interested in participating? Create an account at www.globalgamejam.org and register with our location (http://bit.ly/5ynbbU)! Are you a member of the Philly IGDA website, but Philly isn't convenient for you? Perhaps one of the other 130+ locations participating is more ideal. Check www.globalgamejam.org for a location near you.

More information on Global Game Jam will be sent next week. We should be receiving information packets and instructions then.

Do you want to get involved but aren't sure if you want to be a Jammer? Don't have 48 hours to spare? There are multiple ways to get involved. Contact us at philly@igda.org for more information. Also, feel free to stop by anytime during the Jam to see how things are going. Might be a great way to pass the time if you can't sleep or need a break from that impending deadline to refresh yourself.

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5. Upcoming IGDA Board of Director Elections

The IGDA Board of Director elections are coming up in February. Your role is very important in electing folks who direct the overall IGDA mission and activities. Remember, only IGDA members have the right to place votes so if you're not a member, you're out of luck so become a member today! 

You can view the status of the 2010 Elections at http://bit.ly/6oBt24

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6. IGDA Lifetime Memberships

In response to a number of inquiries, the IGDA Board has authorized the offering of a Lifetime Membership Option for a limited time.  An IGDA Lifetime member is an opportunity for you to show your long term commitment to the industry and to the association.  For a one time payment of $500, an individual will be enrolled in the IGDA as a core member for the rest of his/her time on the planet.

Additional information regarding Lifetime IGDA Memberships can be found at http://bit.ly/4KJriT

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7. IGDA Members Save $75 on GDC

This year IGDA is proud to announce that all members receive a $75 discount to GDC 2010 in San Francisco.  This discount can not be used with any other discount.

The process this year is different than in years past.  If you are already an IGDA member then you must email or call Joseph Sapp at IGDA to receive the discount code.  Email a message with IGDA-GDC Discount Code in the subject line to joda@igda.org or jsapp@talley.com.  You may also call Joseph at 856-423-2990  ext. 224.  If you are not an IGDA member then you must first register with IGDA and then contact Joseph for the code.

If you're attending GDC, don't forget to RSVP for the IGDA Members Only GDC Party! http://bit.ly/7fb3nb

More information on IGDA @ GDC can be found at http://bit.ly/5fEdoa

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8. Information on IGDA Healthcare Program

On January 6, the IGDA announced its IGDA Healthcare Program (IGDA HP).  Through partner AHP (Association Health Programs), the IGDA can now offer you access to a number of insurance programs for individuals and studios at significantly reduced rates.

The primary benefit is the opportunity for individuals to obtain health insurance through the association at a rate that is up to 40% less than what you might be eligible for as an individual.  

To learn more about the IGDA Healthcare Plan, please visit http://bit.ly/88ggZt

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9. Become an IGDA Member

As an IGDA member, you are part of the world-wide community of game developers who share their knowledge, insight, and connections that help to develop your career and personal status within the community. From local chapter meetings, to online discussions, to committee and SIG output, the IGDA provides invaluable information and resources to learn from and to contribute to.

For as little as $3-4 a month, there are a variety of membership levels at varying price points and benefits you can receive. Best of all, you will show your support for your chapter and everything we're doing (and trying to do) with it.

Learn more about benefits, pricing or how you can get more involved in the IGDA by visiting http://bit.ly/8w28Qn