GraphQL Locals 2025 - blog post and program update

src/pages/blog/2025-10-16-graphql-local-initiative-update.mdx

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+---
+title: "GraphQL Locals 2025: Increasing Support"
+tags: ["announcements", "foundation"]
+date: 2025-10-16
+byline: Benjie Gillam
+---
+
+Since launching the **GraphQL Local Initiative** last year, communities around
+the world have been gathering to share knowledge, collaborate, and strengthen
+their local GraphQL ecosystems. Over the past year, we’ve seen:
+
+- **GraphQL London** hosting three or four events a year — with another due in November
+- **GraphQL Sydney** diving into hot topics like GraphQL nullability
+- **GraphQL Berlin** meeting the day after GraphQLConf 2025 concluded in Amsterdam,
+  requiring quick travel for Stephen and Michael!
+- **GraphQL Hyderabad** celebrating a fantastic first meetup
+- **GraphQL Austin** forming over ramen to plan a new series of events
+- **GraphQL Paris** and **GraphQL Oslo** preparing to meet later this month
+
+We also have local organizers working to bring people together in **Białystok**,
+**Philadelphia**, **Chennai**, **Belgium**, and more locations!
+
+## We’ve heard you
+
+Feedback from organizers and attendees has been clear, so we're launching our
+2025 refresh of the Locals program:
+
+- **Simpler applications:** Videos are no longer required — photos can substitute
+  where needed
+- **More flexible events:** Locals can now host more than just talks —
+  discussions, workshops, hackathons, Q&As, live recordings, and more are now
+  eligible for support
+- **Increased sponsorship:** Support per event has doubled, from **USD $200** to
+  **USD $400**, to help with food, drinks, and venue costs
+- **Clearer TSC oversight:** Independent meetups often die when the organizer
+  steps down; by appointing a GraphQL TSC member as an admin, we can help ensure
+  the continuity of the community over the long term
+
+These updates come directly from your feedback. You’re building something
+amazing, and we want to support you!
+
+## Get involved
+
+Find your nearest group in [GraphQL Events & Meetups](/community/events), or get
+help setting one up via the [GraphQL Local
+Initiative](/community/foundation/local-initiative).
+
+Together, we’re building a global network of local communities — sharing ideas,
+growing connections, and keeping GraphQL vibrant everywhere.

src/pages/community/foundation/local-initiative.mdx

@@ -34,19 +34,31 @@ Organizers of a Local must agree:
 - Official communications will comply with the
   **[GraphQL Brand Guidelines](https://graphql.org/brand/)**.
 - The Local accepts **GraphQL TSC oversight**:
+  - Provides continuity for group members should we lose contact with an
+    organizer.
   - At least one
-    [GraphQL Technical Steering Committee (TSC) member](https://github.com/graphql/graphql-wg/blob/main/GraphQL-TSC.md#tsc-members)
-    must be granted administrator access to the Local’s online platforms (we
-    will assign a TSC member and supply the relevant details on approval of
-    your Local).
-  - In case of a serious Code of Conduct breach, an organizer may be replaced.
+    [GraphQL Technical Steering Committee (TSC)
+    member](https://github.com/graphql/graphql-wg/blob/main/GraphQL-TSC.md#tsc-members)
+    must be granted administrator access to the Local’s online platforms. (If
+    you don't know any TSC members, one will be recommended when you apply.)
+  - In the case of a serious Code of Conduct breach, the TSC may take
+    appropriate actions.
 - The Local has 1 or more organizer from the area. (We're pretty flexible on the
   definition of "from the area", just be reasonable.)
-- Each official event will have at least least one **organizer present**.
+- Each official event will have at least one **organizer present**.
 - Official events will be held in an appropriate **professional setting**.
-- Official events will feature at least one GraphQL-related talk (the format can
-  vary: lecture, lightning talk, panel, AMA, etc).
-- These **talks will be recorded** and made freely available online.
+- Official events will feature at least one signficant GraphQL-related activity:
+  - Talk: lecture, lightning talk, panel, AMA, etc
+  - Q&A
+  - Discussion / roundtable / birds of a feather
+  - Workshop / coding challenge / hackathon
+  - Live podcast/video recording
+  - Other ideas? Reach out!
+- These **activities will be recorded**, or photographed if recording isn’t practical
+  or appropriate, and made freely available online with or without editing.
+  - Publishing to [@GraphQLFoundationTalks on
+    YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@GraphQLFoundationTalks) is possible - just
+    ask!
 - Official events will be be **announced at least two weeks in advance**.
   Popular ticketing platforms include Eventbrite, Guild.host, and Meetup.com.
 - Attending official events will be **affordable**.
@@ -100,7 +112,7 @@ precedence after the local area name and GraphQL:
 Each approved Local is entitled to request the following support for each
 event:
 
-- **Sponsorship** up to USD $200 per event (max 1 per quarter) for approved
+- **Sponsorship** up to USD $400 per event (max 1 per quarter) for approved
   costs (see below). More sponsorship might be available directly from
   individual foundation members, see details below.
 - **Swag bundle**\* to distribute to speakers, attendees, or organizers (max 1