Indie SIG/Ideas/Indie Caucus
International Game Developers Association
In order to improve membership in the Indies SIG and promote the position of indie developers within already existing IGDA chapters, the foundation of indie caucuses or sub-chapters is an idea heading towards being a full-fledged initiative of the SIG.
There are many independent and hobbyist game developers around the world, and it is quite likely that these developers outnumber the "pro" game developers out there. However, indie developers are rarely afforded much support by existing chapters, and sometimes aren't recognized at all. By building up indie caucuses within chapters (or in the extreme situations establishing an outside Indie Chapter such as AIGD) we can promote the indie developers as well as the SIG.
Purpose
Indie caucuses should work towards recognition of indie developers in their area, and work on promotion of the IGDA amongst indie developers not already connected in some fashion to the IGDA. In addition, caucuses should participate in activities of the Indies SIG, including SIG initiatives and organization.
Indie caucuses should not exist to detract from pre-existing chapters. Even if an outside chapter structure is used for the caucus, the members should still participate in their local IGDA chapter to the best of their abilities. We don't want to split chapters, just promote the existence and needs of indie developers.
Foundation
Starting a caucus or chapter is a new process, and while it shouldn't be hard, interested parties should contact the coordinators of the Indie SIG ahead of time. This way, we can track the growth of such caucuses and chapters, as well as provide guidance and any needed assistance.
At least five people should take part in the foundation of a caucus, and if possible, at least one of them should be on the executive of any pre-existing local chapter. Caucuses should be nominally independent from their chapters, even if this means they don't have access to the resources of the chapter in question.
