HI All, Just wanted to give my thoughts on the board elections for this year. (Here is the link to the nominations page).
1. I will not be rerunning for the board this year. One of the things a lot of people (about 1/2) said when surveyed about people working for HOT being on the board was that they shouldn't be both. I've been thinking about it and it is a bit confusing to be one's own boss. Since I've been working as Acting Executive Director and intend to apply for the more permanent job when we hire for it I think it is best if I'm not on the board. I don't believe this will change a lot of my day to day activities, but think it will create a bit better separation between the board and those working for HOT full-time. 2. I think it would be great if the board had some fresh blood. We have a lot of people with great ideas and who really are knowledgable in open source/open data and humanitarian response at the moment. Thought a lot of these people don't have much free time. I think board members should spend at least 5 hours a week on board related activities (but to be honest 10 or so would be better). I think this also shouldn't be people's only contribution to HOT. So if you feel like you have time and want to get involved please sign-up to run! Being on the board to me means making strategic decisions about the running of HOT. This means not the day to day decisions such as detailed negotiation of contracts, hiring, or who should speak at what conference. More things like long-term funding, how to engage the membership, where HOT wants to be in five years. This mostly entails attending a monthly board meeting, attending a yearly in person meeting, and answering email at least on a weekly basis (but if it was done more often it would be really helpful). If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask me! Thanks, -Kate _______________________________________________ HOT mailing list [email protected] http://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/hot
