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**Somyrion** · 07-03-2019, 01:40 AM

Dear fellow South Pacificans,

You may know me as the Local Councillor on the Regional Message Board who tries futilely to contain our region’s crazy torture queen and her penguin accomplice. You may know me as the graphic designer and typography obsessive in the Ministry of Regional Affairs. You may know me from serving with me in the SPSF, our regional military, or from my repeated endorsements of your nation as part of the SWAN program. You may know me from #legislators-lounge on discord or from Assembly threads on the forum.

And this is precisely why, today, I am running to be our next World Assembly delegate. Because I believe I am the candidate with the most wide-ranging and thorough involvement in our region. TSP’s subcommunities and subactivities are many and varied—which is a major part of what makes us such an amazing, robust region—and I have made an effort to dedicate myself to each one of them. I am equally happy to talk to you through telegrams as in a discord channel, and equally happy to read what you have to say on the Regional Message Board as on the forums. For the delegate, who is responsible for spiritually uniting these subactivities into one greater South Pacific, I believe this dedication to the entire region is fundamentally one of the most important qualities one can have.

The First Biscuit: Endorsement Enthusiasm

Although the delegate, in most regards, should not be our region’s policy-setter (we have an entire executive branch for that!), there is one area in which the delegate must be as dynamic and forward-pushing as possible: the Southern World Assembly Initiative and the related “endorsement culture”.

I believe my endo-tarting credentials speak for themselves: I have consistently topped the list for most active and complete endorser in the region, with 100% of nations in TSP endorsed almost every day in the past month. Recently I’ve become the nation with the most endorsements in TSP outside of the Council on Regional Security and delegate. And I tart quickly:
[Image: unknown.png]

Erinor (Seraph) has set an amazingly high bar during his delegacy, endorsing nearly every new nation within hours of their joining the WA, and I will not lower this bar one bit.

I’ve been involved with the Southern World Assembly Initiative (SWAN) from near its inception, having the privilege of working with USoVietnam (and constantly being wowed by his great work and technical skills). Although I initially got involved just to make graphics for the initiative’s awards, it’s become one of my favorite things to work on and participate in in the region. As delegate, I will continue to promote SWAN, and will use the office and powers of the delegate to the utmost to advance the program through the welcome telegram, any of my telegram replies and mass communications (even those unrelated to SWAN otherwise!), the WFE and flag, and the RMB. I’d like to work with SWAN planners and the LC to hold a monthly Endorsement Day, where we’d send out a mass telegram about SWAN, change up the regional graphics to promote the initiative, and possibly hold a competition for who can get to the highest number of endorsed nations by the next game update.

Erinor (Seraph) has talked about looking to, as a long-term goal, expand SWAN into a full WA ministry somewhat like TNP’s. I’d like to continue that goal, and if not having it end up as a full ministry at least keep working constantly to expand SWAN. We’ve already come so far since just a few delegacies ago, when a WA initiative was just a figment of our imaginations. 1000 is not an impossible future.

The Second Biscuit: Safe, Secure, and Knowledgeable

Over the course of my NS life I’ve had experience in many regions, and I’ve seen many different systems. Of course, in TSP we’re a Game-Created Region, so we don’t have a founder. But in many ways, the delegate is a bit like a pseudo-founder. The delegate must embody the core of what it means to be a denizen of the region— and practice those values themselves. The delegate must promote a system for the integration of the region and must step back from the policy-making, just like a founder must do or else risk involving no one else in their region but themselves. TSP’s system is purposefully designed this way, to echo the role of a founder, because it is a fundamentally stable arrangement. I’ve been impressed by how often, in other regions, people hold up our system for the delegacy as a model of what works well. And it does! As delegate, I will adopt a “founderly” outlook on my role, invoking those principles that a benevolent founder must use in developing his or her region to guide my actions in the delegacy.

In the realm of more boots-on-the-ground matters, I have extensive Raiding/Defending military experience, and served as TSP’s Minister of Military Affairs for two terms. This military background has taught me many of the concepts and techniques that are also relevant for regional security matters (including influence, updates, endorsement details, and so on). I also served a term as Minister of Foreign Affairs, which contributed to my knowledge of the gameplay world. Outside of TSP, I was head of state of Lazarus—another Game-Created Region—and was involved in the resistance to the 2017 coup of its government and its rebuilding in 2018, both of which gave me much greater knowledge of how these kinds of crises occur and how to deal with them.

In the end, though, I trust most of all the members of the Council on Regional Security, and I will look to work with them in my capacity as delegate. They are all far more skilled and knowledgeable than I on security matters, and I could not have more faith in them.

The Third Biscuit: The RMB and Local Council

The Delegate is not only the figurehead of the whole region, but also the specific leader of TSP’s gameside, simply by virtue of “holding the keys” to the gameside, so to speak, and being that flag at the top of the region page. Because of that, I firmly believe that it is very important that the delegate work closely with the Local Council and be an active reader of the RMB.

