[Osmf-talk] Hiring help for OSMF administrative tasks

[Eleanor Tutt]

Sarah,

I wanted to address your concern about stewardship of donated resources -
which is a topic that is important to me as well.  I actually believe that
having paid administrative staff could contribute to transparency and
smooth workings of OSMF, which in turn could assist in better financial
management as well as attract more donors (hopefully in the form of more
map editors and community members).  I made a point to say "donated
resources" as opposed to "donated money" because the donated time spent on
OSM by the OSMF board and all the volunteers worldwide has value.  If we
think about resources, administrative staff may help there as well, because
they could take the time to welcome new volunteers and direct them to work
that matches their interests.

Also, since you responded directly to one of my comments, I second what
Mikel has already said that your statement about Kathleen was
inappropriate.  We know the board *unanimously* agrees there is a need for
administrative help. In addition, the exact day-to-day duties of board
members may shift or expand to include more strategic, non-administrative
duties depending on what help makes sense to hire.

Eleanor

On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 1:18 PM, Sarah Hoffmann <lonvia at denofr.de> wrote:

> On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 11:34:53AM -0500, Eleanor Tutt wrote:
> > I think we need to respect that the board is examining the possibility of
> > part time administrative help for good reason.  I like that they are
> > looking for general feedback first before asking us to comment on a
> > specific plan.
>
> That is all well in theory but the plan has a serious flaw. In order to
> give an informed opinion about paid stuff/help, we would have to understand
> what the board is actually doing. I for one still don't have a
> clue because the board's lips are as sealed as ever. That just can't work.
>
> I appreciate the intentions to involve the community in the discussion
> process but I think we have to start at a much more fundamental level.
> The minutes have improved significantly in the last half year (even
> though I wish they were more timely or at least announced when ready, but
> I know what tiring chore it is to write up minutes). But minutes don't
> help to get an impression on the day-to-day work, which probably would
> involve the actual adminstrative work the board is currently being
> overloaded with.
>
> And before Kathleen now feels justified in telling the members to shut
> up and let the board do whatever it feels like doing, I would like to
> remind you that you are running the foundation on donation money and
> that you have a certain moral obligation to justify that the money is
> wisely spent. So, please, give a few examples of the administrative
> task currently holding up the board and I'm sure there are people
> who can weigh in with their experience on whether it works or not
> to load that off to a paid aid.
>
> Sarah
>
>
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