What is a Chapterthon?

Chapterthon is a marathon of chapters, where all LAC chapters can participate by developing a project under a same timeline and budget to achieve a common goal for the development of the region. Once the event is finalized, the best project receives a prize. For 2016 the common goal is connectivity*.

*Connectivity: Projects that promote economic and social development in a specific community.

Phases of the Chapterthon

The Chapterthon is conformed of 2 phases:

Phase 1: Community Involvement

The community will receive an invitation to participate in the creation of the logo of our event. The logos will be posted in our page and our community will vote for the best logo. The winning logo will receive $150. See details of the logo contest

Phase 2: Project Development

The chapters will develop their projects according to the premises described under this document. At the end of the project implementation, each chapter will provide a video of their project, which will be shared with the community and summited for voting. The winner will receive $ 3,000.

Who can participate?

Chapterthon is open to all LAC chapters without any restriction.

About the projects

All projects should be related to the topic selected for the Chapterthon. Chapters are free to select their projects and the team that will develop the project. Chapters members can send proposals of projects to the chapter, but the final decision about the selection of the project is made by the board members.

Common criteria

• Project proposals must be aligned with the Internet Society’s values and principles and should address at least one of the Internet Society’s strategic objectives.
• The Chapter has to be an Internet Society Chapter in good standing.
• Chapters in formation are eligible (They should have at least the bylaws)
• Chapters need to meet at least the minimum Chapter standards as outlined in the Chapter Charters.
• The chapter must not have received funding for the same project from any other Internet Society programme. Existing projects cannot participate in this contest.
• The Chapter and/or project leader(s) must agree to give the Internet Society credit as follows when making public statements about the project - "This project was made possible in part through a donation from the Internet Society” and include the official Internet Society logo with such statement;
• The Chapter and/or project leader(s) must agree to share the knowledge, experience and outcomes with the Internet Society community at large and must indicate how it plans to do so.

Specific requirements for projects

• Project proposals from Chapters must be the result of teamwork. The role of each chapter member must be clearly described in the application. “One man show” applications will not be accepted;
• Project proposals in which the Chapters will have an active participation must explain the role they play in the project. The participation of the Chapter must be validated with a support letter;
• Project proposals must demonstrate the ability of the Chapter team to effectively manage a project and the different activities related to it; budget, timeline, outcomes, step-backs, monitoring, reporting etc;
• The project proposal should demonstrate collaboration with local entities; these ones are encouraged to contribute to the project with cash or in-kind support. To demonstrate this engagement it is recommended to get a support letter from the local partner(s);

Rules for Chapterthon 2016 

1. All projects should be related to the topic selected for the Chapterthon. Chapters are free to select their projects and the team that will develop the project. Chapters members can send proposals of projects to the chapter, but the final decision about the selection of the project is made by the board members.
2. Chapters will count with a total of $2000 for developing the project, however, chapters can look for local sponsorship.
3. Chapters should apply for the $2000 via Beyond the Net under the same premises of the program. The proposal should come from the team that will develop the project. The application must be filled through this hyperlink (This link will be enabled until the date of application according to the timetable described herein). The maximum that can be applied is $ 2000. Please indicate in the name of the project, that it belongs to Chapterthon 2016: PROJECT NAME - CHAPTERTHON 2016. You can find a manual on how to apply here
4. Chapters will have 3 months to develop the project (May, June, July 2016). Deadlines will be provided for this purpose. Projects that do not fulfill these deadlines cannot participate in the contest.
5. Chapters should finish the project according to provided deadlines. Chapters cannot ask for extension of deadlines.
6. Chapters should provide a 3 minutes video that includes:
   a. The purpose of the project
   b. How this project will benefit the selected community
   c. The benefited community
7. Projects should ensure sustainability for at least 3 years 
   
   

How to participate

1. Select a team
2. Identify a project*
3. Develop a plan and a budget according to the resources in time and budget: 3 months (May, June, July 2016), $2000. Chapters can look for local sponsorship if required.
4. Apply for funds via Beyond the Net - Small grants
5. Implement your project
6. Create a video about your project

*For Chapterthon 2016, projects should be related to connectivity

Timeline and deadlines 

Recognition

• Each participant will receive a Certificate of participation
• All the videos of the projects will be uploaded into our web page. The best project will receive $3000 and the project will be presented during our intercommunity 2016! Best project will be selected by our community by online voting.
• The $3000 will be, directly, wired to the account provided by the winner chapter. ISOC will not pay transference fees or other charges related to the wire. The purpose of these funds is to support the operation of the chapter. The purpose of the $3000 is to support chapter operations during 2016  

Any questions? 

Feel free to contact quiros@isoc.org if you have any doubts or questions about the activity.