When we started talking about NOSQC, the goal was simple: give software quality people in Northern Ohio a regular place to meet, learn from each other, and talk shop. Groups like CQTA in Toronto and COSQM in Central Ohio have shown how much a local community can do, and Northern Ohio has not had one of its own. To make NOSQC last, we are setting it up as an Ohio nonprofit, and that means it needs a board of directors.
We are happy to say that step is now underway. A group of people have stepped forward with interest in serving NOSQC in a leadership role, and we want to thank every one of them.
The first board meeting
The initial board is scheduled to hold a 45-minute organizational meeting on October 22. The purpose is to formally stand up the nonprofit. Here is the draft agenda:
- Welcome and introductions (5 minutes)
- Walk through the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (15 minutes)
- Discuss any proposed changes (5 minutes)
- Vote to adopt both documents and confirm the initial board (5 minutes)
- Elect officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer (10 minutes)
- Next steps (5 minutes)
What the two documents do
Two drafts, both written specifically for NOSQC, are on the table. The Articles of Incorporation are what gets filed with the Ohio Secretary of State to create the nonprofit. The Bylaws are our internal rulebook: how the board works, how officers are chosen, and how decisions get made. Board members are reviewing both ahead of the meeting and sending in questions and suggested edits so we can fold them in before the vote.
None of this is glamorous, but it matters. Getting the structure right early means NOSQC can stay independent and vendor-neutral, and keep its focus on the people doing quality work across the region.
Why we are doing it this way
We want NOSQC to belong to its community, not to any one company or person. A board with clear bylaws and elected officers gives the group a way to make decisions in the open, share the work, and keep going as people’s jobs and schedules change. It also puts us in a better position to plan meetups and talks with an equal focus on networking and on the topics testers, SDETs, developers, and QA leads care about.
How you can get involved
Forming the board is only the first step. If you are interested in a leadership role, whether on the board now or down the road, we would like to hear from you. We are also looking for people who want to speak at or host future sessions. Send a note to info@nosqc.org and tell us a little about what interests you.
We will share what comes out of the organizational meeting here and in the NOSQC Weekly newsletter. Thanks to everyone helping build this.
If you are not part of the community yet, you can join us at nosqc.org/join.
Dave