Robin Shannon wrote:
I just don't think it is our role to deal with the problems of Africa and any of the other projects envisioned.
Could be a bit more clear about what projects you think are being envisioned which are not about our core mission? I ask, because I am unaware of any.
I'm just throwing this out there as an idea to start a conversation because I appreciate that although the foundation has worked hard to try to be inclusive, there are a large number of people (or at least i get the feeling that there are anyway) who feel like the foundation is going in a direction contrary to where they would like it to go.
Can you be more specific? Where do you think the foundation is heading, which is not driven forward primarily by the community?
As far as I can tell, we are doing exactly what we have always done, and have made no sharp breaks or shifts.
Perhaps this little discussion is misleading. Some members of the community, who are not board members, but who are of course highly respected community members, have been discussion possible new directions for the foundation which would apparently involve me moving to New York or DC (which isn't going to happen, by the way), and opening an office there.
At least two board members have pointed out that this is not likely, that there are no plans for the future of the foundation which would involve anything like that.
Before this conversation veers off into speculation, I would like to ask people to be please be very specific about specific things that you think the Foundation is doing or might be doing, that you think are inconsistent with our traditions and community values. I know of nothing, although of course we can discuss and quibble about details of how various things are organized, etc.
--Jimbo