New leadership for 2020/2021
by Steven Maddox
Hey Folks,
Notice this isn't my usual e-mail address! :)
Preamble:
StaffsLUG has been a project of Function Office since 2016, when the
final pieces were transferred over from the former LUGMaster.
Unfortunately in the 3 years prior, activity was at an extreme minimum
and so it took a further 3 years to confidently know an audience could
be found and willing to participate on the level that it does now.
As most of you will be aware we "relaunched" on 26th August 2019.
One year later:
As one of the directors of Function Office it has given me great
pleasure to see the LUG thrive again, especially as I was personally an
active member for many years in the 2000's and 2010's.
As originally intended, now is the time to devolve the project. This
means an end to the 3 temporary co-caretakers and instead appointing a
singular project leader, who can then involve whomever they determine
may be able to help them ensure continued success of the project.
Use of Function Office resources such as hosting, contacts, equipment,
banking and supplier agreements (like use of the WRS room) just continue
as they do now. You can even request that Function Office staff wear a
"second hat" and join you in *your* team to help you run the LUG if you
like, so it doesn't need to be a daunting task at all.
This will be done in the following stages...
- Stage 1: Everyone is encouraged to send nominations by e-mail to
info(a)functionoffice.org by no later than the 5th August 2020.
- Stage 2: If nominated by at least 3 people they'll be asked if they
want the role, replies needed no later than the 12th to be considered.
- Stage 3: Nominations get published on the 19th, any objections need to
be received no later than the 19th to info(a)functionoffice.org only.
- Stage 4: Nominees may be asked questions such as any relevant
experience or other supporting credentials to help us make a decision.
- Stage 5: Function Office staff discuss the subject and the board
agrees a new project leader which will be announced on the 26th.
- Stage 6: Internally within the LUG, the project leader can title
themselves however they like (e.g. Governor or LUGMaster, etc...) and
can create new roles for whomever they like to assist them internally.
Discussions over what mechanism should be used to run the LUG have
occurred ad nauseam over the years and the above is the *final* outcome.
As for myself, as Function Office continues to grow, freeing up even a
slither of time would be good and so I do not seek to be project leader.
Hope this all makes sense,
Since this is a Function Office process, I'd be grateful if any
questions surrounding this be sent directly to info(a)functionoffice.org.
Thanks
--
Steven Maddox
Director
Function Office
Registered in England & Wales number 06745059 at Apt 3454, Chynoweth
House, Trevissome Park, Truro, TR4 8UN.
2 years, 1 month
A further update on the LUG...
by LUGMaster
Hi all,
I hope this email finds you well! A few updates for you regarding the LUG.
*Update since my last e-mail*
Due to the Omicron variant, this has meant for the last couple of months
the Governments guidance was changing and Internet Central's tight
coronavirus policies were kept in place. This (as you likely had
already guessed, and has been discussed on IRC/Discord) is why the
previously mentioned plans for the LUG, that I talked about before
Christmas, have sadly not materialised. Although we have been gathering
some excellent ideas for new workshop events.
*LUG nominations*
As mentioned last year, the usual annual nominations process should have
begun on the 9th February. I'm told that there isn't any particular
reason why this hasn't happened, except forgetfulness!
So you should see another message appear in the general@ mailing list
momentarily (from Function Office) acknowledging this and running an
expedited version of the nomination process, which shouldn't be a big
problem given the low activity. This will mean we'll have a new leader
in time for the 23rd year of the LUG beginning 2nd March.
Please note that due to other life, work and volunteering priorities
chewing through pretty much all my available time, it would not be fair
to the LUG for me to consider my personal nomination - therefore I am
not seeking to stand this time, so please don't put me forward!
*New Coronavirus (COVID-19) update and moving forward*
We've got word from Internet Central that as of today they going in the
same direction as the government and removing all Coronavirus policies
that were in force at their offices. However they still have a few bits
of guidance for anyone who physically comes in, however none of it is
mandatory, nor does it require any additional steps or checks. We will
be operating a telepresence system too, so that people can join meetings
remotely as well.
As a result the LUG can (finally!) officially return back to normal for
physical meetings. However given a new LUG leader is inbound
imminently, I feel that the planning of that should now be left to them.
I'll be available to help with any transition support should it be
required though, as I am sure Steven, Mark, Darren, Keira, etc... will
also be.
Regards
Richard
--
LUGMaster
Staffordshire Linux User Group
Part of Function Office registered in England & Wales number 06745059 at Innovation Centre 3, University Drive, Keele, ST5 5NL.
2 years, 1 month