# starters FAQ
## Who?
### Who can start a USE-IT?
Any young person who loves the city they live in can start a USE-IT! If you have a team that consists of some people who are a bit older than the target group, that is ok too, as long as you keep in mind what USE-IT is.
There are some rules to stick to though. Firstly, you have to be a local, meaning you at least live in the city for a significant amount of time. That’s the difference between USE-IT and a lot of travel guides. USE-IT believes that you cannot write well about a city if you visit it for just a few weeks.
Secondly, you have to embrace the basic rules: USE-IT is not-commercial, free and made by young locals for young travellers.
Thirdly, you cannot become a member as a private person. You need an organisation to publish your map. You can either start an organisation yourself, or find an organisation to be your publishing body. This sounds harder than it is though, in most countries, this is easily arranged. We can always give you examples on how to do it.
{% content-ref url="/pages/abJKSqwVcIzZph2mKgJY" %}
[timeline of a map project](/use-it-wiki/get-started/timeline-of-a-map-project.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
### Who decides where to start?
You. USE-IT Europe does not decide where to launch a project, it all depends on the initiative of young locals. That’s why there are some maps of lesser-known cities, while some major tourist destinations are not in the network. And that’s what makes it cool too.
## Where?
### Is my city a good city?
Probably. It does not depend on size or popularity, but on relevance for the target group. Is your city an interesting place for young international travellers to spend a couple of days? Then it’s a good city for a USE-IT map.
### Can I make a map of the region?
No. USE-IT is a city project.
### And in a non-European city?
Not yet. USE-IT Europe wants to become stronger in Europe first.
### And a map in my own language?
Yes, but only the English version can be published with the USE-IT label. Other versions will not be included on the website.
### Am I the first in my city?
Perhaps, perhaps not. Just send a mail and ask. If others have started already, USE-IT Europe will bring you in touch so you can have a coffee together. So far, there has never been any competition, only collaboration.
## Funding and Costs
### Is it free to become a USE-IT?
No, you pay a membership contribution of €1.200 to USE-IT Europe. This money needs to be part of your budget, when applying for money. If you want to know what we use the money for, we can always give you that info! It is mostly meant to keep the day-to-day of USE-IT running, keep the quality up, support you every step of the way and organise an annual live meeting where we offer you workshops and international encounters.
{% content-ref url="/pages/IbtfOukjvF587DC1EVre" %}
[about the membership fee](/use-it-wiki/about-use-it-europe/about-the-membership-fee.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
### When can you put me on the website as a work-in-progress?
As soon as you have the confirmation you will have the budget to print the map and pay the membership fee, we will put you in our list of cities who are going to print soon. You can talk to the Editor-in-Chief about when would be a good time.
{% content-ref url="/pages/abJKSqwVcIzZph2mKgJY" %}
[timeline of a map project](/use-it-wiki/get-started/timeline-of-a-map-project.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
### Can USE-IT Europe give money?
No. USE-IT Europe gives practical support, feedback, a network to fall back on, access to the meeting and official membership. Not money.
### Where do I ask for money?
* From the municipality. Most cities get money from the city.
* From tourist info. Are there any tourist organisations in your city that could help?
* From the youth centre
* From the university
* From the European Commission
* From crowdfunding or sponsoring
Can a telephone company or a bank fund a USE-IT map? Yes, but only if they agree to stay out of the content and design. They cannot brand the product. We also keep the sustainability of a company in mind, for as far as we have the information for that. Email if you have questions about what this means.
{% content-ref url="/pages/xTxosnZXh96yoTULYfQS" %}
[types of sponsors](/use-it-wiki/funding-your-project/finding-sponsors/types-of-sponsors.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
### What is the ideal budget?
That’s hard to say, because it depends on so many things. How many maps will you need to print? Will the writer and designer get paid for the work? Who will do the distribution? Do you also want to start an info desk or a summer info tent? All these things have to be sorted out first.
The budget is usually between €7.000 and €15.000. Releasing a USE-IT map is a big adventure, why wouldn’t you be paid for your work?
{% content-ref url="/pages/rmZb2OffRXF7u6u1o1Ea" %}
[prepare your project plan](/use-it-wiki/funding-your-project/prepare-your-project-plan.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
### When do I pay membership fee?
Before you publish, for sure by the time you get the President’s approval for printing.
{% content-ref url="/pages/abJKSqwVcIzZph2mKgJY" %}
[timeline of a map project](/use-it-wiki/get-started/timeline-of-a-map-project.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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