Purpose of the Organization
The Interior Alaska Linux Users Group intends to be a group of like-minded individuals who are interested in the use of Linux distributions and Free and Open source Software (FOSS) as a whole. Whether you are using a Linux distribution for the first time or a seasoned veteran of the FOSS world, we hope there’s a niche for you in IALUG.
We envision the organization as a network and repository of knowledge where novices and the curious can learn more about Linux and FOSS, those looking for collaborators on FOSS projects to meet, and for all to ask for and get help with problems they encounter.
The broad goals of the IALUG are:
- Encourage and enable the adoption of FOSS in personal, business and government use in Interior Alaska
- Espouse the merits of the Linux family of operating systems as a means to use computer hardware for longer, prolonging its lifetime, reducing waste, and saving money.
- Educate the public about data privacy, software freedom, and the benefits of FOSS to both.
- Serve as a network to enable and support collaboration on FOSS projects.
- Serve as a resource and pool of working knowledge about Linux / FOSS to help users trying to solve technical issues.
Membership Criteria
Membership is open to all individuals in the Fairbanks North Star Borough and Interior Alaska more broadly. No academic or Green Star affiliation is required.
Politics
We acknowledge that Linux, Free and Open Source Software, and the adoption of such (especially in government use) is an inherently political topic. It would be hypocritical to blanket-ban politics. However, the discussion of off-topic political subjects is strictly forbidden at IALUG meetings and on any IALUG-maintained platforms.
Decision-Making
IALUG uses the sociocratic model to make organization-wide decisions and encourages the use of the sociocratic model on the smaller scale as well.
Various aspects of the organization are split into “circles”, such as “Outreach Circle”, “Collaboration Circle”, and so on. Each circle must choose one representative to attend “General Circle” meetings, presided over by the president and making decisions that affect the entire organization.
To make a decision in a sociocratic circle, the leader or facilitator of the circle raises the issue and explains the context of the situation. Any member of the circle may propose a solution to the issue. An opportunity to raise any concerns about the proposed solution must be made by the facilitator. If there are no concerns, the circle may choose to hear more suggestions or adopt the proposed solution. The entirety of the circle must provide positive assent to the proposal before it can be adopted.
Neutral/indifferent or negative assent must be addressed to the best of the circle’s ability, and proposals should not be adopted without the ability to garner entirely positive assent. Overruling the concerns of one of the members of the circle should be an option of last resort, only undertaken if a compromise of any form cannot be found.
Leadership and Elections
To be eligible for a leadership position in IALUG, the candidate must be a member of IALUG and have attended at least one event held by the organization in the previous three months. Elected positions will be filled at the first organized meeting each calendar year, and the position will be held for the remainder of that calendar year unless the person resigns the position or is removed from office.