[Chapter-delegates] Chaper Delegates - ISOC is funing IGF

[Veni Markovski]

At 01:25 PM 14.2.2006 '?.'ЪЪ┬Ж  -0500, Carlos Vera Q wrote:
>Dear all:
>
>My concern is that people who evaluate projects 
>for funding seem not having time to understand 
>the proposed projects or proponents do not 
>understand the concept of evaluators for projects.

Carlos,
I was there during the first round of projects. I 
can asure you that the review of all applications was done seriously.

>We strongly believe in one project when propose it.

I am sure we all do - otherwise why suggest it??

>Most of the times we see the same or similar 
>project that seems to work when proposed for one 
>chapter-country and seems not to work (in 
>evaluator mind) when proposed for less 
>developing chapters from less developing countries.

Actually developing countries are not only always 
on my mind. I am coming from such a country, and 
I am ready to give up many things to bridge the 
digital divide. I think you should have more 
trust in the Trustees we, the chapters, elect.

>For most of us is almost impossible participate 
>in events or international meetings because of 
>lack of funds..and this increase our gap between 
>members or with others members. All our work is 
>on line, from our room or closet.

Believe me, I've been working the first few years 
in a basement, with a $ 1500, which me and my 
partner borrowed... I know what it is, and I am 
sure other Trustees also know that. Fred Baker 
for example is doing lots of work in Africa.

>Funds should be used to empower chapters to 
>create virtuoso circles. Is not a mystery that a 
>good proposal is better if you have friends 
>inside evaluation teams. So a good opportunity 
>comes if you meet people and share experiences with them.

Frankly speaking, it's difficult to decide which 
proposals should be granted with funding, and 
which should not. In some cases it's a great 
idea, but not so good proposal. In others, it may 
be the opposite. The committee was trying to find 
the balance, and judge them on both principles - great ideas, good planning.
by the way, ISOC-Bulgaria was working in the 
first 8 (eight) years with no funding from 
anyone, until we got the first UNDP grant. But 
you are right, it requires a lot of work. And it 
took us 8 years. I don't want to discourage you, 
on the contrary - keep up the good spirit, and never give up!

What every chapter is doing for the good of the 
Internet, in their respected lands and teritories, is great!

veni