Discussion: Which came first...
in: barb; barb > 2016-09-14
Sep 14, 2016 2:01 PM
#
Immediately following the AGM and BOD elections the new BOD is slated to meet and elect new OUSA officers. If elected to the BOD are you interested in running for any of the officer positions?
Sep 15, 2016 2:40 AM
#
barb:
@fossil: yes, I am interested in running for Secretary. I think Donna has done a great job in that role but hope she'd be open to rotating another person through that position if we are both on the board. She is well connected and knowledgeable and we have a good relationship so I know I could learn a lot from her.
I'm interested in how we communicate and how we manage the work done outside the board, by committees and task forces and that would be one focus for me as Secretary. It is a role I have played in other organizations. I'm also interested in an idea Cristina put forward, about documenting information important to carrying out each of the positions to make succession easier.
I would enjoy working with the others on the EC. Kris Beecroft and Greg Lennon are both running for President and I look forward to being on the team regardless of who wins.
I'm interested in how we communicate and how we manage the work done outside the board, by committees and task forces and that would be one focus for me as Secretary. It is a role I have played in other organizations. I'm also interested in an idea Cristina put forward, about documenting information important to carrying out each of the positions to make succession easier.
I would enjoy working with the others on the EC. Kris Beecroft and Greg Lennon are both running for President and I look forward to being on the team regardless of who wins.
Sep 15, 2016 3:02 AM
#
barb:
@Guy: the conversations about what we could do to move orienteering forward, and the realization that others were putting themselves forward to get involved and do some work, came first. It was exciting to think that we might be able to work together and make some of these dreams happen.
I should add that in many respects I feel well aligned with others outside of the "coalition". Donna has long been a supporter of the junior programs. Pat is looking to improve how we do financial reporting and I'm very interested in that. Clare has been really effective and knows so much about OUSA - and is also a supporter of the junior programs. I like a lot of what Gavin has talked about.
The coalition is emphasizing the need for growth and I feel most strongly aligned with that issue. As I listened to the conversations we had, I realized that this was going to be a great team and I would like to be part of it. Prior to that I would not have run for the board because I felt I could not get much done on my own.
I should add that in many respects I feel well aligned with others outside of the "coalition". Donna has long been a supporter of the junior programs. Pat is looking to improve how we do financial reporting and I'm very interested in that. Clare has been really effective and knows so much about OUSA - and is also a supporter of the junior programs. I like a lot of what Gavin has talked about.
The coalition is emphasizing the need for growth and I feel most strongly aligned with that issue. As I listened to the conversations we had, I realized that this was going to be a great team and I would like to be part of it. Prior to that I would not have run for the board because I felt I could not get much done on my own.
Sep 15, 2016 3:12 AM
#
What problems or programs would you like to see OUSA tackle in the next ten years?
Sep 15, 2016 1:15 PM
#
barb:
Ten years is a great timeline to think about - enough time to accomplish some really big things, and a way to focus nearer term work.
Youth: When Erin started in his current role with juniors, he put out the following goals, which I think are great:
* Sustainable local programs with paid staff working with hundreds of kids
* The USA reaching the podium at JWOC and WOC
* An OUSA certification program available to all physical education teachers in the country
Technology and marketing:
* OUSA provides technological solutions that clubs use (because it's great and cost-effective), including database for maps, people, events, results, media outlets. Websites for clubs are part of the OUSA website (as is possible in Sweden).
* Whatever marketing means in 2026, we're on top of it. Broad reach; most people in America will be familiar with the concept of orienteering, and many of those think it sounds pretty fun.
Event quality
* Spectating is awesome. Drones, cameras, announcing, TV, internet, virtual reality
* Participating is a great experience. Community, food, fun
Environment
* Orienteering perceived by others (land managers, the general public) as a way to get in touch with nature, not as a way to trample nature.
* Cooperation with other forest users (hunters, hikers)
* Green approach to putting on our meets (shared transportation, financial contributions to local conservation efforts, etc)
* Youth programs have a component that addresses ecology, study of climate and what we can do to make a difference
OUSA will have supported member-driven initiatives that lead to growth. Could be things like MTB-O, school-O, fun movies about orienteering, ...
There are many different ways that we could achieve growth, and an essential component of any project is that someone is championing it and gets support from the rest of us.
I don't think we could be successful (on/near podium) over the long term at WOC without getting a lot more people orienteering, starting when they are young.
OUSA as an organization will function incredibly smoothly and productively, and keep its eye on its mission of increasing participation, teaching navigation, promoting enjoyment/respect for the environment, and world-class competitiveness.
Youth: When Erin started in his current role with juniors, he put out the following goals, which I think are great:
* Sustainable local programs with paid staff working with hundreds of kids
* The USA reaching the podium at JWOC and WOC
* An OUSA certification program available to all physical education teachers in the country
Technology and marketing:
* OUSA provides technological solutions that clubs use (because it's great and cost-effective), including database for maps, people, events, results, media outlets. Websites for clubs are part of the OUSA website (as is possible in Sweden).
* Whatever marketing means in 2026, we're on top of it. Broad reach; most people in America will be familiar with the concept of orienteering, and many of those think it sounds pretty fun.
Event quality
* Spectating is awesome. Drones, cameras, announcing, TV, internet, virtual reality
* Participating is a great experience. Community, food, fun
Environment
* Orienteering perceived by others (land managers, the general public) as a way to get in touch with nature, not as a way to trample nature.
* Cooperation with other forest users (hunters, hikers)
* Green approach to putting on our meets (shared transportation, financial contributions to local conservation efforts, etc)
* Youth programs have a component that addresses ecology, study of climate and what we can do to make a difference
OUSA will have supported member-driven initiatives that lead to growth. Could be things like MTB-O, school-O, fun movies about orienteering, ...
There are many different ways that we could achieve growth, and an essential component of any project is that someone is championing it and gets support from the rest of us.
I don't think we could be successful (on/near podium) over the long term at WOC without getting a lot more people orienteering, starting when they are young.
OUSA as an organization will function incredibly smoothly and productively, and keep its eye on its mission of increasing participation, teaching navigation, promoting enjoyment/respect for the environment, and world-class competitiveness.
This discussion thread is closed.