About us page - Letter from the Executive Director

[drubgrubby]

Overview

The about us page needs the text for the Letter From the Executive Directory for the first section of the page.

Action Items

• Write the Letter From the Executive Director

Resources/Instructions

https://www.hackforla.org/about-us
draft

https://github.com/hackforla/website/blob/gh-pages/_includes/about-page/about-card-executive-letter.html
https://github.com/hackforla/website/blob/gh-pages/pages/about.html

[mcspach]

Update from Bonnie at team meeting -
I have put a pause of writing the letter because the About page is not ready to launch and the content of the letter will change based on the publish date.

[drubgrubby]

@ExperimentsInHonesty - Dependencies have been resolved. We're a hair's breadth away from launching this, so whenever you want to send over the letter we can display it proudly on the about page.

[ExperimentsInHonesty]

Format

executive_letter: |

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  gigabit_ocr += 3 + fullBotnetIcmp;
  if (3) {
      plain(hertz);
      on_dashboard *= 2;
  }
  if (pum_bar(icq, 5) != -5) {
      exbibyte = partition;
      mediaAix.software += mamp * dawData + memory;
      file(input(archive_node, iosKilohertzModem), menu(5, 26,
              virtual_cable_box), verticalIpBios.bridge(5, terahertz));
  }

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coloribus, cana ordine iubet pernocte namque. Quoque inploravere sic non tam
vultumque imagine geminique pendere vagantem tibi!

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Priscum terga cum armis in induruit est humum texit cum illud Corythi interea
recessu. Eget saevit inreprehensa magis hastam aut sequeretur volatu per
querellas!

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3. Celebrabant mora et ipsa quae adverso
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5. Aliquid erat violem

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crura! Sanguine est ripis, ignis solo at inpune semihomines advena corpora ante
novat?

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5. Dic iuvenis Troiae quibus montes iuvencos cani
6. Cernit tectaque ingens nuribus

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puniceo, cum artem quercum arator. Antra iactatis dolores, votique placebant
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benefacta. Copia geminis illo, ventis calido.

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cum misit creberrima, solita tibi consumptis canoro?
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Capitolia, deae tristis consulit Mutinae es vota diu laqueo palus; tristis, cum.
Opus haec divus, fortunam es tellure plumas.

[ExperimentsInHonesty]

what to cover:
The pandemic
The move to zoom
The growth of hack for LA
continue to be radically inclusive
Communities of Practice
Workforce development
Success of our organization is dependent on the success of our volunteers
Ages 8-70
embracing changes and cycles
help us achieve sustainability by clicking on the join page and contributing in the way that fits best for you.

I have wanted to write you for a while. First it was the pandemic, and then well everything else. Every time I was about to write, there was something new that needed all hands on deck at Hack for LA. And while we have accomplished so much, there is still so much left to do. So I could put off this letter again, but I want to connect with you, to tell you about the last year and a half. Because the transformation of this civic tech organization is nothing short of astounding and is an important part of the seismic shifts we are seeing in the world around us.

For those of you who don't know our history, Hack for LA started in 20XX as a Hack-a-Thon, and transitioned into a Hack night, that grew into three hacknights. And in the first months of 2019 we had started the process to turn the organization into a hybrid in person/remote organization. What drove us to start going remote before anyone was talking about the pandemic? Blame it on our long Los Angeles commutes, or the desire for our volunteers to work with their project teams more than once a week, or the need to accommodate alternate meeting times. But when the pandemic came we already had a model and knew what the challenges were.

We moved all teams on active projects to remote only, and encouraged the teams to spread out their meetings to every night of the week, so that senior members could help many projects instead of just one. This worked to help us expand and now we have 20+ projects and initiatives. The website can't even keep up with publishing and promoting them. We now have 150 team meetings a month!

We built Communities of Practice to connect people across projects and

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using this template (even if you have a pull request)

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2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
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4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures: "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) ask for help at a Tuesday or Sunday meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

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[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using this template (even if you have a pull request)

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures: "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) ask for help at a Tuesday or Sunday meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

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Note: This comment was created as part of a GitHub Action during its trial phase. If you find this GitHub Action to be disruptive/unhelpful, or if you believe there might be a bug, please leave a comment on this issue. All feedback will be used to further improve it. Thank you for your time.

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using this template (even if you have a pull request)

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures: "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

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[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using this template (even if you have a pull request)

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures: "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

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[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using this template (even if you have a pull request)

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
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5. Pictures: "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 12:02 AM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
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If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

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[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
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3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
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If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

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[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, December 26, 2022 at 11:15 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, January 2, 2023 at 11:15 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, January 9, 2023 at 11:16 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11:16 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, January 23, 2023 at 11:16 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, January 30, 2023 at 11:17 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, February 6, 2023 at 11:17 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the 'To Update !' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, February 13, 2023 at 11:17 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the '2 weeks inactive' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, February 20, 2023 at 11:17 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the '2 weeks inactive' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, February 27, 2023 at 11:17 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the '2 weeks inactive' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Monday, March 6, 2023 at 11:17 PM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the '2 weeks inactive' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 12:16 AM PST.}

[github-actions]

@ExperimentsInHonesty

Please add update using the below template (even if you have a pull request). Afterwards, remove the '2 weeks inactive' label and add the 'Status: Updated' label.

