As previously mentioned at meetings and via newsletters I am stepping down as president. A few weeks ago posted on www.JaxDug.com that tonight we would hold elections. This was also mentioned in the newsletters ealier this month.
I know a few people have discussed taking on a leadership role within www.JaxDug.com and if you would like to run for president please attend tonights meeting. Vinay Ahuja, confirmed this morning that he intends to run and sent me a blurb as I asked so I am posting hist qualifications. To be fair, should anyone else decide to run you can still send me your blurb before the meeting and I will post. Please send to president@jaxdug.com. Finally, anyone running for president will be given a chace to address the group tonight.
Thanks,
Dennis
--- Vinay's Campaign Blurb ---
Who am I?
Technical
I have more than 8 years of experience in designing, developing, and architecting enterprise scale applications using Microsoft Technologies. I am a passionate software developer / architect and love to venture into cutting edge technologies. I am a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Visual C#. I am a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer in .NET and working towards MCTS. I did my Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from a prestigious university in India. I graduated with M.S. in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Dallas.
Community - Technical
Currently, I serve as Secretary and Special Interest Group (SIG) Coordinator for Jacksonville Developers User Group (http://www.jaxdug.com) (Since October 2005). I was instrumental in organizing last year’s Jacksonville Code Camp. I am a strong proponent of knowledge sharing and community development. I have spoken extensively in Code Camps in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Last year, for few months, I was also part of INETA’s Technology Committee.
Community – Non Technical
I love working with the community and helping them. Apart from my association with JaxDUG, I have been associated with Hindu Society of Jacksonville for the last 4 years and served as Chair of Youth Committee from 2004-2006. Since, 2005 I am also the Regional Coordinator for North South Foundation. This non-profit organization organizes spelling, math, essay, geography bee and other contests for kids of Indian origin. In 2005-2006, I was associated with a local toastmasters group as Treasurer and VP of Education as well.
What I would do as president?
We have done really well as a user group over the past years. There are some things I would like to see more structured and execute my ideas around. These items are in no particular order.
Speakers
- Develop local speaker pool by giving them structured opportunities
- Get UG Members feedback on which speakers they would like to see and present
Meetings
- Explore different meeting styles – Discussion based, 2 speakers in one night, Bring your own presentation, Interactive debate on technology
- Meeting reminders and communication
- Feedback on meeting, future topics
- Attendance
Events
- Keep Code camp as an yearly event
- Organize 1 day technology focused events on a weekend. These events can be based out of the need of the community / local businesses
Web Site
- Shows meetings and events for the next 3 months preferably
- Refinement
Collaboration with other User Groups
- Other User groups in the area in different technologies
- User groups in Florida
- INETA
Collaboration with local businesses
- Assess needs of organizations from a training perspective (brought up by Marshall Harrison)
- Get speakers on those topics
Newsletter
- Have a weekly newsletter with all events coming up locally and in Florida
Special Interest Groups
- Encourage and support people who want to start focused groups
- Try to get financial support
- Raffle prizes
UG Meetings and Events Sponsorship Structure
- Structure around how organizations can sponsor meetings
- Associated benefits and costs matrix
UG Organizational Structure
- Role based organization
- Advertise opportunities to get involved
- Recognize all people involved
- Prepare for sustainability and growth of user group
Actually, these are the items that came to my mind while thinking about it. I would take every suggestion as an opportunity and evaluate it with an open mind along with the group. We have to do things that make our user group one of the strongest knit communities not only in Florida but all over the nation.
Why I want to be the president?
· To serve the technical community
· Bring ideas and refreshing changes for growth and betterment
· Develop my own leadership skills
The president is only a facilitator that guides the leadership team and the community. I certainly look forward to the support of able volunteers and advisors. By being a president, I would be the torch bearer, however it is the community and the team that will strive for excellen