[Chapter-delegates] Performance Standards, ISOC LoA

[Ted Mooney]

Norbert, 

I apologize for my delayed resonse to your many emails.

I recall that there were two provisions that we said Chapters have every right to expect and which will appear in the next version of the Letter of Affiliation 1- Standards of performance for ISOC as well as for Chapters.  These can be viewed in the latest draft Letter of Affiliation which was sent to you and all Chapter Delegates and can be view here: https://fileshare.tools.isoc.org//groups/membership/public/LoA_DRAFT_Watermark.pdf 

In addition, you will also read that "...ISOC will provide a (30) day written notice of termination, during which time the Chapter may appeal the decision to terminate" (p.3).”  When Anne Lord sent around this update she referred to DC Chapter member John More's mention of the Sierra Clubs as an example of dispute resolution.  Our communication has been clear and continued to take Chapter feedback into consideration. 

I want to assure you and all chapter leaders that these provisions you have requested will be in the next revision of the Letter of Affiliation, which will only be undertaken once the revision of the By-laws is complete.  You will recall, I'm sure, that the Letter of Affiliation was developed over 18 months with direct and concerted effort on the part of five chapter leaders and three staff.  

Regarding the by-laws, my understanding of an organization's by-laws is that they comprise a governance, not an operational structure.  As such, the by-laws should form a framework in which the operational details may be designed, reviewed, agreed, implemented and, when appropriate, changed to adopt efficiently to changing circumstances or new information.  For example, were there to be changes requested from Chapters after an initial agreement of a standard of performance, it should not require an amendment or update to the by-laws, but a more efficient and single issue operational update in, for example, a Letter of Affiliation which the by-laws may chose to reference. I hope this makes sense. 

With respect to other areas of performance that you suggest, you are in a vast and dynamic area of the world where we are interviewing many candidates for the Chapter Support position to add to the local resources..  As you know, the Chapter Support position requires not just knowledge and energy, but a steady, even disposition and the ability to balance many different and often opposing interests dispassionately, while maintaining the respect of all parties.  We want our regional chapters supported by the best resource we can find. In the meantime we are addressing literally hundreds of priorities and opportunities with limited resources. 

Every chapter has special needs, Norbert.  I agree with you that no one size fits all. It isn't possible to customize our tools and programs to each chapter individually, but we do make a considerable effort to understand and accommodate local circumstances.  

Nevertheless I do hope that in 2013 you will see more tools that can be more easily adapted and configured for local needs.  This is especially true for membership.  Is there a social media application that Cambodians access regularly?  Is it possible to reach these people not as members but as followers and rather than focus on increasing membership, focus on engaging followers in issues and projects?  If not social media, other like-minded organizations with which to partner? Your message indicates frustration with ISOCs 'global' approach, but I didn't read below what specific solutions you would recommend – other than to send money.

ISOC staff are not your adversaries, Norbert, so please do not make us out to be. We would like nothing more than for the Cambodian Chapter, and of course all chapters to have all the resources needed to focus on our mission. Other Chapters with just as few resources accomplish many things through creative actions despite their difficult context, as you indicate yourself. 

I would like us to come up with creative solutions to the issues, which we can do so long as there is a willingness to understand our individual and joint limitations and a commitment to honest, constructive communications.  

Sincerely, 

Ted

Ted Mooney

Sr. Director, Membership & Services

The Internet Society
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