Q: What is Asia Source? A: Asia Source is a seven day gathering to be held in January/February 2005 that will bring together nearly 100 NGOs and NGO technology support professionals working at the local level across South and South East Asia. Asia Source will provide participants with a range of practical and hands-on sessions aimed at increasing the use of free and open source software (FOSS) amonst the non-profit sector in the region. The intention is to move beyond conceptual discussions of the benefits of FOSS in to practical skillsharing between those working with NGOs.

Q: What are the topics? A: During the seven days, participants will be challenged to both share their skills and learn from others. Sessions will take the form of structured and formalised sessions.

Four main tracks will run through the event, participants will be asked to choose a more structured main track to follow through the morning sessions, but will be free to select from a range of peer-to-peer learning and skillshare sessions in the afternoons. The themes are:

• FLOSSophy for NGOs
• Migration and Access
• Tools for content and communication
• Localisation

Please see the agenda section of the website for more information.

Q: What is the working language? A: English. As this event involves small group work and one-on-one sessions we regret that we are unable to provide multi-language or translation support.

Q: Who should attend? A: This is an event for experienced professionals actively working with the non-profit sector in South and South East Asian countries. We are interested in all kinds of non-profit and technical experience. Applications from NGOs and activists with technical experience are highly encouraged. Areas of focus that are particularly relevant include (but are not essential);

• Localisation and multi-language projects
• The use of technology within monitoring or campaigning projects
• The use of technology for organising and collaborating
• Audio/video, streaming media and/or radio
• Innovative use of technology within non-profit projects
• Experience deploying FOSS operating systems or applications

Demonstrating that you have worked on projects in one or more of the above areas will make your application stronger.

All participants at Asia Source are required to be proficient desktop users of computers, have been involved in at least one NGO/technology project before and to have an existing awareness of the concept of Free and Open Source Software.

Applications from women are highly encouraged by the event organisers.

Q: When will it be? A: Asia Source will take place from January 28th to February 4th, 2005. You must be present for the entire event, this means arriving the day before and leaving the day after.

Q: Where will it be and what is the venue like? A: The venue is Visthar a small artists community on the outskirts of Bangalore. Visthar is a popular NGO training venue and has been intentionally chosen for its simple facilities and camp style atmosphere.

Asia Source is a community building event - in the spirit of free and open source software - participants will be expected to contribute to activities and the running of the event. Participants will sleep in simple dormitory accommodations, have large group lunches and dinners, and have access to a range of training, plenary, discussion and relaxation areas. There are art studios and spaces where artists-in-residence work, ampitheatres for informal sessions, and retreat and reflection spaces, including a temple. The organisers will set up a media lab and a bazaar on site. The media lab will be a hub of computers with internet connection. It will be open inbetween sesisons and during the evening. Participants can use this space for a range of activites such as testing out tools, working one-on-one or accessing the internet. The Bazaar will be a tented area, furnished with matts, cushions and rolls. It will be used for evening gatherings, informal discussions and sessions during the day, as well as serving tea and refreshments.

This is an on-site training within a closed community, participants will be expected to stay at Visthar for the duration of the event. Accommodation will be provided dormitory style, please be prepared for sharing rooms and bathrooms with fellow participants.

Please see the section on venue on the website for more details.

Q: What should I know about the accommodations? A: All participants at Asia Source are required to stay on-campus. Accommodation will be provided dormitory style, so please be prepared to share rooms and bathrooms with fellow participants. Bedding will be provided, however you should bring your own towel.

There will be separate accommodations for men and women. If you have any special needs in this regard please do let us know in advance.

Please see the section on venue on the website for more details.

Q: Who is organising it? A: The event is co-organised by Mahiti.org (Bangalore) and the Tactical Technology Collective (Amsterdam). The event is guided by an advisory board of established non-profit and FOSS professionals from across the South and South East Asian region. The organisers will also collaborate with regional FOSS projects such as IOSN, and international NGO technology groups such as the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Aspiration.

Q: How is it funded and supported? A: Asia Source is funded by donations from Hivos, the Open Society Institutes Information Program and the Open Society Institutes South East Asia Initiative. Support will also be received through donations from IOSN and O'Reilly publishers.

Q: How do I apply for Asia Source and when will I know if I am attending? A:

• 1. Please read all of the information about the workshop - see http://www.tacticaltech.org/asiasource"http://www.tacticaltech.org/asiasource": or http://www.mahiti.org/asiasource
• 2. Please send the application to asiasource@tacticaltech.org. The deadline for sending applications is November 19th, 2004;
• 3. We will confirm receipt of the application immediately and will ask you to check and reserve (if you do not have to pay for this) your flight to Bangalore, India. We will also ask people who need visas to check how they can apply for it. Please also check that you have a valid health insurance.
• 4. As we have limited space and funds, we cannot accept all of participants and cannot reimburse the expenses for all of them. Between the 19th of November and 3rd of December 2004 we will personally inform each applicant by email if we are able to invite him/her and reimburse expenses;
• 5. We will assist all invited participants who need visas in getting them, and we will send invitation letters to them immediately after confirmation of attendance. The event organisers can not apply for nor organise visas for participants.
• 6. If participants are to be granted reimbursements we will transfer money after the workshop to an agreed account. We will reimburse only expenses that are confirmed with us before the workshop in writing. Reimbursement will be based on the receipts that we receive from participants at the event.

Q: What should I know about the cost of the meeting (travel costs, participation fee, etc.)? A: You will arrange for your own travel to Bangalore, India. This may be reimbursed if it has been agreed in writing prior to arrival at the event, you should apply for a travel subsidy with the application form. There is a participation fee of US$ 75 that covers accommodation, all meals and transportation form/to airport. Participation fee and travel subsidies will be available for participants who would not otherwise be able to attend the meeting. You will have to apply for this within the application form. Three meals per day will be provided to you throughout the event, if you would like extra food, beverages etc. please bring your own personal money with you.

Q: How can I get to Bangalore? A: There are many flight options for how to get to Bangalore. Please check with your local agent or on the internet to find a cheap and convenient route. We will meet you at the airport in Bangalore and bring you to the venue. But you will have to inform us of the exact date and time you will arrive and depart from the airport (including the flight number).

Q: Where can I find the Indian visa information? A: Six month multiple-entry visas are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether you intend staying that long or are re-entering the country. Most Indian embassies and consulates won't issue a visa to enter India unless you hold an onward or return ticket. Be careful to check whether your visa is valid from the date of entry or the date of issue. If you need an invitation letter to apply for a visa please let us know immediately on confirmation of your attendance at the event and we will supply you with one.

Q: Who should I contact about my special needs during the event? A: Please write to asiasource@tacticaltech.org before the event detailing any special needs you may have during the event (including dietary needs and requirements) and we will do our very best to meet them.

Q: What is the time zone? A: Time Zone: GMT/UTC +5.5 (Indian Standard Time)

Q: Electricity and plugs? A: Electricity: 240V, 50Hz

Q: What is the local currency? A: Currency: Indian Rupee

Q: What is the telephone frequency? A: 900/1800 megahertz

Q: Do I have to come for the whole time? A: Yes. It means that you should plan your trip to arrive in Bangalore on or before January 27th and leave on or after February 5th.

Q: What should I bring along with me? A: Towels, clothes, warm sweater and jacket, sleep wear, mosquito repellent, flashlight, basic writing tools. Medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Q: What should I not bring? A: Uninvited participants, pets, bad attitudes.

Q: Can I bring my own computer to camp? A: Yes. You are very welcome to bring your own laptop / computer to camp.