[NA-Discuss] My status as a NomCom appointee on the ALAC

[Alan Greenberg]

During the recent discussion on the ALAC support of the statement on 
GNSO restructuring, I was the subject of strong criticism due to my 
actions (or lack of them) and my status as a NomCom appointee (as 
opposed to a RALO appointee). There have also been statements about 
my motivations (although I know of no mind-reading certifications 
among NARALO members). I have found these statements deeply 
offensive, both on a personal and professional level.

Since it is not the first time that this has happened, I would like 
to make things as crystal clear as I can.

I am a Nominating Committee appointee to the ALAC. That means I am a 
free agent and I am not REQUIRED to take any actions on behalf of the 
NARALO. But it says nothing about what I WILL do.

As an aside, as far as I can tell, ALAC members appointed by the 
NARALO are also not formally required to follow NARALO instruction 
(although I have no doubt that the incumbents and all future such 
appointees would act in good faith).

To the extent that there are NARALO selected ALAC members 
participating in any meeting or activity, I will assume that they 
will take any actions necessary on behalf of their RALO. If there are 
not other NA ALAC members participating and NARALO leadership is not 
already informed, I will take all reasonable actions to ensure that 
the RALO is informed and will duly pass back any reasonably formal 
NARALO opinions, requests, motions, etc. that reach me (by "formal" I 
mean that I do not commit to pass on every comment that may be made 
by someone on a mailing list).

I will not pass on documents or consult with the NARALO if the 
documents I receive or communications I have are stated to be 
confidential, or if I do not have suitable connectivity. In the 
latter case, if something is extremely urgent, I will attempt to use 
SMS if that is practical. I also reserve the right to occasionally be sick.

To the best of my knowledge, I have always followed these principles, 
and certainly did in the case of the statement on GNSO reform (and 
despite my being in Rwanda at the time and with poor connectivity, 
the lack of connectivity was not an issue - nor has it been in any 
other substantive ALAC matter over the last year+).

I would be very surprised if other NomCom appointees have 
substantially different positions, but of course I cannot speak for them.

I make no claim to being infallible, and I will no doubt mess up on 
occasion. But I hope that this puts to rest statements about ALAC 
NomCom appointees acting inappropriately.

Alan