I tried to chat to as many people as I could at the recent LUG Meeting about committee posts, elections, and what they might want for the LUG, and for the most part very similar to my own thoughts on the matter, and I took the opportunity to distribute the article (below) which is my potted thoughts about what is required of an active committee member, and a proposition as to how we set the ball rolling.
What does it take to be a Committee Member?
A couple of hours a week
This is flexible – some weeks it might be a bit more, other weeks a bit less. If you are regularly spending more time on LUG duties there are probably other committee members who could be sharing that workload. Likewise, if you are regularly spending less time, then you might be able to assist other committee members.
A commitment to the LUG
This doesn’t mean that you have to turn up for every meeting, although if you do it would be an advantage. So long as you are contactable by LUG and other committee members, and you are seen to be active in LUG affairs, then there is no reason why non-attendance means that cannot fulfil your duties.
What would my Duties be?
This would depend entirely on you and what you and the other committee members want for the LUG. This is why when you stand for election you are advised to draft an outline of your qualities, experience and what you want to bring to the Group.
What? Like a Manifesto? Why?
Yes, if you like. It’s suggested that in order for members to have a clearer idea about candidates, an outline of 100 – 250 words would give people an idea about what you’re about. Besides, if you can’t be bothered to explain what you want to do who’s to say that you won’t be bothered to do anything in the event of your being elected!!!
OK I’m convinced I want to be on the Committee – what do I do now?
Decide what type of position you’d be best suited for. It could be a technical role running the website and the on-line presence of the LUG, or in a Tech Support role, advising and helping members with their Linux related issues. Alternatively you might feel that your general administrative skills would be useful to the LUG in the role of Secretary or Treasurer. Of course the ultimate position is that of Chair/President.
Once you’ve made you decision, state you intention to run for Committee, by posting on the appropriate thread on the forum. At this stage there is still no need to state a precise post title that you wish to run for (unless it’s Chair/President), just whether it’s Admin, Technical or no preference.
Most things will be sorted out later. For example the number of posts will be decided once it’s found out how many people are interested in serving on the Committee. It’s pointless proposing 7 or 8 posts if only 4 or 5 people are interested in being on the committee.
Once the number of posts has been determined then duties and/or Post Titles can be decided. However this could easily be something decided by the Committee once elected, skills sets are assessed and the group dynamic determined.
Please feel free to comment on this article either on the comments section below or (ideally) on the forum thread
