Hi, The below is my experience as (unpaid) boardmember in a few Danish voluntary organisations (ranging from 30 members to around 5-700 members).
> Some questions arise: > - Is the board membership such a demanding job that members always resign > after 2 years? > - Is this a good thing, to make sure we dont'have board members who are tied > to their seats? > - Or is this a bad thing, with board members switching too fast to reach > their goals? Usually, say in a board of five people, I have seen (been one of) two or three longterm members. These are the ones pulling the large boring cart of all the admin stuff, making sure that "we do what is legally required". They are also the persons ensuring the traditions formed over the years are carried on in the "next board". I've seen some people last decades in that position, most have lasted two to four terms. Then you have the "normal" guy/girl, who in a foreseeable future would like to do his/her duty, and pull the large cart of the actual activities of said organisation (for instance FOSS4G, a great pull on a certain area that has been neglected). They are usually relatively honest and clear about this (if not towards the general public, then to themselves and/or the board) at the time of their election - think of it as "I enjoyed the fruits of this organisation for a while, and now it I would like to give something back by tending the garden for a while". Both types are important and valuable - and I have been both. For some reason it was easier being the "old fart," when I had tried being the "new energetic 2-years-only guy". There are - that is no secret in life - also people who get along better than others. When I have been in a board, I have had (for formed) at least one strong relation to someone else there. If you cannot do that you will feel alone. It is really like any other "friendship" or "relationship". Cheers, Greg _______________________________________________ Discuss mailing list Discuss@lists.osgeo.org http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss