Resigning from Fedora Council for Fedora 27

Since I became a Fedora contributor in August 2015, I’ve spent a lot of time in the community. One of the great things about a big community like Fedora is that there are several different things to try out. I’ve always tried to do the most help in Fedora with my contributions. I prefer to make long-term, in-depth contributions than short-term, “quick fix”-style work. However, like many others, Fedora is a project I contribute to in my free time. Over the last month, I’ve come to a difficult realization.

After deep consideration, I am resigning from the Fedora Council effective at the end of the Fedora 26 release cycle.

Why I’m stepping back

When I decided to run for Fedora Council in July, I had not yet moved back to Rochester, New York. From my past experiences, I didn’t predict an issue to fulfill my commitments to the Fedora community. However, since moving back to Rochester, it is difficult to fulfill my expectations, Council and otherwise, to Fedora.

I’m entering the last years of my degree and the rigor of my coursework demands more time and focus. Additionally, I’m working more hours this year than I have in the past, which takes away more time Fedora. Because student loans are too real.

If I expected these changes, I would not have run for the Council. However, from my short time on the Council, I understand the energy and dedication needed to represent the community effectively. During my campaign and term, this was my driving motivation – to do my best to represent an international community of thousands in the highest body of leadership in Fedora. Now, I do not feel I am meeting my standard of participation and engagement. Already, I’ve stepped back from the Fedora Magazine and Marketing teams to focus more time in other areas of Fedora. Now, it is right to do the same for the Council.

I will spend the most time in the CommOps and Diversity teams, since I believe that is where I can make the largest impact as a contributor.

Fedora 27 Council elections

I privately shared my resignation with the Fedora Council before writing this post. After discussing with other Council members, the plan is

1. Elect a new, full-term Council member for Fedora 27 and 28
2. Elect a new, half-term Council member for only Fedora 27

In past elections with half-term seats, the candidate with the most votes receives the full-term seat and the runner-up receives the half-term seat. I expect this to happen again, although final details will come once the election phase begins.

Thank you for your trust

This is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made in Fedora. Serving on the Fedora Council is the greatest privilege. My election to the Council by hundreds of people was humbling and inspired me to not only lead by example, but represent the perspective of the greater Fedora community to the Council. This was the greatest honor for me and it disappoints me to finish my term early.

However, based on current circumstances, I believe this is the best path forward to make sure the community is well-represented in Fedora leadership. Thank you for your trust and I hope I can return to serve the community in this capacity someday in the future.