[Foundation-l] Inviting some 'outsider candidates' into the movement in the way they wanted

[Thomas Dalton]

Finding ways to get people involved in the movement that wouldn't
normally do so is definitely something we need to do (and are starting
to do, through various schemes - for example, the Campus Ambassadors
programme). Don't forget that we do already have routes onto the board
(chapter selected and expert seats) other than the elections for
precisely the reason that the elections don't necessary get the
breadth the board needs.

On 12 June 2011 20:12, Alec Conroy <alecmconroy at gmail.com> wrote:
> A few candidates are what I might call 'outsider candidates' in that
> they weren't well known across projects before the election and thus
> may not be likely to win election to such a democratically-elected
> position--  but they seem to have quite a lot to offer us.
>
> If they are elected, we'll have their skills and their contributions
> at the foundation level.   But why deprive ourselves of their skills
> and contributions at the foundation level just because they weren't a
> perfect fit for board member?
>
> To me, this question was prompted by the skills of  Jane S. Richardson
> (Dcrjsr) and William H. DuBay (Bdubay).   Both have special expertise,
> both propose specific projects that I think are utterly
> non-controversial and they don't necessarily need the 'full force of
> the office' to help the foundation with them.
>
> An election is always an emotional risk, not winning sometimes feels
> like a rejection.  For most candidates, they're already 'hooked in' to
> our movement and I hope and expect that the election results won't
> deter them from further participation.   For Dcrjsr and Bdubay, if
> they aren't elected, we might want to take the extra effort to make
> sure that they get what they need to still contribute at the
> foundation level--  Perhaps have someone from
> foundation/staff/leadership actively work with them to help them find
> their role within the movement.
>
> Dcrjsr's a scientist, and free content desperately wants to capture
> science and scientists in particular.  WM's well-positioned to help
> enable this revolution-already-in-progress away from 'closed'
> journals.  Science is one of our key specialties, the place where our
> projects shine, and I feel like Dcrjsr could be very helpful in a
> million unforeseen ways through her experience in this sphere.  If she
> isn't elected, perhaps we could ask her to become our "science liason
> / ambassador".
>
> Bdubay similarly cites a background in readability consulting and
> expertise on communications across languages.   If this election has
> shown anything, it's that we definitely could use more communications
> skills.   He's interested in working on a Plain Language project,
> working with Simple Wikipedia, and improving readability.  If he's not
> elected, perhaps the foundation/staff could ask him to study of how
> our movement can improve inter-community communication? or something
> similar?
>
> These may not be the only two who we should consider actively
> recruiting post-election, the list may not be exhaustive.   These
> people volunteered to do an insane amount of work for us-- let's make
> sure they understand "you didn't win" is absolutely NOT "you're
> fired"--  and in fact, if we could 'hire' them into volunteer
> positions at the movement level if they don't win, so much the better.
>
> Alec
>
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