Like many open projects/communities/organizations, we are asking questions about how we better organize and engage. We are asking how to get more people involved in our efforts. This post is about seeking help from the community as we shift governance models in Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT). (There is also an update about the Etiquette/Moderation guidelines (see below).)

The “Call to Action” in December 2021 noted the need across OSM’s communities to 1. shift etiquette/moderation (codes of conduct) and 2. adjust governance. In 2021, I participated in a effort to update etiquette and moderation in OSM/OSMF. This year I am leading efforts, as chair of the HOT’s Governance Working Group, to focus on revising HOT governance. As much as I have questions about OSMF and OSM organizational and membership work, this post and my diary entries on governance (going forward) will focus on HOT’s governance.

Both HOT and OMSF have board of directors. There are contributors, supporters, members, partners, and allies across both organizations and the wider community of communities. Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) has a Board of Directors and a Governance Working Group. Overall, getting involved as a volunteer in the organization change and leadership can be daunting. We want to open up and help be more diverse, equitable and inclusive in our governance - the people, the models and the overall way we work.

How you can help

The HOT Governance Working Group (GWG) is exploring how we can be more open, what changes do we need to our governance models and membership engagement. Our goal is to help more people shape our future and potentially be board members or take up other governance roles in the future. For example, the HOT GWG used to be a membership only group. We changed that. The HOT community and allies are most welcome to join us. This year we have some goals:

• Demystify and socialize why governance in HOT is important
• Get more people engaged in governance/membership of HOT
• Collaborate with the HOT (organization, staff, community and membership) shifts that tie to strategy and governance / membership models

We put together these slides to help you get acquainted: Getting involved in HOT Governance -. Comments welcome.

We’d love to have your input as a HOT community supporter or HOT member. (see about getting involved)

Also, perhaps asking to join a Governance Working Group might be a big ask. So here’s a few quick questions:

• What tips do you have on improving engagement in governance?
• What guidance do you have for anyone who wants to learn and shape governance?

Update on the Call to action

I co-lead the “Call to Action in December 2020 “. We had asked for OSM/OSMF to make Immediate changes:

• “The existing “Code of Etiquette” needs to be replaced by a strong and enforceable Code of Conduct for the OpenStreetMap and OpenStreetMap Foundation community and all OSM community channels/spheres (mailing lists, social media, communication channels including Weekly OSM, local and regional chat groups, events, and chapter coordination). This needs a strong implementation approach.”

• “Restructure governance to be more equitable: an example of this is committing to Board Seat allocation for OSMF members who are women and non-cis males, and who are citizens of Low and Middle Income Countries.”

Update on OSMF and OSM Etiquette and Moderation

After the Call to Action, in January 2021 the OSMF board and Local Chapters and Community Working Group Sub-committee on Etiquette took up the charge to update the OSM etiquette guidelines and suggest a process for moderation. Maggie Crawley, ED of OSM US, our fearless leader, adeptly convened a team of us to write procedures, processes, carry out recruitment, socialization, and conduct consultations. It was one of the most rewarding experiences in my 12 years engaged in OSM. (Special thanks to LCCWG Mod SubCommittee telegam allies - Maggie, Arnalie, Rob, Michal, Steve and a few others. I learned so much.)

You can read about the Etiquette and Moderation items on the wiki.

Status - The LCCWG Sub-Committee on Etiquette delivered this in December 2021. The moderation team was been nominated. You can see the OSMF minutes on the OSMF wiki. I look forward to that being implemented. OSM and OSMF communities deserve these changes.

Onward with thanks,