[chapter-delegates] next steps after the board meeting

[James M Galvin]

Dear Chapter Members,

As you know, the ISOC Board met this past Friday and Saturday and they
discussed, in addition to other matters, the recent dissatisfaction that
a number of you have very strongly expressed regarding the new paid
individual membership level.  Historically, especially in recent years,
the Board has strongly held the position that there should be a paid
membership level and that this should be a vehicle through which
individual members could have a direct vote in ISOC Trustee elections.

We summarized your criticism as the following:

1. that a paid membership level was in direct conflict with the ethos
   that the "Internet is for everyone"

2. that the payment level is a barrier to full opportunity around the
   world for people to participate

3. that we failed to seek your input for this decision

Perhaps most importantly, we directed them to review the archive so they
could review what you had to say in your own words.  We ended our
presentation by asking if they still wanted a paid membership level
whose members would be eligible for a direct vote in Trustee elections.

It has already been reported that the Board position was clear.  They
took no formal action, thus leaving the decisions of the past 3 years in
place.

This means two things.  First, a paid membership program will continue
and that such paid members will be eligible to vote in a direct election
of Trustees.  As previously noted in Board meeting summaries, this level
of membership is an important way to give voice in ISOC governance to
all individual members.  Second, and this is where we need your help, we
can work with you to change other elements of the program to respond to
your concerns.

We recognize that some of you find the level itself objectionable and we
regret that.  We hope that you will nevertheless remain committed
members of ISOC and lend your considerable talents to the important and
plentiful work that ISOC has in front of it.  Should you choose not to
do so we express our sincere thanks for the efforts and passion you have
given to ISOC heretofore.

As for making changes, there are two substantive issues we heard from
you.

a. Change the nomenclature from "Associate Member" and "Member" to
   something else.

b. Change the single $75 USD level to something else.

We have two questions for you.  First, are there other issues we missed
that you believe we should consider?  If there are, please send them to
the list and please also include alternative suggestions.  In fact, the
second question is what alternatives would you suggest for the two
issues indicated above?

We will acknowledge all suggestions sent to the list, on the list.  If
there is more to say about specific suggestions we will do that too.  As
we review the suggestions we will keep you informed as to what we
believe will work and why we believe other suggestions are
inappropriate.

Thank you, for your comments and your continued participation in ISOC.

Jim Galvin
David McAuley