1. Progress: "What is the current status of your project? What have you completed and what is left to do?"
2. Blockers: "Difficulties or errors encountered."
3. Availability: "How much time will you have this week to work on this issue?"
4. ETA: "When do you expect this issue to be completed?"
5. Pictures (optional): "Add any pictures of the visual changes made to the site so far."

If you need help, be sure to either: 1) place your issue in the developer meeting discussion column and ask for help at your next meeting, 2) put a "Status: Help Wanted" label on your issue and pull request, or 3) put up a request for assistance on the #hfla-site channel.

_{You are receiving this comment because your last comment was before Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 12:15 AM PST.}

[njackman-2344]

Availability: Sunday 3-7pm, Monday 9/18 10am-12pm, Friday 9/22 12pm-5pm PST, Tuesday 9/26 3pm -8pm PST

ETA: Friday 9/29 EOD

[njackman-2344]

Please feel free to give me a ton of notes for the letter. I tried to incorporate the above. I can add any current topics as well as the desired formatting. @ExperimentsInHonesty

Here's the first draft:

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits.

We wanted to take a moment to reflect on our journey, our accomplishments, and the path forward for Hack for LA.
I have wanted to write you for a while. First it was the pandemic, and then well everything else. Every time I was about to write, there was something new that needed all hands on deck at Hack for LA. While we have accomplished so much, there is still so much left to do. So I could put off this letter again, but I want to connect with you, to tell you about the last couple years. The transformation of this civic tech organization is nothing short of astounding.

For those of you who don't know our history, Hack for LA started in 20XX as a Hack-a-Thon, and transitioned into a Hack night, that grew into three hack-nights. (code for America?) And in the first months of 2019 we had started the process to turn the organization into a hybrid in person/remote organization.

The Pandemic:
It was a stressful time but we were ready for the logistical challenges. What drove us to start going remote before anyone was talking about the pandemic? Blame it on our long Los Angeles commutes, or the desire for our volunteers to work with their project teams more than once a week, or the need to accommodate alternate meeting times. We already had a model and knew what the challenges were. We moved all teams on active projects to remote only, and encouraged the teams to spread out their meetings to every night of the week, so that senior members could help many projects instead of just one.

Growth:
The growth of Hack for LA has been nothing short of remarkable. Our community of tech enthusiasts, data scientists, and problem solvers has expanded exponentially. Together, we've tackled some of LAs most pressing issues and created solutions that make a real difference. We're committed to nurturing this growth and continuing to empower change-makers from all walks of life.

Radical Inclusivity:
Our commitment to radical inclusivity remains unwavering. We firmly believe that innovation thrives when diverse voices come together. Whether you're 8 or 70, a seasoned expert or a curious beginner, there's a place for you here. Our doors are open to all who share our passion for positive change.

Communities of Practice:
Our communities of practice have become hubs of creativity and collaboration. These groups have allowed us to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, fostering expertise and innovation. This worked to help us expand and now we have 20+ projects and initiatives including 311Data, Food Oasis, and so many more. The website can't even keep up with publishing and promoting them. We now have 150 team meetings a month!

Workforce Development:
One of our core goals is to support workforce development. We believe that investing in the skills and talents of our community members is essential for a brighter future. Together, we can provide opportunities for growth, mentorship, and skill-building that benefit individuals and society as a whole.

Volunteer-Powered Success:
At the heart of our organization are our incredible volunteers. The success of our agency is intricately tied to the dedication and passion of those who generously give their time and expertise. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we remain humbled and grateful.

Embracing Change and Cycles:
Change is constant, and we've learned to embrace it. We recognize that cycles of growth and transformation are part of our journey. With your continued support, we'll adapt to new challenges and seize opportunities for positive impact.

Achieving Sustainability Together:
Our sustainability depends on your support. We invite you to join us on our journey by visiting our "Join" page and contributing in a way that aligns with your strengths and interests. Every contribution, big or small, helps us further our mission.
As we look to the future, we're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we can continue to harness the power of technology and innovation to create positive change in our communities and beyond.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your unwavering support.

With gratitude and hope,
Bonnie Wolfe
Executive Director

[ExperimentsInHonesty]

@njackman-2344 This draft is awesome. I look forward to us using this when we are ready for the homepage launch. I am going to go ahead and close this issue. And make a new issue for adding it right before the launch.

Thanks again for the excellent draft.