I’ve now been a Local Councillor for two (non-consecutive) terms, and I will use that knowledge of the LC and relationship with the institution to work more closely with the incoming Councillors. Just coming off of a LC term, I feel quite connected to and aware of the LC’s processes, and I would like to continue to help the Council out with advice, continuity management, and any other assistance they request of me. This term, I set up a “LC Records” spreadsheet with code to automate the recording of RMB messages and a place to report which Councillor was “covering” those messages. I found this very useful—at least for myself!—in recording how much of the RMB I was actually reading and adding a bit of “competition” flair to see who could cover the most. With the assent of the LC, I would like to continue to use that spreadsheet or make a copy of it for myself to keep myself organized and on-track and record any moderation actions taken.

I am quite happy to say that the moderation efforts in the past LC term have been pretty successful at redirecting the RMB towards a more diverse selection of content and minimizing inappropriate roleplay (though of course we’re still working out RP snags here and there Tounge

). We’re not perfect, but the situation (‘floofgate’?) has stabilized a great deal. I will continue to push for reasonable moderation of the RMB as delegate.

The Fourth Biscuit: The World Assembly

I don’t have any radical new plans for voting in the WA, because I think our current system works well. Like Erinor (Seraph), I will vote with the majority of the region on General Assembly proposals and follow the Cabinet’s recommendation on Security Council proposals.

The WA is one of the easiest and first things new citizens see on gameside after they get through Issues. We can build on that ease of access and further raise the likelihood of people getting involved by developing some more WA-focused infrastructure onsite. To that end, when there is a controversial WA vote (especially in the GA), I’d like to pull together a dispatch of different “voices” from both TSP’s WA-knowledgeable leadership and the SC or GA community offering a couple sentences of explanation each for their position on the proposal. As delegate, I will also endeavour to write a RMB and discord post for each WA vote, bringing up the topic and asking for opinions.

The Fifth Biscuit: Approachable, Fun, and Caring

The delegate, by nature of its position and regional officer powers, has many unique responsibilities but also many unique opportunities. I will absolutely bring back Coup Tuesdays (or maybe some other day of the week this time around), a fun tradition which I never experienced in its original incarnation but I’d love to start up again. Happywide

The delegate is the first face that many a new nation sees, and therefore has to be able to promptly and enthusiastically direct people to the right place. I am highly approachable and— as I state in almost every outgoing WA telegram— my telegram (or discord) inbox is always open. Integrating the gameside with our off-site venues is a never-ending mission that I will continue to focus on as delegate.

In general, I am not planning to change much about the delegacy. Change is the job of the Assembly and Cabinet; stability is the job of the delegate.

I’ve come to care deeply about TSP over the past 2+ years I’ve been here. Even when I felt I had to take a break from the Assembly for a few months, there was no question in my mind that I was sticking around (and, indeed, I soon ended up as a LC). You all are some of my favorite people on NationStates and anywhere on the internet. Heart

As someone who’s been welcomed wholeheartedly into this community and found a home for myself, I aim to create that same welcoming, caring, nurturing, and encouraging environment for others, and will continue to do so as delegate.

The Crumbs

So that’s what to expect from an Aumeltopia delegacy. I will be positive, friendly, fun, serious (yes, I believe you can be both of these at the same time!), knowledgeable, stable, and most of all, enthusiastic. I will look up to Seraph, around to the people for whom I serve, down to my feet planted firmly in the bedrock of security and anchored by the CRS, and forward towards a bright and endorsement-filled future.

~ Aumeltopia / Somyrion

Gameside dispatch version: https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1230444

Conflicts of Interest and History Disclosure

~ Aumeltopia ~

Auphelia Wrote:Raccoons are bandits! First they steal your food . . .
and then your heart/identity!

(This post was last modified: 07-15-2019, 11:20 PM by Somyrion.)

**Rebeltopia** · 07-05-2019, 09:50 AM

Do you plan on forcing Seraph to hold the delegacy as long as the CRS will possibly let you?

"...if you're normal, the crowd will accept you. But if you're deranged, the crowd will make you their leader." - Christopher Titus
Deranged in NS since 2011

One and ONLY minion of LadyRebels
The OUTRAGEOUS CRAZY other half of LadyElysium

POSITIONS! POSITIONS, EVERYONE!!

Quotes

North Prarie · 07-05-2019, 11:07 AM

What is your opinion on the TEP saga?

Midwesterner. Political nerd. Chipotle enthusiast.
Minister of Culture of the South Pacific // Former Prime Minister

Nakari · 07-05-2019, 05:31 PM

It's often very useful for delegates to be around at game updates (12am and pm EST). WA resolutions go to vote then, and a delegate voting early in important SC resolutions can make a big difference. In addition, a delegate being able to be present at update can help them deal with security issues under the advice of the CRS. It's not strictly necessary, but it can give TSP advantage.

