Hello, I'm Salt, here, there, everywhere! Below is a brief introduction and case for why you should consider me for the OSI board, during the 2021 election cycle.

The OSI is a leading voice when it comes to the conversation surrounding free/libre/open culture and values. It is currently at a point of inflection, transitioning from an (almost) entirely volunteer-driven organization, to one with an Executive Director and paid staff.

At a time like this, it is crucial to maintain a connection to the grassroots community efforts that made today's open source landscape possible. What's more, during these unsettled times, there are opportunities to chart a course towards an even brighter future.

Over the past half-decade or so, I have become more and more interested in the policies surrounding technology. During this pursuit, there have been numerous signs of a rising public awareness regarding the struggles surrounding open ideals.

Addressing these policies is a wicked problem, and one that will impact all of us. The OSI has both the history and gravity to further engage with this conversation. I would lend my time and energy to these efforts in the hopes that it does so, while considering the widest spectrum of supporters.

My background and interest has mostly extended from the daily use of Linux-based systems since 1996. Growing up with the open, but connected, model, has shaped my world view, and I want to bring that perspective to the OSI.

Additionally, I have quite a bit of experience facilitating and participating in community discussions. Over the past 15 years, I have been a core organizer of: conferences, FLOSS projects, hackerspaces, LUGs, start-ups, and even a university sailing club.

Among those endeavors, and others, I have honed the skills, and learned the value of, listening, processing, combining, so that details can emerge which would otherwise be missed.

Bringing this attention to the OSI during such a pivotal moment is an opportunity that does not come around every day. It would be an honor to help with the transition and progression towards a more open world.

Alright, so this is a bit of a loaded and rhetorical question. For those of you who may have heard of our project, we have the set very reasonable and achievable goal of sustainably funding public good such as FLOSS, journalism, and research.

I have been a volunteer team member for the past 5 years, in the role of Community Director. Over that time, we've gone from being "the largest Haskell project on the Internet" to a nearly graduated OSI incubation MVP. Not quite the trajectory we had hoped for, but I digress.

Snowdrift.coop has shown itself to be a dedicated ally of software freedom, consistently going out of our way to avoid compromising a commitment to FLO ideals. Recently, we outlined our journey and vision in an application to the 2021 FSF HPP List.

Despite these struggles, we continue to be active within the community, presenting at conference and joining funding-centric conversations. As an affiliate member, and incubator project of the OSI, we are excited to dive into the board discussions, from our post-graduated state.

Thank You for your time and consideration!