[Chapter-delegates] Application to form the Internet Society Chapter on Internet of Food

[John More]

Jim

I could not disagree more.

Being open minded and inclusive does not mean that we should ignore structural effectiveness. Non-geographic-based Chapters present a number of problems that would dilute the effectiveness of Chapters.  There is no reason why everything has to be shoe-horned into the Chapter structure, when there is a perfectly good alternative structure that would be particularly suited for groups to form them based on interest.

I speak from my experience with the Sierra Club and with the Industrial Areas Foundation.

John More

> On Apr 8, 2015, at 4:33 PM, James Galvin <jgalvin at afilias.info> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> On 4/2/15 3:51 PM, John More wrote:
>> Chapters strength comes from their having at their core a geographic
>> base. I would not like to dilute that.
> 
> I'm catching up on this thread and choosing to respond to this particular comment.
> 
> The discussion seems to be moving in favor of requiring Chapters to have a geographic base and creating a framework for "activities" that do not have a geographic base and calling them a "SIG" (or perhaps something else).
> 
> While I don't have any issue with the creation of SIGs if we decide they have a role, as a very long time participant in ISOC I would feel a loss from choosing to restrict chapters to geography.
> 
> The official definition of a chapter has always been that it requires a community that is committed to furthering the mission and purpose of the Internet Society.  From my perspective, the only judgement required when evaluating a chapter is to ask whether or not its purpose and scope further the goals and objectives of the Internet Society.  Yes, I know there are some other edge issues to be concerned about, e.g., we don't want duplicative chapters, but the primary point is still valid.
> 
> A chapter derives its strength from the commitment of its volunteers, and that has nothing to do with geography.
> 
> The success or failure of a chapter has nothing to do with geography.
> 
> The discussion of voting rights and the potential for abuse has nothing to do with whether a chapter is based on geography or something else. That problem exists regardless.  If it is a problem then let's work to solve it; surely we can agree that the solution is not to restrict chapters to be geographically based.
> 
> In my opinion, repeating myself here, the primary question regarding this chapter is whether or not its purpose and scope further the goals and objectives of the Internet Society.
> 
> And I'll take it a step further and suggest that we should ordinarily be very open minded and inclusive when answering that question.  If there is no obvious reason to reject a chapter then it should be welcomed.  It is difficult to say what the Internet is likely to become and what is likely to be important to the Internet of the future.  I would prefer to give most things a chance.
> 
> Jim
> ISOC Philadelphia Chapter
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