Earlier today, GetUp’s National Director Simon Sheikh announced that he intends to step down from the helm of social activist group GetUp. In a letter on GetUp’s campaign blog, Sheikh spoke of his fondest memories from his time and announced his succession by Deputy National Director, Sam McLean. An edited extract appears below:
Dear friends,
I wanted to let you know that I have decided the time is right to step down as National Director. Of course, GetUp will continue its work, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
When I first took on this role in September 2008, many were still wondering whether this movement of ordinary people could continue to make a difference, or whether it would invariably prove a momentary trend; a flash in the political landscape.
Over the years you have proven that this movement of everyday Australians has the capacity to take on and win tough fights and strengthen democracy in the process.
I’ve suspected for a while now that it’s time in my own life for a change of pace. So while I’m fortunate to be back in good health, my next plan is to pack up the car and head out to see more of this remarkable country with my wife Anna, who has offered me so much support during my time at GetUp. After all, there are plenty of extraordinary places our movement has worked hard to protect. Now I’m personally keen to spend some time enjoying them!
GetUp is not, and never will be, the achievement of its small group of staff. It is the alchemy of many people becoming more than the sum of its parts: people united by common values, committed not just to reading the news, but to changing it.
I’m not going anywhere just yet; I’ll stick around for a while to ensure a smooth transition. But I wanted to make sure you heard this news from me first. And I wanted to take this chance to pay tribute to you – to thank you for all that you are, and all that you do
Here’s to tomorrow,
Simon
It would seem Sophie Mirabella’s multifarious memes got what they always wanted. Specifically this one:
That’s not all Sheikh will be remembered for. There was the brilliant ‘It’s time’ ad for marriage equality, an all-star play staged on the same issue, help to combat issues of Katter-related discrimination and a campaign to have the same issue force fed to Prime Minister Gillard at a GetUp sponsored dinner at the Lodge. That’s all great, granted, but this will probably remain his lasting legacy – on the internet anyway.
