[Chapter-delegates] [Sphere-labels] COMMENTS INVITED: Draft Affiliation Agreement between ISOC Global and ISOC {Chapter}
Sivasubramanian M
isolatedn at gmail.com
Thu Jul 1 12:46:57 PDT 2010
Sent WITHOUT the pdf attachment, as the lists appear to have a problem
with this message with the attachment.
On Thu, Jul 1, 2010 at 10:33 PM, Sivasubramanian M <isolatedn at gmail.com>wrote:
> Dear Anupam,
>
> Two years ago, when the Sphere project was launched, I was the one who
> proposed the idea of evaluating Chapters, I was the one who proposed the
> idea of devising systems to withdraw the charters in cases where a chapter
> has deviated from Isoc's mission and goals. ( see slides 10 - 12 )
>
> Yesterday's comments on the draft affiliation document also come from me.
> These comments are written based on observations and first hand experiences
> and based on the understanding that a lot of subjectivity could occur in the
> process of Chapter oversight.
>
> Isoc as an organization needs a system by which it aligns Chapters to its
> mission and programs, but plenty of caution is needed while deciding systems
> for Chapter oversight. For various reasons I strongly feel that Chapter
> oversight should be by a council of chapters and not by staff. This is to
> ensure that the oversight process does not go wrong to pave way for the
> disaffiliation of older chapters with knowledgeable community members.
>
> New Chapters are more easily managed. In a scenario where there are
> Chapters who do not ask questions and Individual members who don't even have
> a functional mailing list, the policy and positions would come from a small
> of group of individuals while the world's impression is that the policy
> evolved from a bottom up process.
>
> ICANN has a participative process to improve Institutional Confidence and
> we also need to internally initiate such an exercise to make the Isoc
> process more participative. It is far more important to ensure a
> participative structure in Isoc Governance. The first step would be to
> ensure that Chapters remain strong and independent.
>
> The discussion on the blog is closed so there would no longer be any
> discussion on these comments on the Sphere group. I hope we have a
> constructive discussion on this topic in the Chapter Delegates list.
>
> Thank you
> Sivasubramanian M
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 1, 2010 at 3:02 PM, anupam agrawal <agrawal_anupam at hotmail.com
> > wrote:
>
>> Hi Shiva,
>>
>> Glad to receive your comments. Please find my responses:
>>
>> I think there is absolute certainity that there are two parties otherwise
>> what an agreement whether affiliation or not is about. Even in marriages
>> there are two parties called Husband & Wife who take vows which is a kind of
>> agreement. Does this ritual leave anyone outside or decides who is on top or
>> to the contrary is a way to to align themselves for a common cause. I feel
>> this affiliation agreement is a step to tie the knots of ISOC Global
>> and ISOC Chapters to be aligned for the common cause which is the reason of
>> existence for both ISOC Global & ISOC Chapters. I feel we should be less
>> fuzzy on the edges so that the distance to the core is fast covered. So when
>> you say outside I find it hard to understand outside of what? There are
>> chapter representatives on the board to drive the issues and regional
>> bureaus to drive the things at operational level.
>>
>> In another point of yours over stipulation that the performance standards
>> are already there in some form or other which is correct but this agreement
>> tries to consolidate all of them together. I agree to an extent that
>> chapters should be notified in decisions which happens with respect to
>> community grants or travel fellowhips but two things ; What will chapter do
>> with that notification and secondly how are the chapters positioned to
>> comment on somebody's goodwill? I think the way out can be that there has to
>> be 1 mandatory project for all chapters. But with fund restriction and
>> taking care of the scenarion that one individual member has a good project
>> but is not aligned with the local chapter , I feel for greater good the
>> situation can continue. Besides, I have felt while applying for the
>> community grant that the scope is so wide that at times it is difficult to
>> focus on the area. There has to be some way wherein the focus is given to a
>> particular theme for a year or more funding should be brought in as this is
>> a sure shot way of chapter making an impact at local level.
>>
>> As far as policy positions are concerned , I completely agree that ISOC
>> Global when taking a view for a country should initiate discussion with the
>> chapter. This will help to keep everybody on the same page.
>>
>> This agreement in a way puts a process around which gnerates a dashboard
>> stating whether a chapter has worked or not. No staff decides but the
>> process itself says what has been achieved or not and where the corrective
>> actions are required. Now it has been endeavor of the task force to remove
>> the subjectivity of the goals and assign numbers so that action taken turns
>> the dashboard green. If you feel any performance standard is without numbers
>> or has a subjectivity attached, please bring up specifically and that should
>> be discussed / changed.
