Every month, the NetSquared Community comes together offline at Net Tuesday events around the world to mix, swap stories and ideas, build new relationships, and collaborate to help the local community. Our local organizers are volunteers dedicated to helping create local opportunities for learning, sharing and using technology to make a difference.   In this Organizer Spotlight series we bring you interviews with organizers from around the world.

We're happy to introduce: Jason McElweenie!

Jason is a co-organizer of the Net Tuesday group in Houston, TX, USA.   You can check out his profile and ways to connect on the Net Tuesday Organizer Team page.   Are you in Houston?   Connect to the Net Tuesday group here!

Tell us who you are, in less than 140 characters:

I'm a Canadian in America, Canerican, trying to get through this thing called life as best as I can.

How do you spend your time when you're not organizing Net Tuesdays?

I work in web marketing during the day, design concert posters at night and take photos, hang out with my wife, our dog and friends in my off times.

What inspired you to organize local Net Tuesday events in your community?

Ed and Katie (the other Houston co-organizers) came back from the first [NetSquared Conference] in California and wanted to start one here. It sounded like a great idea so I hopped on board. I love the work that Non-Profits do and as a ‘tech' person I felt I could help out with either my knowledge or connections.

What is the hardest part of the job?

I think all of the backend stuff like finding speakers, making sure the location knows we are coming, sending out emails, following up and then making sure the conversation is moving forward while the event is taking place. Honestly, this is the hardest part and it's pretty easy to do all of these things, especially having Meetup.com on board. (Thanks Billy!!!)

How do you measure the success of your events?

I think the success can be measured in a variety of ways dependent on what the needs of the NPOs are. If they need tech help or advice our group has been quick to help. If the NPO needs help getting the word out on a project or event our group is filled with Social Media geeks so promotion has been pretty good.

Tell us about the best Net Tuesday event - what did you learn from that experience?

I can't say one was better than the others, I think that's sort of unfair to our presenters. I will say this, if ONE person had their eyes open to help and make a difference in our community then all of them are worth it.  

What is the local social-web-tech scene like in Houston?

Houston has a thriving social/web/tech scene. I really believe the people I see at our events are going to be our future leaders. We have many younger people(under 40-50) that are the early adopters in community when it comes to new technology and social media. Everyone here is a sort of promoter but done in a very southern style. We are all trying to be better people but no one is grabbing the podium and stating it for their own. It's that type of intrinsic value of helping each other grow that makes Houston a great unheralded city. We are often overlooked but being the underdog is a good thing when you are surrounded by such a great community. I feel blessed to live where I live.

How do you envision Net Tuesday events evolving over time?

I think the format we have is good, I'm afraid if it got too big the basic philosophy would be lost. I think some more hands-on with NPOs outside of the meetings would be a good thing. Having our attendees volunteer with NPOs will help a lot.

What's your change-the-world philosophy?

I think the basic flaw of the human race is this hard wired philosophy that we have dominion over this land. It's this type of attitude that start wars, racial hatred and terrorism. This is the biggest battle we need to fight but it is being preached in every corner of the world so the thought of changing it is overwhelming but not impossible.

What music are you listening to now-a-days?

I've always been all over the board musically but lately it's been a lot Justin Townes Earle, Eagles of Death Metal, Silver Jews and the Kinks. Throw in some Stooges and Refused for good measure.   ;)

Learn more:

• Find Net Tuesday in your city
• Learn more about the Net Tuesday Organizers
• Start a group in your city