[Chapter-delegates] ChAC Decision Needed: Proposal for greater Chapter participation in developing position & policy briefs

[Carlos Vera]

‎... publication, with the understanding that staff retains full

s/ownership/responsibility/ ?

> for the final version.

.. adopted by major consensus. 

Carlos Vera
Isoc Ecuador 



Enviado desde mi smartphone BlackBerry 10.
  Mensaje original  
De: Peter Koch
Enviado: lunes, 22 de agosto de 2016 15:32
Para: Chapter Delegates
Asunto: Re: [Chapter-delegates] ChAC Decision Needed: Proposal for greater Chapter participation in developing position & policy briefs

On Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 03:11:05PM -0400, avri doria wrote:

> *A proposal for greater involvement of Chapters in the position and
> policy brief development process*
> 
> *Background*
> 
> In the past, there have been occasions when ISOC staff met with national
> policy makers without involving the national chapter in any way. Since
> national chapters often have good relations with national officials, it
> would be preferable if the chapters are also involved in meetings with
> national officials. We propose a recommendation below to that effect.
> 
> At present, there does not seem to be a consistent practice within ISOC
> regarding the role of the membership in the policy development
> process and the preparation of background and position papers that ISOC
> puts forward. Specifically, some policy papers are submitted to the
> membership for comment, specifically the policy briefs, while others
> papers, such as position papers, are not. In one case, the membership
> was not informed of a specific submission. It appears to us that
> systematic consultation with the membership can only improve the quality
> of a policy, background paper, or position paper. The intent is not to
> change ISOC's current decision-making process for such papers: staff
> would remain fully responsible for the final version of the paper. The
> intent is to allow staff to benefit systematically from the views of the
> membership, and to decide whether or how to incorporate comments from
> the membership. We propose a recommendation below to that effect.

this background text mixes anecdotal evidence ("in one case ...")
with conclusions (or even speculation) and a general observation
(1st paragraph). It appears there are two different issues ("local"
contacts and policy papers) and I'd like to see them stated and addressed
separately.

> *Recommendations*
> 
> Review with the relevant chapters, policy positions and alliances before

s/relevant/concerned/, maybe?

> they are made, and inform them of meetings with national policy
> makers, unless time constraints do not permit it. We have active mailing
> lists that can make it quick and easy.

See above: let's make the "we're visiting your territory" notifications
a separate item. 

> In general, policy, background and position papers, including policy
> briefs should be submitted to the membership for comment prior to
> publication, with the understanding that staff retains full ownership

s/ownership/responsibility/ ?

> for the final version. Staff can choose the most appropriate method to
> consult the membership, for example by asking for volunteers to review
> drafts, by posting a draft for comment to a mailing list, by convening a
> virtual meeting to discuss the issues, etc.

As others have stated, the "staff vs membership/chapters" language implies
controversy more than necessary. My reading is that staff is "holding the pen",
that is, staff drafts text and fulfills an editor's function.

> Further, when papers are published and/or submitted to some entity
> outside ISOC, the membership should be informed and a link to the paper
> should be sent to the appropriate mailing list and to the Chapter
> Delegate's mailing list just prior to the publication or submission.

Pragmatically speaking, making deadlines is more important than formal
transparency ("just prior to"). Since at this stage there's no reasonable
expectation of influential (to the submission) comments, I'd be happy
with "immediately after".

-Peter
ISOC.DE
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