[TriLUG] elections - what to expect

[Alan Porter]

It's election time -- not just in Minnesota, but also in TriLUG.  Every May, we have our Steering Committee elections.  And in April, we prepare by nominating candidates.

   April meeting, 4/9
      floor nominations

   4/9 - 5/14
      nominations and campaigns via email

   May meeting, 5/14
      last-minute floor nominations
      candidates speak
      voting
      announcement of the new SC

Nominations will start at the April meeting (this week, 4/9).  We'll have a chance for folks to stand up and nominate themselves or someone else.  We'll continue the political fracas via the email list and IRC for the entire month.  And then we'll take final nominations from the floor at the May 14th meeting.

During the May meeting, we will give each candidate a couple of minutes to stand up and introduce themselves and to give their thoughts on what they stand for, what they'd like to see done, and how much cash they're willing to pay us for our votes.  After all of the candidates have spoken, we'll pass out ballots and let the ballot stuffing begin.

Only currently-registered LUG members may vote (if you fill out an application at the April meeting, you're OK).  Votes will be counted during the May meeting, and the five new SC members will be announced at the end of the meeting.

Note -- we don't elect individuals into particular roles.  We simply elect five individuals, and then they decide amongst themselves how to divide up the responsibilities (think: rock, scissors, paper).

The five roles are defined in the articles of incorporation: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Webmaster and Public Relations Officer.  But, to be honest, we do shift the responsibilities around, depending on who can contribute what at the time.

So what does it mean to be a SC member?  We are the individuals who are accountable for the day to day operations of the LUG.  We gladly delegate some tasks to volunteers.  But the SC makes sure that this stuff gets done:

 - Arrange for a meeting space.
 - Arrange programs/speakers in advance.
 - Inform the members and the public about upcoming events.
 - Prepare the room before the meetings: chairs, projector, VOIP.
 - Order and pick up pizza and drinks.
 - Identify sponsors, collect donations.
 - Run the actual meetings.
 - Clean up the room after the meetings.
 - Membership administrivia, cards, records.
 - Maintain the LUG server equipment.
 - Maintain services like shell accounts, email, IRC, bzflag, etc.
 - Evaluate new services suggested by members.
 - Fill out our tax forms and other official documents.

If you appreciate the LUG, and you would like to contribute in a meaningful way, then nominate yourself.  Or if you have enemies, nominate them.

See you all on Thursday.  LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Alan





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