Introduction

This is the LACRALO SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) table prepared by the LACRALO Strategic Planning WG - draft by Dev Anand Teelucksingh and Alejandro Pisanty

Strengths ALS in 17 countries in LAC region Level of expertise; middle Parliamentary experience of part of the members	Weaknesses Subregional divisions Language barrier to participate in ALAC / At-Large WGs which work in English Language barrier makes it difficult for ALSes in LA (predominately Spanish) and Caribbean (predominately English) to understand each other and thus colloborate Politics - groups in LACRALO compete for LACRALO Representatives. Groups can mobilise ALSes to vote in elections but not in ICANN policy development Different perspectives in how LACRALO should be administered ("sovereign") Individuals can only participate as observers (AP: I don't see this as a weakness) Lack of expertise (in knowledge of ICANN, substantive Internet issues, security, Internet Governance, IP addressing and underlying technology) Lack of parliamentary experience of part of the members A history of unresolved internal conflict, embodied particularly in the still unresolved General Assembly which was closed but left issues without making progress in them Complexity of rules Lack of deep knowledge of the applicable rulesets (Bylaws and others) Limited linkage of members (as individuals and organizations) to substantive ICANN issues Leadership failures Insufficient/deficient management of conflict of interest and transparency Insistent formation of sub-regional "caucuses" despite protestations to the contrary Older members, more experienced and trained, do not cooperate
Opportunities Need for At-Large representation in all 33 Countries in LAC region End users from a diverse range of countries with respect to history, language, culture, population size could bring unique perspectives into ICANN activities ICANN program towards geographical diversification (e.g. regional strategic plan, see below) Fadi Chehade's discourse towards more, and more effective, participation ALAC's increased standing under Olivier Crepin-Leblond's leadership Regional strategic plan for LAC region making progress (will soon become a threat if LACRALO doesn't adjust on time) Increasing interest in Internet Governance at government level (this is also a threat)	Threats Dissolution of LACRALO or at least severe questioning by third parties ALSes/individuals frustrated by the politics become disenfranchised with LACRALO and stop participating in LACRALO Perception by third parties of LACRALO as an improductive, problematic, and/or benefit-seeking organizations Need of ICANN to make budgets lean and require justification for spending which LACRALO may not be able to provide sufficiently Growth of visibility, influence and impact of NCSG, NPOC, and other groupings which compete for legitimacy, representation, attention space, participation in decision-making, budget, and seats in the governing bodies Questioning of the legitimacy and effectiveness of LACRALO and its members Lack of interest for the region in active ICANN processes (new gTLDs, IDNs, DNSSEC, Stability, Security and Resilience of the DNS, SSAC) Resistance against "US-based Internet Governance" Increasing interest in Internet Governance at government and intergovernmental level (this is also an opportunity)