[Chapter-delegates] Andrew Sullivan's coming to New York Friday. What are good questions?

[Dave Burstein]

Folks

Andrew is doing an informal gathering with the New York chapter tomorrow
afternoon. What are constructive topics should I bring up with him?

Andrew just wrote

there are several challenges to the Internet (contemplated in the
priorities we've identified) where it will be absolutely impossible to do
anything without the broad Internet community (both those engaged with
the Internet
Society and those not). It is not the intention for
materials we have put out to send the message that those who
participate in the Internet Society (regardless of what kinds of
topics interest them) should feel like they are excluded from
engagement. ... we will certainly try to address it as the staff
planning processes continue.

I've known and respected Andrew's technical work for years. I believe he is
sincere, although obviously he has avoided the changes many of us think are
necessary.

Confrontation at an event like this won't be productive. Instead, I'm
looking for issues where change will make sense to almost everyone.

For example, should the ISOC blog be open to thoughtful submissions from
members, whether or not they agree with staff policy? Should website
articles allow (moderated) comments?

Should major ISOC outreach be translated the major languages of Africa &
Asia, an important symbol? In particular, I think that should include job
postings and the call for board nominations.

Andrew is open to listening, if resistant to change. What do *you* think
would be important to raise when given the chance?

I have access after 20 years in the field, particularly since I'm often at
things like ITU meetings and international events. Most ISOC people don't
have the same opportunity. In particular, the voices of those in the south
are not often heard.

I will keep you anonymous unless you prefer to take credit.
-------------------------
My biases should be clear.
My key goal within ISOC is finding ways to bring the Internet to everyone,
to engage on the most important issues, and in particular to bring to the
forefront positions less likely to have support from major governments and
companies.

I believe that ISOC has to accept that the majority of the Internet is now
Asian, with Africa and Latin America growing. We must build bridges and
accept into our decision process those in disagreement with the "DC
consensus."

To be effective, we need to provide significant support to the
*independent* work
of the chapters, symbolized by giving chapters control of 10% or more of
our unencumbered income. We have been losing members for years; I believe
we need to provide the funding for chapters to advance our common beliefs.

Thanks
Dave
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