Why can't I show up via video at your hangout? There is no reason and that is why I want your vote to be on the board for Drupal. It is an office for those that want to serve people and look after the well being of the user groups (i.e the community).
Drupal has to become focused on our international voices, creating a younger user audience, helping to grow user groups and diversity of cultures as well as people. I am a champion of these things and if you watched any point of the meet the candidates video, you will note that it was my "battle cry" and I stand by it. Not many other candidates (if any) can say that they led with that thought or direction.
Let's think about it. Drupal has been on the map for 15 years. That would put it into the mainstream in about the year 2000 or very shortly there after. In 2016, are we actually just having a real conversation about a plan for inclusion, growth and diversity?
Inclusion and diversity is a priority that registers mainly to those that it actually affects. If it doesn't affect you then it can very well go unnoticed which is what has been the case.
I would have to ask the community what has been going on for the last 15 years? I asked myself does Drupal really want someone like me on their board? In the community? If the plan has not been put in place in 15 years then I would have to raise an eyebrow. I was honestly perplexed about that thought.
We are faced with a real issue that someone (i.e. me) will need to be able to navigate, effectively communicate and bring the community together on this issue. If we do not get someone into this seat NOW to champion this, we will find our group falling further behind the goal of having all people from all cultures and all countries using Drupal.
No more learning to be 'comfortable' being 'uncomfortable'. We have to embrace one another as well as embrace the different things we all bring to the table. It is what makes Drupal great!
Then there is the issue of attrition.
The current Drupal audience is getting older which is great from a knowledge aspect but not from a sustainability perspective. By creating avenues for a younger audience now, we can find ourselves planting seeds for users for the release of Drupal 9, 10, 11 and so on. That needs to start now.
One thing is for sure, if we continue to be comfortable voting for the same 'types' of people and personalities, then we should expect the same outcomes. Thus, nothing will change. We will find ourselves having this same conversation the next time a seat opens.
Lastly, I do not have an alliance with any one person or any group(s) so I am going into this to serve ALL people and not the interest of a few. The only agenda I have is to make absolutely certain I have set this seat up for the next person to be successful when my tour is complete.
My desire to be voted into this seat is beyond words. As a fan of Drupal and as one that sees what the needed direction is, I have to hope that this election does not turn into a popularity contest. I trust that you will see the things that I have outlined. If they are of no interest to you, then I will respect that but then I am not the guy you should vote for.
However, if you look deep enough within yourself, can you say that want to envision another year of Drupal and no inclusion, diversity or plan for growth? If you really love Drupal, then we can say with conviction that no one wants to see that. Neither do I!
Thus I am your guy and I humbly (yet boldly) ask for your support as well as your vote.
Make no mistake about it. This has everything to do with the right person at the right time, doing the right thing for growth. It has zero to do with my racial background. It is to further bring together ALL people from ALL places. I just happen to be very passionate about this, know I can be a help to this organization and feel strongly that minus this direction we are placing ourselves in a major hole that we may not be able to climb out of anytime soon.
It's time for a change. That starts with doing something different in order to get different results.
votedrupal and Vote Kenn!
We are Drupal!
Respectfully,
Kenn