I also like the local/global model for the reasons both Elisabeth and
Julia have mentioned. Let me propose some ways the two levels could
interact. These thoughts are based on thinking how COCH/COSH our
Canadian Learned Society for Computing and the Humanities might
interact.
By way of explanation I should say that COCH/COSH is bilingual
(French-English) though the ratio of papers often depends on where
the Learneds take place. Each year all the Humanities and Social
Science Federation of Canada societies have a big rolling conference
where we have usually about two days of sessions that overlap with
other societies (creating the opportunity for joint sessions.) People
often come and attend sessions of more than one society - the larger
conference model (like the MLA) is good for smaller groups and
interdisciplinary groups. The Learneds (as they used to be called)
are often a training ground for graduate students - that is where you
encourage your grad students to first start presenting papers.
1. Often local conferences take place before the ACH/ALLC. We could
negotiate slots in the ACH/ALLC which I consider a global conference
for the best papers from local conferences. Thus COCH/COSH might
propose a panel on Canadian activities or by young Canadian scholars
or a review of current COCH/COSH activities.
2. Conversely there might be room for reports from the global to the
local with translation. The final New Directions panel at the
ALLC/ACH this year could be passed to local orgs, translated, and
presented as a global picture.
2. When the ACH/ALLC is on the other side of the pond from a local
conference, the local conference can be a place for graduate students
who could not afford the trip to present. This came up in the ACH
membership subcommittee - many cannot afford the trip when it is not
on their continent. I suspect that is especially true of people not
in North America or Europe.
3. Some of the local organizations may be doing things that are on
our wish list and they too may be interested in synergies. COCH/COSH
has taken on Text Technology that was faltering and we are trying to
turn it into an online journal. CC also has a newsletter. There might
be a way for the global organization to contract specific tasks to
local ones. For example a personal newsfeed/newsletter could be done
by one organization for all the others. Items would be added to a
database that then sent out a newsletter with only the items that fit
the users profile. If we define the function and write an RFP we
might find a local outfit willing to do it our way if it means
getting support.
Yours,
Geoffrey R.
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