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<p>G'day folx, <br>
</p>
<p>You will have seen the official notifications go out from the
current LA Council. As someone who served on Council for five
years as Sec, VP and Pres, I'd like to add a few (unofficial)
cents to the conversation. <br>
</p>
<h4>Being a force for change <br>
</h4>
<p>Is there something you think LA doesn't do well? Some sort of
change or program you would like to see implemented? Being on
Council is an opportunity to do this, to set projects in motion
and be able to work with others to see them come to fruition. It
might be one big thing, or a bundle of smaller changes you'd like
to make, but your efforts can have lasting change on the LA
organisation, and, importantly, the wider opensource community LA
serves. <br>
</p>
<h4>I wish Linux Australia would do X...</h4>
<p>If you've ever thought "I wish Linux Australia would do X", well,
now is your opportunity to do X. All too often I see comments
lamenting that LA doesn't do enough $BLAH, or needs to change
their approach to $BLERGH. LA Council is 7 people, supported by a
handful of active Subcommittees, like Admin Team, Media & Web
Team and event teams. Feedback and a desire to improve are great.
Effort to realise lasting change is better.</p>
<h4>A stronger resume <br>
</h4>
<p>Previous opportunities I've been offered have been in no small
part because of my experience heading up Linux Australia. Serving
on Council is hard work. It's challenging. But it's also great
experience, and employers recognise that.<br>
</p>
<h4>As a volunteer organisation, Linux Australia is reliant on
volunteers for organisational survival</h4>
<p>For better or worse, Linux Aus is an entirely volunteer
organisation. Council are not paid, Event organisers are not paid.
Linux Aus relies on people putting their hand up to remain strong.
We're in an enviable position compared to other not for profits in
Australia; we host a portfolio of events, have strong membership,
and money in the bank. That position has been won through the
laudable efforts of volunteers for over 20 years. Without that
volunteer force, the organisation may, over time, take the
dwindling and dormant path so many other similar organisations now
find themselves in. That means every year people need to put their
hand up to keep carrying the organisation forward.<br>
</p>
<h4>Different voices and different perspectives help make us
stronger</h4>
<p>It's great to have a mix of continuity and fresh faces on
Council. People with previous experience have organisational
history, a network of contacts and know what needs to be done. New
additions bring fresh perspectives, ideas and talents, and the
ability to question the status quo. Different genders, backgrounds
and experiences help different perspectives to be represented and
voiced. <br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>Please consider nominating. <br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>Kind regards, <br>
</p>
<p>Kathy<br>
</p>
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