Paul Roeland

Integrator, open source activist and non-profit tech person. Currently on the Board.

Who am I?

I'm a long-time technology and open-source activist, who has worked for a wide range of non-profits and other organisations. My interests lie in using technology for social progress, and conversely in applying lessons learned from the opensource movement to nonprofits and other social movements.

I'm currently working for the Clean Clothes Campaign, developing intra- and extranets that use Plone as an enabling technology that allows labour- and human-rights activists to work together more efficiently, across geographical and cultural boundaries.

Apart from currently being on the board, I am known to dabble in Plone documentation and accessibility issues.

Why I'm interested

I have strong bonds with Plone, both the software and the community. Contributing to the Board work is a good way to give back. I also like organising stuff, and trying to do that in ways that allows other people to be at their best.

Although I have already spent quite some time on the Board, I still feel I have something to contribute, and feel honored by the fact that other people have told me so.

Possible drawbacks

Let's be open about this; in the last year I have spent a lot less time on Plone than I normally do; that mainly has to do with my work for the Clean Clothes Campaign. As Covid19 took hold, it hit (and is still hitting) the world in very unequal measures. Far from being "the great equalizer", the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world, like garment workers, were hit disproportionately hard. Not only by the disease itself, but by economic hardship as well.

That meant a lot of campaigning for me - I managed to rack up 5 months worth of overtime. That situation is now a whole lot better, and I do feel I will be able to contribute more to Plone. But, people might see it as a risk for my board duties. However, I will not apologize for making the choice to prioritize my campaigning work, and you might also see taking a stand as a positive thing.

What I bring

Long experience in questions of process and decision-making. If there's one thing you learn in nonprofit-land, it's a keen eye for how to keep discussions focused and make sure every voice can be heard before reaching a decision together.

I actually like interacting with people, and keep an eye out for community discussions whenever I can.

As integrator and sysadmin, I know enough Plone to keep the needs of the overall community foremost in my musings. I'm also not employed by a Plone company or provider, which can help to keep a neutral stance.

I do have an unfortunate over-enthusiasm for cats & gifs, and worst of all cat gifs, but that is usually not interfering with Board duties. Usually.

Nomination seconded by

• Érico Andrei
• Philip Bauer