Ron, it seems you have a vision for CLUG. That's all that is needed at
times. A vision can sometimes be a magical thing that provides razor
like focus, and attract others.
As a past Prez, I have seen this many times. The CLUG members are
fantastic people who really do want to help out. But it takes a clear
focus/direction and some good delegation skills. A number of the
members want to help, but don't see how (or don't want a greater
leadership role) until someone can ask them to do JobX, with enough
detail to make the job clear.
The danger I've also seen crop up many times is members being "expected"
to fill certain roles or take on specific tasks. It is one thing if
they volunteer themselves, it is another if the expectation is one sided.
I see in your post the potential for both points to occur. So balance
is the key, IMO. Some of your ideas will require revisions of the
bylaws, I think. But that is not really a difficult task either - just
an administrative thing.
Regardless - that sort of vision, and someone with the will to make it
happen and assume the various risks in doing so is exactly what the
group needs in my eyes. So far, you seem to be the best (or at least
most vocal) candidate in that area.
There have been other changes in my life as well recently which prevent
me from taking a larger part than a list lurker. I'm not sure if my own
interests are aligned with the group's anymore, and meetings on weekday
evenings are not convenient for me. So I'm afraid I'll continue to be a
list lurker and offer help when/where I can. I do hope to see the group
continue though, and may be able to offer the next exec some contacts to
help out.
Watching the conversation with great interest.
Shawn
On 14-04-05 01:20 PM, R Edwards wrote:
Hello.... Alex has convinced me that I should reconsider my involvement with
the group.
I heard that there were ideas waiting to be put forward, I would be interested
in hearing them. My hearing is just fine.
Also, I feel I should put forward a few and see what you folks think about them.
First off, you folks have had a major sponsor for some time and it has not been
appropriately acknowledged.
We should talk with Kin Wong to get permission to use the logo so that the web site, on
the opening page, could have the University of Calgary logo added with the caption below
it saying "Proudly sponsored by"
Then I would like to suggest that there be a larger distinction between Tier
One members and Tier Two. Voting is not a privilege, it is a responsibility.
Currently, it is the only difference between Tier One and Tier Two. That needs
to change such that it is to members advantage to become Tier Two members.
This can start by having contests and other benefits available to Tier Two
members only. I would suggest that the first contest be to design a club logo.
A logo would be needed right away.
I have heard a suggestion to make the meetings start a wee bit later. This
would allow folks more time to travel and if needed, the prospect of changing
the night it happens should be investigated.
Once a logo was selected, it could be added to business cards that would be
used by the President to secure further sponsors. Having a logo for sponsoring
companies and groups on the opening page of the website would make a big
difference there.
Then you might consider events where you folks could show off what Linux can do
to the general public. These can easily be arranged and will be excellent
platforms to gather new members.
Then you could design a standard application form or sign up page to make
joining easier for a prospective member.
Another thing to look at is 'sharing the load'. The members of the Executive
should not always be the primary sources of Linux expertise for the group. The
executive should be good at the executive positions and keep the Linux
expertise out in the regular members to share the load of responsibility
somewhat. We all have real lives aside from this.
Also, you might consider having two new positions added to the executive board.
One for Communications (will need clarifying) and one to coordinate and
oversee committees and Special Interest Groups, of which the number should be
growing.
Another ..... with Mel stepping down from the Executive, he should be
considered for heading up a Special Interest Group sponsored by the club. He
has some excellent ideas that he has wanted to get into practice for awhile I
understand. The feed back I get is that there is definately interested club
members, but not all of you which makes it an excellent candidate for a SIG.
That SIG would, in turn, help to draw in or entice new members.
There is more if you folks are wishing to hear them. I would like to hear
yours as well. The best decisions are made when the most information is
available.
Ron Edwards
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