>>
>> I feel 18 months is too long and it should be shortened and instead of
>> that there can be a oversight committee.
>>
>> INstead of thinking it as a review by ISOC Global , I would like to take
>> it as a Self Review. I would like to know scenario/s wherein you feel that
>> inspite of Chapters having achieved the minimum standards, there can be
>> intrusion.
>>
>> Let's discuss on them and thrash it out. That's the purpose of this list I
>> believe.
>>
>> Regards
>> Anupam Agrawal
>> Chair
>> Kolkata Chapter
>> Cell : 990 399 2838
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 01:14:37 +0530
>> From: isolatedn at gmail.com
>> To: lord at isoc.org
>> CC: sphere-labels at elists.isoc.org
>> Subject: Re: [Sphere-labels] COMMENTS INVITED: Draft Affiliation Agreement
>> between ISOC Global and ISOC {Chapter}
>>
>>
>>
>> Dear Anne,
>>
>> Comments inlaid:
>>
>> DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT
>>
>>
>> DRAFT Affiliation Agreement
>>
>>
>> between
>>
>>
>> ISOC Global and ISOC {Chapter Name}
>>
>>
>>
>> Date of this document: 31 May 2010
>>
>> Recognizing that the successful accomplishment of our mission to “to
>> promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the
>> benefit of all people throughout the world” depends on a vibrant,
>> sustainable local-global partnership, ISOC Global and ISOC {Chapter Name}
>> have mutually developed and agree to be bound by this Affiliation Agreement.
>>
>> This agreement
>>
>> -
>>
>> is based on the fundamental premise that both parties share the same
>> vision and will work in a civil and collaborative fashion to realize that
>> vision;
>>
>>
>> Are there really two different parties here? If ISOC Global considers
>> itself as a party that considers Chapters as another party, then Chapters
>> are on the other side of the table? Outside? What is it that you call ISOC
>> Global? In what way is there a separation between what you call ISOC Global
>> and Chapters?
>> In some places this draft agreement gives the impression of a hierarchy
>> wherein Isoc Global is placed on top and Chapters placed some where below.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -
>>
>> defines the minimum performance standards for each party in the
>> relationship; and
>>
>> -
>>
>> is supplemented by the Principles of Affiliation and Chapter Policies
>> and Procedures Guide (to be written) which provides additional details
>> (referenced as necessary) regarding the minimum performance standards as
>> well as recommendations and guidance to help both parties to this agreement
>> exceed the minimum performance standards.
>>
>>
>>
>> Minimum Performance Standards
>>
>>
>> ISOC Global
>>
>> -
>>
>> Authorizes the Chapter to use the ISOC brand (name & logo)
>>
>> -
>>
>> Provides capacity-building tools and resources to the Chapter as
>> indicated in the Chapter Policies and Procedures Guide including, but not
>> limited to
>>
>> -
>>
>> Leadership development guides and training
>>
>> -
>>
>> Program development guides, training and grants
>>
>> -
>>
>> Membership recruitment & retention guides and training
>>
>> -
>>
>> Generic collateral materials and templates
>>
>> -
>>
>> Provides two-way communications channels and forums through which both
>> parties can share and distribute relevant information to each other and to
>> other chapters and foster intra-chapter collaboration
>>
>> -
>>
>> Provides a unified membership database
>>
>>
>>
>> All of the above are there already in one form or another. There is
>> nothing new. And there is nothing stipulated here that would ensure that the
>> Chapter support system would strive to improve its support standards. What
>> is missing is a stipulation to respect the role and position of chapters. At
>> present ISOC's practices of direct interaction with Chapter members (on
>> matters such as fellowship grants) happen in such a way that the existence
>> of a Chapter is completely ignored. If a Chapter Member is selected for a
>> community grant or for a travel fellowship, chapters should receive a copy
>> of the application, the support mechanism should intimate the Chapter, make
>> it a convention to involve the Chapter by way of consultations about the
>> applicant member's commitment to Isoc values and chapter programs. Chapters
>> are not consulted, nor notified so this causes a disconnect between Chapters
>> and its members.
>>
>> Same could be said of Isoc Global's agenda in the region / country where
>> the Chapter is located. Isoc Global's activities in India during the last
>> two years have happened in a manner that the Chapters were completely
>> disconnected with the programs, events and other work that Isoc did in the
>> country. Such practices cause a disconnect between Chapters and its own
>> Governments. It is almost as if Isoc Global implies that Chapters are
>> insignificant when it comes to important events and programs. It is as if
>> Chapters are kept away from Policy and policy related meetings. (Isoc's
>> policy positions are respected because it is considered as arising from
>> bottom up.)
