The PSF Board got here collectively September Twelfth-Fifteenth, 2024, for our annual board retreat. This yr we met in Lisbon, Portugal. We used the chance to work collectively in particular person to debate high-level strategic planning for the way forward for the PSF. This yr, we moved the retreat from January to September. We aimed to fulfill as a brand new board in particular person as quickly as doable to construct our belief and communication earlier- which has been working properly!
Our retreat
After touring in on Twelfth September, we shared a meal collectively and it was an awesome probability for some board members to fulfill our newly elected board member Cristián Maureira-Fredes. There was no “ice-breaking” wanted– the ice already melted instantly (perhaps because of the warmth in Lisbon) that night! We had been positive that it might be a productive weekend going forward.
Within the following two days, the board sat collectively (apart from a “stroll and discuss” session which we’ll clarify in a bit) to undergo all of the matters on our agenda and lay down some methods that the board will observe up within the coming yr. On the primary day earlier than we jumped into methods, we agreed on our values and behavioral norms for the conferences. We adopted a “jazz fingers” gesture to indicate settlement and it turned out to be a really efficient communication technique.
We recognized {our relationships} with varied elements of the group and documented a few of our long-term objectives. We additionally recognized {our relationships} with different entities and our grant program methods (extra on that later!).
On the second day, as we had been sitting down for more often than not throughout our assembly (there was no time to waste because the dialogue was very intense), we acquired to do a “stroll and discuss” session. We broke into two teams to debate a number of the methods concerning supporting PSF workgroups and mentoring future board members.
The final day was a journey day dwelling, and everybody left Lisbon safely. It was an intense however productive weekend!
What we mentioned
There are a mess of issues that we discussed- and lots of extra that we might love to debate however ran out of time to take action. Listed here are summaries of a number of the matters.
Long run objectives
Concerning our imaginative and prescient for the place we wish to be in 5 years, it may be summarized as:
- financially sustainable
- extra assist for the group, and
- amplifying Python’s influence around the globe
Workings inside PSF
We reviewed our conferences construction and course of, in addition to {our relationships} with totally different working teams inside the PSF. We additionally checked out what challenges we could have in our grants program, PyPI, fundraising, and the developer-in-residence program.
Relationship with different organizations
We recognized some non-profit organizations that align with our values and which we really feel we may gain advantage from extra communication. These additionally embody a number of the native communities that we want to work nearer with.
Fundraising
We explored new fundraising alternatives and brainstormed some methods to diversify the earnings supply of funds.
Grants Program
The board members additionally reviewed the present PSF grant methods. We brainstormed methods to make the PSF grants program extra environment friendly and to prioritize the place it makes essentially the most influence.
Communication
We talked about persevering with to enhance communication with our group.
Sustainability
One of many matters that we spent a variety of time speaking about was how one can assist future board members, present extra details about the work of PSF upfront, and how one can mentor the following technology of board members.
Proceed to assist us
The work of the PSF Board and Employees doesn’t cease right here. We now have one other yr forward to maintain on supporting Python and the group! You probably have any suggestions or solutions to provide us, we welcome you to drop by our PSF Board Workplace Hours or write to us at psf@python.org. We additionally encourage you to hitch in our end-of-year fundraiser, and contemplate changing into a PSF member or making a donation. Try the 2024 fundraiser touchdown web page to study how one can assist energy Python and the PSF!
