[Chapter-delegates] Recent Correspondence from the Cambodian Chapter

Sun Sep 29 00:44:15 PDT 2013

Dear All

Am pleased to read open and animated contributions on this subject. Indeed
Chapters especially in developing countries have and are experiencing
difficulties in chapter administration processes, that have led to some of
us think of the essence of volunteerism. As mentioned by colleagues, I
don't understand how model of Chapters administration, is supposed to
function properly in regions / countries, and yet ISOC Global most times
also deals / with individual members irr4spective of the Chapter's
hierarchy. This utterly deameans the authority and influence of local
chapters and sends a point that participating in local chapters activities
is not all necessary nor important as still access to support and help from
ISOC Global is still possible. These are some of the reasons why some
members do not care about Chapter issues.

Some of us almost gave up, after volunteering passionately so much, using
our own resources to advance the Society's agenda on different front,
experienced surmountable difficulties,  missions and object, yet getting
getting little measurable support from ISOC.

The other issues I wish to mention is

There is a saying that life begins @ 40, having attained work eexperience
as professionalism on any field. In fact its these professional that share
their knowledge to help in mentoring and guiding upcoming young aspiring
experts. But at ISOC when it comes to opportunities, preference is given to
under 40. this is very demoralizing and has sincerely made most people who
would have otherwise contributed, stay aside, seeing no reason since at the
end of the day, he/she will be locked out of most existing opportunities
defined by ISOC. I had supported this idea but after thoroughly analysing
it, I think its not progressive and fair, and has somehow contributed to
low number voluntary membership.

On this I strongly support Elver Loho position and comments, among others.
These issues need to addressed comprehensively.

Regards
Charles

An example

Elver Loho elver.loho at gmail.com
via<http://support.google.com/mail/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1311182&ctx=mail>
 elists.isoc.org
Sep 25 (4 days ago)

  Hi all,

I haven't kept up with this email list, but from what I can gather the
Cambodian Chapter wants to disassociate from ISOC due to lack of
direct financial support for the basic running and operation of the
Chapter.

I do not speak for my Chapter here, but personally I wholeheartedly
support this gesture. If this happens, then maybe, just maybe, ISOC
senior staff will start taking the issue of providing support for
Chapters around the world seriously.

Right now Chapters seem to exist more as a way for ISOC HQ to show
that they have support and members around the world. We're all
providing a sort of legitimacy for the people at the HQ. Do we get
something back for this? Sort of. I mean, maybe. To some degree.
Though here in Estonia very few people have heard of the Internet
Society while our own local language brand carries a lot of weight.
Your situation may be different.

Meanwhile we're battling with basic organizational issues, because we
can't even afford to keep up basic maintenance. At times we're even
unable to reply to government's requests for comments on pending
legislation, because we all have regular jobs or businesses to run.
This has to end. If what it takes is for one or more Chapters to
secede from the union, then so be it. If the Cambodian Chapter goes
through with this, I'm willing to put the question of secession up for
debate in our own Chapter.

I urge other Chapter leaders to consider the same.

Best,
Elver
.ee

On Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 8:25 PM, Ted Mooney <mooney at isoc.org> wrote:

>  To all Chapter Delegates
>
>  ISOC Staff and, in particular, Membership and Services,  are saddened by
> the recent decision and communication from the Cambodian Chapter regarding
> their desire to dissociate from the Internet Society for administrative and
> other support concerns.  I believe, however, there has been an unfortunate
> miscommunication.  The Chapter Development and APAC staff  have reached out
> to the Cambodian Chapter on numerous occasions.  As many of you know, our
> Chapter Development team has worked with other chapters to help address
> issues nearly identical to what the Cambodian Chapter is experiencing.  Our
> offer of collaboration remains.
>
>  The issue of the lack of direct financial transfers is currently not
> among the solutions the Internet Society can offer.  There are,
> nevertheless many other avenues to address the administrative support of
> the Chapter, which are both local and long term.  Indeed Staff are working
> with Chapter volunteers and have convened a new Chapter Administrative
> Support Working Group to address this issue broadly.  We hope the Cambodian
> Chapter will reassess their position and re-engage with ISOC staff as soon
> as possible.  Our Chapter Development staff will reach out once again to
> the Cambodian Chapter officers.
>
>  Best regards,
>
>  Ted
>  Ted Mooney
> Senior Director, Membership & Services
> The Internet Society
> 1775 Wiehle Avenue
> Reston, VA 20190 USA
> Office: +1 703-439-2774
> Cell: +1 301-980-6446
> eMail: mooney at isoc.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> As an Internet Society Chapter Officer you are automatically subscribed
> to this list, which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society
> Chapter Portal (AMS): https://portal.isoc.org
>

-- 
Charles Oloo
WEBMASTER
Tel: +254 721 909757
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