>>
>>
>> ISOC {Chapter Name}
>>
>> -
>>
>> Starts with no fewer than 25 members and sustains an annual growth
>> rate of 1% or more averaged over a rolling three year period. The Chapter’s
>> geographic boundary shall be defined by the ISOC members who select the
>> Chapter as their preferred local connection or special interest connection
>> when they join ISOC.
>>
>> -
>>
>> Develops, maintains and adheres to governing documents as needed to
>> meet the legal requirements of the area in which the Chapter operates. These
>> documents shall
>>
>> -
>>
>> reflect and support the ISOC vision, mission and operating
>> principles;
>>
>> -
>>
>> provide for a representative governing body and a consistent,
>> transparent mechanism to ensure periodic leadership succession; and
>>
>> -
>>
>> be filed (and updated as necessary) on the ISOC Chapter Documents
>> archive.
>>
>> -
>>
>> Develops and maintains a web presence (website, listserv, etc.).
>>
>> -
>>
>> Conducts at least one mission-related activity (program/project/event)
>> per year.
>>
>> -
>>
>> Chapter to provide a brief statement of purpose and goals (see
>> Chapter Policies and Procedures Guide) to ISOC Global in advance of the
>> activity.
>>
>> -
>>
>> Chapter to provide a brief report outlining the results within 30
>> days of the conclusion of the activity.
>>
>> -
>>
>> As appropriate and relevant, share ISOC policies with local community
>> and/or media and/or legislative and/or regulatory decision-makers as
>> reflected by one or more of the following outcomes annually:
>>
>> -
>>
>> Meeting with decision-maker(s);
>>
>> -
>>
>> Mention in local media;
>>
>> -
>>
>> Testimony before decision-maker(s);
>>
>> -
>>
>> Speaking engagement at a non-ISOC event;
>>
>> -
>>
>> Consultative service to decision-maker(s);
>>
>> -
>>
>> Request for opinion from decision-maker(s);
>>
>> -
>>
>> Other: {please complete with details if this applies}
>>
>>
>>
>> All of the above appear minimal expectations, appear easy for a Chapter to
>> achieve, but happen to be stipulations that a chapter must COMPLY. Who
>> decides whether a Chapter has complied or not?
>>
>> Where there is a stipulation to be complied with, there is an evaluative
>> mechanism that rules on compliance, which determines whether a Chapter shall
>> continue or not. Who evaluates ? What is the extent of power that these
>> stipulations accord on them over the Chapters?
>>
>>
>>
>> At a minimum, all above communications shall
>>
>> -
>>
>> reflect established ISOC policy positions
>>
>> -
>>
>> adhere to the consultative procedures as defined in the Chapter
>> Policies and Procedures Guide
>>
>> -
>>
>> be reported in advance if at all possible, but no later than 30 days
>> after the activity.
>>
>> -
>>
>> Complies with the ISOC brand usage standards as defined in the Chapter
>> Policies and Procedures Guide
>>
>>
>>
>> Term/Termination
>>
>> This agreement shall commence upon ISOC Global’s acceptance of the
>> Chapter’s charter request and continue until such time as either party
>> elects to terminate the agreement per the conditions set forth below:
>>
>> The Chapter may terminate this agreement for any reason at any time by
>> providing 90 days notice to ISOC Global. Upon termination, the Chapter shall
>> fully relinquish its responsibilities, rights and privileges as defined
>> above and in the Chapter Policies and Procedures Guide.
>>
>> ISOC may terminate this agreement if the Chapter fails to meet the minimum
>> performance standards as defined above (all must be met) on the following
>> schedule:
>>
>>
>> -
>>
>> 6 months – a preliminary notice of non-compliance shall be provided
>> detailing changes required.
>>
>>
>> Here again there is a question of who decides whether the Chapter's
>> corrective efforts are satisfactory.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -
>>
>> 1 year – a formal notice indicating that the affiliation agreement
>> will be terminated if compliance is not achieved within six months.
>>
>>
>> In India we have banking law that empowers a bank to appropriate a
>> mortgaged property. This law brings in place a process that is beyond normal
>> legal purview, a process of notice - objection - reply - take down. The Bank
>> notifies the client that it will attach a property within 30 days. By this
>> special banking law, the Client has a right to object. He objects, for
>> instance, by pointing out that the banks accounts are wrong, its claim is
>> misleading or that the bank has skipped certain normal processes that it
>> ought not to have skipped before issuing a notice. It is now the bank's turn
>> to reply. It replies. It takes down. So simple, because the requirement is
>> that the bank has to reply to an objection, NOT satisfactorily and fittingly
>> respond to an objection. So the bank says in one line, "thank you for your
>> views, your observations are wrong", which makes it eligible for the bank to
>> proceed to the next step of taking down. It now has appropriated the
>> property.
