Foundation/AGM2025/Election to Board/Answers and manifestos/Q11 OSMF Enthusiasm
OSMF Enthusiasm
In this election cycle, only a small number of candidates stood for election, and a smaller than usual number of community questions were submitted for the candidates. What do you think is the reason for this low level of interest, and what would you do, if anything, to promote interest in quality candidates running for the OSMF board?
Roland Olbricht - Q11 OSMF Enthusiasm
The ultimately only answer is to reflect on who is a potential candidate and talk to them in one-on-ones. This either results in more candidates or more insight why people do not want to candidate. This is a task that well can be done by non-board members as well, as a broader field of candidates is an improvement in itself.
The trend for questions is going down since some years: while we had over 20 questions in 2022 and 2023, it have been only 15 or so in 2024 and less than 10 this year. Note that the issues addresses in the older questions have at best partially been resolved, hence progress of the organisation is not the answer.
All in all, as the process itself has not been critizied, and some questions still have been submitted, I see no reason to experiment with the process. It might be a good idea to advertise the possibility more broadly on community.openstreetmap.org.
Brazil Singh - Q11 OSMF Enthusiasm
I think there are a number of reasons why people aren't very interested in this election cycle. For example, not many people know how the nomination process works, they think that running for the Board requires special skills or global visibility, and they don't really understand how Board decisions affect the larger OpenStreetMap community. Many contributors, especially those from areas that aren't well represented, might not think of themselves as potential candidates because of language barriers, time zones, or a sense of being disconnected from Board activities. I would try to reach more people than just through traditional mailing lists by using a variety of communication channels, like social media, forums, local chapters, and regional networks. I would also make the effects of Board work more clear by giving specific examples of how decisions affect the project, offering mentorship or "board readiness" sessions for members who want to learn more, and working with local leaders to get capable people to run for the board.
Daniela Waltersdorfer - Q11 OSMF Enthusiasm
We need to expand our message further and do more marketing of what the OSM is, it's community value and role.
Md Atikuzzaman Limon - Q11 OSMF Enthusiasm
The low number of candidates and community questions in this election cycle may reflect:
- Lack of awareness about the election process.
- Time constraints or perceived complexity of running.
- Satisfaction with the current board or perceived distance from its impact.
To promote interest, I propose:
- Outreach campaigns via the OSM blog and community forums to highlight the board’s role.
- Need to increase awareness using campaign through Social Media platforms
- Simplifying nomination processes to reduce barriers.
- Establishing mentorship programs for potential candidates.
- Engaging local chapters to encourage diverse nominations.
These initiatives can inspire quality candidates and enhance community engagement.
OSM Foundation's board election 2025: official questions
Q01 Motivation and Objectives
| Q02 Conflict of Interest Management
| Q03 Transparency and Accountability
| Q04 Teamwork
| Q05 Artificial Intelligence
| Q06 Access to Imagery
| Q07 Software Governance
| Q08 Map Styles on OpenStreetMap.org
| Q09 State of the Map Conferences
| Q10 Intellectual Property
| Q11 OSMF Enthusiasm
All board candidates' manifestos
2025 OpenStreetMap Foundation's: Board election - Voting information and instructions - Annual General Meeting
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