[Chapter-delegates] Role of chapters

[Narelle Clark President ISOC-AU]

On Wed, October 2, 2013 1:26 am, Veni Markovski wrote:
> I believe that Elver may have impressed himself not quite precisely, and
> wouldn't jump to conclusions, before we hear more from him.

Agreed - and I hope I came across respectfully towards him.

> The discussion about the role of chapters is starting from zero every
> few years, when new members join this list, and that shows that not only
> there's nothing new, but the BoT has not addressed the previous
> concerns, since they keep on showing up. Perhaps some day there will be
> a positive change, and we won't have to discuss the role of chapters
> again.

We will for sure! Even if we evolve to a really strong, well aligned
model, there will always be better ways, and issues to improve on. I do
think it has improved, just more slowly than I'd hoped, and there have
been some big issues in the mix as well that have required focus: the
bigger external picture.

> My two cents: ISOC cannot exist without the chapters.
> The chapters, as independent non-profits, can exist without ISOC. In
> fact, many of them have existed before they were officially announced as
> chapters, and will continue to exist, once they stop being chapters.
> But ISOC needs the chapters to keep them legitimate, and to show to the
> world that it is a global international organization, with chapters and
> members around the globe. And last, but not least, the chapters are the
> vital connection between ISOC HQ and the national governments, business,
> non profits and civil society - all of which help ISOC keep the .org
> through the PIR.

I agree. I would also supplement this view with the one that both chapters
and ISOC as a whole are strengthened by each others' existence. Many times
over I have pointed to the bigger ISOC when I speak to politicians,
regulators and other parts of the internet ecosystem within my country.
The fact that I can point to someone working on the same issues in another
country and be supported by some solid policy development compiled by
staff of ISOC is tremendous. Also, meeting government representatives at
IETF, facilitated by ISOC counts heavily if you end up in a more complex
dialogue down the track. These things help trade and development between
our nations.

We *could* all be loosely affiliated independent organisations scattered
across the world, but together we make a truly vital voice. I now have
brothers and sisters in places I only dreamt of before, and so does my
family. [Yes, Alejandro, my daughter still has that Mexican flag you gave
her on her wall!]

Many of us have made enduring friendships that have been forged through
policy development and challenging debates!


best regards


Narelle




-- 


Narelle Clark
President
Internet Society of Australia

president at isoc-au.org.au
www.isoc-au.org.au
Twitter: @ISOCAU