[Fg-general] Re: My thoughts on today

[megan]

I think these parameters are awesome, glad to see so many folks engaging in
this. :)

On Mon, Apr 27, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Alec Smecher <alec at smecher.bc.ca> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> As a weekly volunteer, I've been fortunate to have both an ongoing role
> with Freegeek for something approaching two years, and one that has been
> somewhat removed from the challenges it's been facing over that time. I
> think we can all agree that everyone involved has been putting an incredible
> amount of energy into Freegeek at considerable personal cost. This kind of
> effort can't be sustained and probably has a lot to do with the current
> tensions.
>
> I'd like to recognize the unbelievable efforts that Adam, Len, Megan, Ifny,
> David, Ryan, and others (please don't take offense if I didn't include you)
> have contributed, some over the course of years.
>
> Like many others, I'm not familiar with the specifics that led up to Adam
> leaving. He was always very hard-working and professional and I was sad to
> hear of his departure. I also fully trust that it was not an option for him
> to remain. I don't think it would be useful to air out the full details, and
> in my humble opinion it's just as bad to tiptoe around those details without
> being able to speak concretely about them.
>
> I suggest that this discussion -- which is useful and needs to be held --
> needs to have some its parameters clarified. Something like:
>
> 1. The purpose of this discussion is to improve Freegeek Vancouver.
> Everyone involved in it believes passionately that Freegeek is a necessary
> institution that deserves to succeed.
> 2. Freegeek is showing considerable strain as a result of ongoing sustained
> overwork.
> 3. The social environment at Freegeek needs improvement, at least partially
> as a result of that strain.
> 4. The decision-making and feedback processes need to be clarified, as has
> been discussed here previously.
> 5. Some concrete steps need to be identified that can decrease Freegeek's
> operational dependence on a few individuals.
> 6. Anything that needs to be discussed should be discussed thoroughly and
> openly. IMHO, that takes Adam's departure off the table. However, the
> policies that were involved in that process can and should be included.
>
> I humbly suggest a conscious focus on clarity, concision, and compassion in
> these emails. I've found it a very helpful approach for discussing difficult
> situations via email.
>
> Regards,
> Alec
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> fg-general mailing list
> fg-general at freegeekvancouver.org
> http://puddle.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fg-general
>



-- 
Megan Zanussi

Free Geek Vancouver
Volunteer Coordination
604-879-4335 ext. 4