It is election season yet again for the FOSS United Community. For the second year, 3 members of the inaugural Governing Board (GB) are stepping down. That means we are electing three new GB members from the Community!
What’s new this year:
- Two-year terms for GB members. With an option to step down after one year.
- The nomination process takes place on the forum. Community members can submit nominations using the template and make a post on the forum.
- Goodbye custom voting platform. Hello to a commercial offering. Following feedback from last year, we’ve decided to go ahead with a popular voting platform to conduct this season of Elections. More details on that soon.
(For more context on the Why Governing Board, check out the explainer from last season here, and if time permits, read notes from previous GB meetings to gain context and perspective)
Timelines:
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Nominations open | August 10 - Sept 5 |
| GB reviews & finalises candidates | Sept 6 - Sept 8 |
| Promotions and Campaign period | Sept 9 - Sept 23 |
| Voting | Sept 24 - Sept 27, 3 PM |
| Result. Say hello to the new GB | Sep 27, 5 PM |
How to nominate yourself?
Create a new post using the Nomination Template, under Category: 2026 GB Elections and Topic: Nominations, with the post title “ Nomination | Your Name - 2026 GB Elections ”.
Tell the community who you are, your stake in the wider digital commons community and FOSS United, and why you are running for the GB.
Please note that after you submit your nomination, the Governing Board will filter the nominations and determine the final ballot. Submitting a nomination does not mean that you automatically qualify for the ballot.
If elected, Governing Board members are expected to
- Proactively respond to async communication via email and/or IM
- Dedicate at least 10 hours per month to Governing Board duties, which includes a 2-hour monthly gathering of the Governing Board, participating in open community calls, and additional volunteering duties with the Staff/Community
- Volunteer/get involved in at least one of FOSS United programs/projects/initiatives
- Shape FOSS United annual budgeting and fundraising
- Read notes from previous GB meetings to gain context and perspective.
Coming up next week
- FOSS United Governing Board: FAQs
- Guidelines on Voter Eligibility
- Reflections on one year of the GB
If you have any questions, please drop a comment here or write to governing-board@fossunited.org.