Retrospective as GNOME director
I am no longer a member of the board of directors of the GNOME Foundation since May 2024. The process and decision shocked me. I know people are looking for answers, but I want to protect people involved and the project/foundation. It was never an interpersonal conflict for me.
I want to thank every member who entrusted me with their vote and share a little retrospective of my work under that hat.
I'm happy to report that both suggestions I proposed during my candidacy to engage the foundation/community with are already in effect.
Decentralizing GUADEC is part of the 5 years strategy plan under the objective Six
Create a more strategic, more inclusive, less expensive, more worldwide, and greener annual event for GNOME, with a central event at its core, and multiple, regional, worldwide local events on all continents happening in conjunction and unified through the core event. Under this model, GUADEC and regional events would be integrated into a more strategic framework.
While I cannot join – I'm happy to see people enjoying GUADEC in two large venues; Denver and Berlin. Thanks to the local teams.
Development funding is part of the 5 years strategy plan under the objective Four
Promote the GNOME Development Initiative (the “Initiative”) as our internal development project for core needs, such as security, IT infrastructure, transparency, usability, supply chain, GNOME.org; this takes the STF-funded project now launched and builds upon it into the future, making it a permanent part of the GNOME Foundation.
This is already in motion with the GNOME STF initiative. Please join (Berlin) or watch (recorded) the talk “GNOME STF Project” to learn more about it.
When it comes to supporting the community
- Create a committee for our Internship programs
- Software Policy: Reconsider Circle's fiscal sponsorship sentence
- Took an active part in solving conflicts that surfaced
And supporting the foundation
- Helped Holly secure the Gimp fiscal sponsorship
- Helped Holly develop the GNOME Development Initiative
- Worked towards improving the relationship between the foundation and the community
- Informed the board of several issues putting the project and/or organization at risk
I hope we can learn to address/solve dysfunctions and conflicts to create a healthier environment for everyone. That is now out of my hands / responsibilities, and I'll focus on positive things for the time being.
❤️
Sonny