Meeting Sumary 27 February 2008
At-Large Advisory Committee Executive Committee
Summary Minutes
Present (ALAC Ex Comm): C Langdon-Orr (Chair - APRALO), V Scartezini (Vice Chair - LACRALO)
Apologies (ALAC Ex Comm): H Diakite (Rappouteur - AFRALO), R Guerra (Vice Chair - NARALO)
ICANN Staff: N Ashton-Hart, M Langenegger
Minutes Prepared by: ICANN Staff
The Chair opened the meeting at 12:57 UTC and asked the representative of LACRALO to give an overview of the current regional issues.
Actions arising from previous meetings
V Scartezini noted that there are ongoing discussions in the LACRALO about ALS Application criteria. Specifically, she has concerns that single-person organizations could misrepresent internet-users’ concerns.
(Applause by the chair)
V Scartezini pointed out that the bylaws needed to be looked into to avoid such cases of misrepresentation in the future.
V Scartezini noted that LACRALO plans to establish a monthly teleconference starting on 26th March. The chair noted that she would welcome this step. Two RALOs already have monthly teleconferences.
RALO and ALS interaction with ALAC and ICANN Policy Process:
The chair suggested continuous maintenance and renewing of the ALS status. She noted that some of the accepted ALS would get a different assessment were they to go through the due diligence process today.
V Scartezini showed herself disappointed with the low level of input provided by the RALOs in the ICANN New Delhi meeting and suggested increased coordination and planning with regards to the Paris meeting. The RALOs need to contribute more to the ICANN policy development process.
The Staff pointed out that another At-Large staff member will start soon and will dedicate him/herself to support the RALOs in coordinating their activities.
Regional Meetings/Travel funding:
The Staff pointed out that the rules of procedure for LACRALO do not suggest that there is funding for physical annual RALO meetings. There was some confusion about this earlier in the LACRALO.
The Staff pointed out that ICANN’s policy regarding travel funding is currently under scrutiny. A decision regarding if and what ALS will get travel funding is expected later this year.
The Chair suggested an accountability and transparency framework for travel expenses for ALS. This could take the form of signing an undertaking when applying for travel support. The Staff suggested drafting a document with some further ideas regarding this.
The Chair noted that she would like to proceed with the discussion on an accountability and transparency framework for travel support in the ALAC teleconference on 11th March.
Plans for Paris Meeting:
The chair pointed out that she was extremely unsatisfied with the lack of input for the New Delhi meeting by meetings subcommittee. This problem needs to be addressed in view of the Paris Meetings. Another aspect that needs improvement is the meeting schedule.
V Scartezini noted that the RALOs should follow the meetings of the other RALOs in order to ensure better coordination of the At-Large community.
The Chair noted that she is confident that Sebastian Bachollet will be a good host of the Paris meeting, and that he would be an essential addition to the PARIS Meeting planning subcommittee,and that this time that SC should include all ALAC ExCo, EURALO Reps and others TBD.
The Chair noted that she would like to have a joint meeting with the Board of the EURALO before the Paris meeting (as we did with APRALO before New Delhi) and suggested ExCo future Meeting dates of either the 26th March or 23rd April.
Summit Agenda for 11th March ALAC Meeting:
The Chair noted that the summit meeting is now a regular standing meeting and that the next will be on 5th March at 22:00 UTC. There are other participants from the RALOs who are interested in participating.
3. Sub-Committees and Working Groups
The Chair noted that this item would be carried over to the next teleconference.
4. Other Business: Posting Limits/moderation on Mailing Lists
The chair pointed out that there has to be a balance between avoiding list fatigue and avoiding censorship. Whether this balance is secured through moderation or posting limits for Mailing List subscribers is open for discussion.
The Staff noted that he would try to find out more about the possibility of having automating posting limits and publishing user activity. There will be a draft about the technical availability of posting limits ready for the ALAC meeting on 11th March.
V Scartezini suggested limiting postings to three per subscribers per day.
The Chair noted that this limit could temporarily be lifted.
After a short recap the meeting was adjourned at 14:03 UTC.