Are you usually around at major update (12am EST)? If yes, how often?
If no, how often would you be able to be around at major update if specifically requested?

Are you usually around at minor update (12pm EST)? If yes, how often?
If no, how often would you be able to be around at minor update if requested?

**Somyrion** · 07-05-2019, 09:56 PM

(07-05-2019, 09:50 AM)Rebeltopia Wrote: Do you plan on forcing Seraph to hold the delegacy as long as the CRS will possibly let you?

I plan on forcing Seraph to hold the delegacy as long as he will possibly let me. I'm not signed up for non-consensual delegacy-holding, but otherwise the more shark the better Tounge

(07-05-2019, 11:07 AM)North Prarie Wrote: What is your opinion on the TEP saga?

First off, it's not really a matter for the delegate to decide what our response should be. That discussion belongs in the Cabinet. That said -- personally, having witnessed pre-coup Lazarus firsthand, I'm quite concerned that TEP is sliding towards a similar situation. I see lots of similarities. I find the marsupial thing very distasteful and of questionable legality, to say the least, and to be honest TEP just looks like it's in a hot mess right now. The situation makes me glad that our laws are tight and well-written and our government is structured the way it is. I trust the Cabinet will manage the situation on our end well, and I'm hoping that if we do decide action of any kind is necessary, it is taken in concert with our allies.

(07-05-2019, 05:31 PM)Nakari Wrote: It's often very useful for delegates to be around at game updates (12am and pm EST). WA resolutions go to vote then, and a delegate voting early in important SC resolutions can make a big difference. In addition, a delegate being able to be present at update can help them deal with security issues under the advice of the CRS. It's not strictly necessary, but it can give TSP advantage.

Are you usually around at major update (12am EST)? If yes, how often?
If no, how often would you be able to be around at major update if specifically requested?

Are you usually around at minor update (12pm EST)? If yes, how often?
If no, how often would you be able to be around at minor update if requested?

Oh boy, it's like I'm applying to join the SPSF again Tounge

Major update - I hate to say it, because it's a testament to my poor sleep habits, but I'm nearly always online at major nowadays. >.> About half the time I'm on a computer and half the time I'm on mobile. If it's requested in advance I can usually be on a computer.

Minor update - During the school year, I'm never around at minor updates on weekdays, but usually (i.e. if I have nothing else that springs up at that time) I'm around for weekend minors. Requesting in advance doesn't much change those availabilities.

~ Aumeltopia ~

Auphelia Wrote:Raccoons are bandits! First they steal your food . . .
and then your heart/identity!

**Somyrion** · 07-05-2019, 11:25 PM

Added CoI/History Smile

~ Aumeltopia ~

Auphelia Wrote:Raccoons are bandits! First they steal your food . . .
and then your heart/identity!

**Amerion** · 07-06-2019, 12:08 AM

Oh, I do so appreciate it when people have good thread formatting Heart

Omega · 07-06-2019, 01:52 AM

What are your plans for how you will contribute to TSP if you are not elected?

Above all else, I hope to be a decent person.
Has Been
What's Next?

CoA: August 2016-January 2017
Minister of Foreign Affairs: October 2019-June 2020, October 2020- February 2021

(This post was last modified: 07-06-2019, 01:52 AM by Omega.)

**Somyrion** · 07-06-2019, 12:59 PM

(07-06-2019, 01:52 AM)Omega Wrote: What are your plans for how you will contribute to TSP if you are not elected?

I may run for re-election to the Local Council, because my work there doesn't quite feel finished. But I'm really not sure whether or not I'd actually want to do that yet. Beyond that, I'm going to continue diving into the MoRA dispatch organization mega-initiative with Amerion and Viet and doing graphics stuff all around for the Ministry. And, of course, I'd keep participating and promoting SWAN.

~ Aumeltopia ~

Auphelia Wrote:Raccoons are bandits! First they steal your food . . .
and then your heart/identity!

(This post was last modified: 07-06-2019, 01:01 PM by Somyrion.)

**Rebeltopia** · 07-08-2019, 09:14 AM

(07-06-2019, 12:59 PM)Somyrion Wrote:
(07-06-2019, 01:52 AM)Omega Wrote: What are your plans for how you will contribute to TSP if you are not elected?

<snip> ... I'm going to continue diving into the MoRA dispatch organization mega-initiative with Amerion and Viet and doing graphics stuff all around for the Ministry. And, of course, I'd keep participating and promoting SWAN.

Do you plan on do that anyway?

"...if you're normal, the crowd will accept you. But if you're deranged, the crowd will make you their leader." - Christopher Titus
Deranged in NS since 2011

One and ONLY minion of LadyRebels
The OUTRAGEOUS CRAZY other half of LadyElysium

POSITIONS! POSITIONS, EVERYONE!!

Quotes