[NA-Discuss] ALAC Review Draft is published

[Evan Leibovitch]

Well, folks, here it is.

Summary of recommendations:
http://icann.org/reviews/alac/alac-draft-summary-recommendations-13jun08.pdf

Full report:
http://icann.org/reviews/alac/alac-independent-review-final-draft-13jun08.pdf

Highlights:

    * Create two new ALAC positions, appointed by the Nominating
      Committee, both from Asia, to reflect that region's increased
      proportion of global Internet users
    * No other structural changes to ALAC composition
    * Give the existing structure a chance to work, but review the
      effectiveness of the RALO/ALS structure at the next ALAC review
    * Status quo regarding Board representation -- liaison with no vote
    * ALAC should establish an annual Statement of Intent as well as
      Strategic and Operational Plans
    * Increase in dedicated staff to one person per region
    * Increase the public comment period to allow ALAC more time to
      adequately respond to issues
    * More effective use of web-based tools to increase user
      participation; specifically, preference of wikis over mailing lists
    * Staff control over said web-based tools
    * Regular ALS compliance reviews

There will be a workshop on the ALAC review held in the Paris meeting,
and four people (Robert, Beau, Darlene and myself) will be representing
NARALO there. While Wendy and Alan are not specifically there to
represent us, they can still help advance our region's view.

Comments -- especially specific "deal-breaking" issues -- are not only
welcomed, they're _needed_ for us to play our role in shaping the future
of ALAC. I urge you to read the report -- at very least the summary --
and at least understand the rationale for their recommendations before
you state your case against them. :-)

Please... even if you do not contribute regularly here, this is one of
those pivotal times when we really do need to hear from everyone. Love
it, hate it, mixed or neutral, we need your feedback this week!

- Evan