| Introduction to FilNet
The Association of Filipino-Canadians in Information Technology (BC, Canada)
1. Who We Are
FilNet Information Technology Society is an organization of Filipino-Canadians in British
Columbia whose career or interest are in the Information Technology (IT). We incorporated
under the BC Societies Act as a non-profit society in January, 2000. Our website address
is www.filnet.bc.ca.
2. History
FilNet was formed in late 1994 when a group of Filipino-Canadians in Information
Technology (IT) in British Columbia met in Surrey. The group was organized by Manny
Masongsong of Prologic Corporation and Vic Ingco of BC Hydro. The meeting was held at the
residence of Vic.
A plan and subsequent meetings were discussed to formally establish an
association of Filipino-Canadians in IT. However, subsequent planned activities
were derailed temporarily due to an accident that seriously injured Manny in a car
accident in the spring of 1995.
The group finally met again in early 1999, again at the residence of Vic Ingco. A couple
of meetings were held for organizational purposes including the selection of the
association's name, the establishment of the group's objectives and code of ethics.
FilNet is now an established organization with on-going meetings and regular
membership. A website was also created which will be accessible in the near
future.
3.
Objectives
The objectives of FilNet are:
q
To establish a network of Filipino-Canadians who are in IT or who share an interest in
this field.
q
To share expertise and knowledge among the members. We learn by sharing our knowledge.
q
To provide technology-related guidance, direction and assistance to those who need them
especially recent graduates of IT programs or new Canadians from the Philippines with IT
experience who are seeking their first opportunity to join the Canadian IT industry.
q
To recognize Filipino achievements in IT..
q
To promote and support the Filipino culture.
4. General
Focus
FilNet is a non-political but obviously, technology focused group. We would like our
members to be technology literate and be aware of the latest issues and developments in
the industry. FilNet's meetings feature topics related to various technical subjects,
current IT trends, practices and other related topics. These are presented by the members
who are experts in their specific fields in IT or invited guests.
5. Activities
In addition to monthly technical sessions, FilNet organizes social events such as
dinner parties, dances, picnics (even in the rain), and sports tournaments for the purpose
of increasing camaraderie among its members. We are forming have formed the FilNet tennis
club, a basketball team, a bowling team, target shooting team, kareoke singing group,
musical band and others. From time to time, events are held for fund raising purposes in
order to fund scholarship awards, charities and to support FilNet's objectives.
6. Organization
q
FilNet is a non-profit Society incorporated in January, 2000 under the BC Societies Act.
q
There is a Board of Directors whose members are the President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, Public Relations Officer and Auditor.
q
The Board is elected for a term of two years during its General Meeting. The president may
not hold two consecutive terms.
q
Committees have been formed for specific purposes:
Ø
Website committee for the design,
development and on-going maintenance of the FilNet website
Ø
Social Functions, Sports and
Entertainment Committee to coordinate the social aspects of the Society's activities.
Ø
Membership Committee which develops the
criteria for membership and screen the applicants for suitability.
Ø
Technical Sessions Committee which
organizes the monthly technical sessions, arrange for venues, speakers and facilities.
Ø
Careers Development Committee for
disseminating information about career opportunities for the members and provide career
related guidance and support.
Ø
Awards Selection Committee for the
development of scholarship awards criteria, promoting the awards, screening submissions
and proposing the annual recipients. This committee will also propose funding for
charitable purposes.
7. Fees And Sponsorships
Membership fees and sponsorship donations are collected to provide funding to meet
FilNet's objectives and support its activities. Expenses related to overhead costs such as
those needed for equipment, expenses to promote the group and meet its other objectives
will be covered by raising funds through activities approved by the general membership.
Annual fees are structured according
to membership type:
q $20
for regular and sponsored (associate) members
q $5
for student members
q No
fee for Honorary Members
q Honorary
members are recognized personalities who support the cause and objectives of FilNet.
Expenses related to overhead costs such as those needed to
promote the group or its interest will be covered by raising funds through activities
approved by the general membership.
From time to time, voluntary
collections will be made to support specific expenses such as meeting room rentals, tennis
court bookings, use of equipment, etc.
We will also solicit sponsorship from the Filipino business community in return
for our providing technical services and recognition of their businesses through our
website and public releases. Although no criteria will be set for sponsorship costs, we
will consider what is reasonable for our purposes.
8. Code of Ethics
FilNet has established a set of guidelines to meet its objectives, promote goodwill,
avoid conflicts and ensure professionalism among its members. The document can be made
available upon request from this website.
9. Marketing and Promotion
FilNet will be distributing a monthly technology newsletter among its members through
its Internet website. This newsletter will also be available to the public upon submitted
request to FilNet. It will cover recent announcements in IT, events and feature FilNet
member profiles
10. Some of the Topics Discussed or Presented at
FilNet Meetings
- Internet Development
- Y2K
- Overview of Client-server Systems
- Networking - protocols, commercial networks, etc.
- Windows NT/95 Topics
- UNIX and UNIX Tools
- Development Tools and Languages (e.g., VB, VC++, ASP, etc.)
- IT Career Hints and Tips
- Systems Management and Organization
- Systems Development Methodologies
- DBMS - i.e., Oracle, SQL Server, Sybase, DB2, etc.
- Systems and Network Security
- Business Continuity Planning/Disaster Recovery Planning
- Project Management Techniques, Methodologies and Tools
- Latest Developments in IT
- others
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