>>
>> If this abnormal process appear rare, it is not. To a lesser degree such a
>> process applies to any situation of a predetermined course of action by
>> Authority. If it is predetermined that a chapter must go, for some reason,
>> the review process would proceed for 18 months and at the end of 18 months
>> could result in the predetermined termination irrespective of the efforts by
>> the Chapter to make good its shortcomings.
>>
>> -
>>
>> 18 months – a formal notice that the affiliation agreement has been
>> terminated and that the chapter must fully relinquish its responsibilities,
>> rights and privileges as defined above and in the Chapter Policies and
>> Procedures Guide.
>>
>>
>> So this must be defined as a process with a minimum time span of 18
>> months. If there are complaints and challenges during the process, then the
>> process should be allowed to stretch beyond 18 months, if that is what it
>> takes.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Throughout this period, ISOC Global will make a good faith effort to help
>> the chapter fulfill its obligations under the agreement.
>>
>>
>> Here Chapters need to specify that ISOC Global shall NOT designate
>> excessive powers to the overseeing staff to interfere in the management of
>> the Chapter during the review period.
>>
>> Coming back to the questions "What is it that you call ISOC Global? In
>> what way is there a separation between what you call ISOC Global and
>> Chapters?" we must bear in mind that ISOC *is* Chapters + Individual Members
>> + Organizational Members. Board of Trustees are elected by Chapters and
>> Organizational Members. Staff is appointed by the Board of Trustees. So in
>> an indirect way Staff members are appointed by Chapters and Organizational
>> Members.
>>
>> At some future point, some future Regional bureaus and some future support
>> staff may lose sight of the fact that they are hired to support Chapters and
>> may begin to 'rule' Chapters, if Chapters concede powers to Staff to oversee
>> compliance of these new 'requirements'. That would reverse the position of
>> Chapters in ISOC.
>>
>> If Chapters become subservient to non-Chapter oversight, the role of
>> Chapters would get diminished. So it is important to ensure that Chapter
>> oversight is a function of a council of Chapters, not Regional Bureaus.
>>
>>
>> Sivasubramanian M
>> President
>> Isoc India Chennai.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 7, 2010 at 10:12 AM, Anne Lord <lord at isoc.org> wrote:
>>
>> Dear Colleagues,
>>
>> As you know, work has been underway since late last year to revise the
>> Policy framework for ISOC Global and ISOC Chapters. Many of you have
>> contributed to this work by joining one or more conference calls. A task
>> force was assembled early in February with the purpose of drafting up an
>> Affiliation Agreement. All members of the task force were present at the
>> face to face meeting (despite volcanic ash!). The task force is pleased to
>> announce that :
>>
>> COMMENTS ARE INVITED - DRAFT AFFILIATION AGREEMENT
>> A draft Affiliation Agreement between ISOC Global and ISOC {Chapter} is
>> now available for comment on the blog (you need to login to post) or post
>> your comments on this list at:
>> http://wiki.chapters.isoc.org/tiki-view_blog.php?blogId=5
>>
>> The deadline for comments is: 30th June 2010
>>
>> The Draft Affiliation Agreement builds on earlier work by the Sphere
>> Labels group with the draft "Principles of Affiliation" document at:
>>
>> http://wiki.chapters.isoc.org/tiki-view_blog.php?blogId=3
>>
>> Thanks to all members of the Sphere Labels for their support and
>> participation in this work to date. We look forward to your continued
>> participation and to receiving your feedback.
>>
>> Best wishes
>>
>>
>> Anne (on behalf of the Sphere Labels task force)
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>> Anne Lord, Senior Manager <lord at isoc.org>
>> Chapter & Individual Memberships http://www.isoc.org
>> Internet Society (ISOC) "The Internet is for everyone"
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Sphere-labels mailing list
>> Sphere-labels at elists.isoc.org
>> https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/listinfo/sphere-labels
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________ Sphere-labels mailing list
>> Sphere-labels at elists.isoc.org
>> https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/listinfo/sphere-labels
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Sphere-labels mailing list
>> Sphere-labels at elists.isoc.org
>> https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/listinfo/sphere-labels
>>
>>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/private/chapter-delegates/attachments/20100702/f872b9f1/attachment.htm>
More information about the Chapter-delegates
mailing list