[LTER-im] updates from IMExec: Bylaws, elections, ESIP, and annual IMC meeting

[Stevan Earl]

LTER IMC,

Please see below for news and updates from IMExec. IMExec needs your input
on some of the items so please be sure to read the entire message.

# LTER IMC Bylaws

IMExec is proposing a change to the IMC Bylaws. Two documents are provided
for your review: the current Bylaws with the proposed changes detailed with
track changes (link
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oOvnKM8XOIX5yUiiIaZxyWlWLuzyuJV2G5fIXm1Da2E/edit?usp=sharing>
and attached: docx), and, for easier reading, a draft of the Bylaws with
the suggested changes incorporated (attached: pdf). The revision features
some language updates to the document (e.g., referencing the LNO instead of
the NCO), but the main difference is a change in the way that the IMC
elects IMExec positions. Currently, IMExec members and the IMExec chair or
co-chair(s) are elected separately and independently. IMExec is proposing
instead that the IMC elect only IMExec members and allow IMExec to self
identify a chair or co-chairs. IMExec feels that this change will simplify
IMC elections and, critically, provide IMExec needed flexibility to
accommodate membership turnover, particularly in years where turnover is
high, as is the case currently. This change would also more accurately
reflect the way that IMExec operates currently since many of its original
duties and functions are now provided by EDI, a change that is also
coincident with the reduction in IMExec membership from seven to five when
the Bylaws were last modified.

IMExec welcomes input on the proposed changes, and invites you to please
share any comments with IMExec by email (imexec at lternet.edu) before the
next meeting of the IMExec on May 19. If sentiment is generally in favor of
the proposed changes, IMExec will put ratification of the changes to an
electronic vote ahead of the vote for new IMExec members (see below for
more on that).

# IMExec positions

Tim Whiteaker (BLE) has agreed graciously to extend his term on IMExec for
an additional year to help maintain continuity between the current IMExec
membership and new members to be elected this year. As such, if the
aforementioned proposed changes to the Bylaws are ratified, there will be
three open IMExec positions on this year's ballot. Please consider
nominating yourself to serve on IMExec. Contributing to IMExec is a great
way to learn about the Network and policies around data, the people are
wonderful, and, of course, this is a volunteer organization that only works
if members contribute. Please write to IMExec to confirm your interest to
be included on the ballot. We will hold an electronic vote to elect new
members to IMExec after the vote on the aforementioned proposed changes to
the Bylaws and ahead of the annual meeting of the IMC (see below for more
on that). In the event that the proposed changes to the Bylaws are not
ratified, we will hold separate elections for IMExec members (1-2) and
IMExec chair(s)(1-2).

# Databits editors

Databits <https://lternet.edu/tag/databits/>, the IMC newsletter,
transitioned this year into a more flexible blog-like rollout of articles.
We thank John Porter and An Nguyen for their leadership as Databits
editors, and seek those interested in being editors for the coming year.
Please write to IMExec to confirm your interest in being a Databits editor.
We will hold an electronic vote to elect the new editor ahead of the annual
meeting of the IMC.

# annual IMC meeting

In light of still lingering challenges presented by Covid, the annual
meeting of the IMC will again be virtual: please mark your calendars for
September 13. IMExec is planning a roughly all-day meeting with extended
breaks, featuring a morning business meeting; a workshop to train
Information Managers how to manage data for the new ClimDB harmonized
format; and closing with an optional happy hour.

# ESIP summer meeting

IMExec is very pleased to announce that, once again, we are able to cover
the registration fee for one IM representative from each LTER site to
participate in ESIP's 2021 virtual summer meeting (July 19-23). IMExec will
provide registration instructions to those who have expressed interest to
attend on the attending page of the annual meeting organizing document
<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SzLiSEf8QFxYPPqSQxdX9M6vQSlaWwYzA8dkUJmEPGY/edit#gid=1666857335>.
Please contact IMExec if the site representative interested to attend is
not listed.


IMExec thanks you for consideration, and encourages you to please reach out
to us (on these items or otherwise).


Sincerely,
Stevan on behalf of IMExec

-- 
*Stevan Earl*
Information Manager, Central Arizona–Phoenix LTER
Data Manager, Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation
P.O. Box 875402 | Tempe, Arizona | 85287-5402
PH: 480-965-1851 | Main: 480-965-2975
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