[ALAC] Discussion on ALS Criteria and Expectations

[Alan Greenberg]

We have a full hour set aside in Singapore for the start of the 
discussion on ALS criteria and expectations. Although that sounds 
like a lot of time, if all 30 or so of us participate, that is only 2 
minutes each! Staff, particularly those that interact with RALOs, 
ALSes and ALS applicants are welcome to participate.

So it would be useful if we all got our thoughts organized before the meeting.

I would prefer no to direct the discussion too much, but here are 
some thoughts on what I see as wrong with our current situation (in 
no particular order) and some thoughts for the future:

- We have too many ALSes where there is really only one person who 
cares about or focuses on ICANN issues. Often that person is a 
leading contributor, but it is unclear what the rest of the ALS 
contributes, or even to what extent the rest of the ALS is even aware of ICANN.

- In the above case, where there is good worker, we do not want to 
lose that person

- In the above case where there is no one who contributes regularly 
(but there may be a person who is willing to travel at our expense) 
do we want them?

- We have some ALSes where there is not only 1 person active in 
ICANN, but there is evidence that there is only 1 or few people 
involved in it at all. Should there be a minimum number to be an ALS?

- We need to more greatly engage people who have an interest in 
general Internet governance, and in issues that go outside of ICANN's 
purview. Fadi has said that he will support this, but I have a hard 
time understanding how we should so this, and how we should support 
them (and vice-versa).

- What do want a "good" ALS to do? Have a web site that points to 
ICANN and selected ICANN pages? Redistribute some messages, and if so 
which ones (do we have to create such messages for this purpose)?

- Are there other models that we can learn from where remote groups 
are kept engaged? ICANN Chapters? IEEE Chapters?

- What should we be looking for in ALS applicants to better recognize 
a good candidate? Evidence of other activities and involvement (web 
sites, paper documents)? References?

- Provisional or Conditional ALS status for the first period (year?)?

- Periodic reports from ALSes?

- Given the problems with ALSes, how do we want to boost the concept 
of individual members to better serve At-Large?

Are there any major aspects that I have missed?

Alan













What we need coming out of this process is: