[Chapter-delegates] URGENT Call for ACTION re: INET Washington DC

[Paul Brigner]

Dear Friends,

 

The DC INET is happening this Wednesday, and while I know some concerns have
been raised (which we do learn from and appreciate), I believe it is going
to be an outstanding event for which we can all be proud.  My concern,
however, is that it is not enough.  If there were ever a time when the ISOC
community needed to be unified and strong, it is now.  With all of the
recent revelations about Internet surveillance, we have a unique window of
opportunity to raise our voice and be heard around the world, but having an
audience of 125 - 150 attend the DC INET isn't going to cut it (Note that
the room holds over 400).

 

On the other hand, if we packed the room to capacity and had people waiting
at the door to get in, that would really send a message.  In fact, it would
almost certainly get headlines in political trade publications, and we could
begin to be heard in a way we haven't been before by having one gathering
after another on cybersecurity, surveillance and privacy with
standing-room-only crowds.  The SFBay Chapter is already planning such an
event for early October, and I think other ISOC bureaus and chapters have
plans for similar events.  If we do this together, I honestly think we could
have a significant influence on the global debate on these issues.

 

So here is my URGENT CALL FOR ACTION - I bet most of you know someone in DC
who is not on this list, and your social networks certainly have connections
in DC.  PLEASE help me pack the room for the INET DC by making a special
request to those individuals to come to the INET.  PLEASE explain that not
only will this be a very informative event, but that we are sending a
message to the world with our presence because these are critical issues for
the Internet's future.

 

To be very candid with you all, if we can't fill the room for this event in
the United States Capitol, It just doesn't seem like we are taking our
mission very seriously.  PLEASE demonstrate that we are, and support this
event.  Spread the word, fill the room, and show the world we are serious!!!


 

Here is the link for the INET Washington DC:
https://www.internetsociety.org/inet-washington-dc/

 

Sincerely,

Paul Brigner

North American Regional Bureau Director

Internet Society

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/private/chapter-delegates/attachments/20130720/307a6753/attachment.htm>