[Chapter-delegates] Application to start an Internet Society Chapter in North Macedonia: Peer-Review

Veni Markovski veni at veni.com
Tue Jan 28 13:56:32 PST 2025


Thanks, Nick. I will send you an email off-list.


On 1/28/25 13:48, Nick Hyrka wrote:
>
> Hello Veni,
>
> Thank you for your support of the North Macedonia Chapter’s formation.
>
> Looking into our files, I see a chapter interest existed for a 
> Macedonia Chapter but expired in 2011. I can find no further details.
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Nick
>
> -- 
>
> Nick Hyrka, Regional Community Engagement Manager, Europe
> hyrka at isoc.org <mailto:hyrka at isoc.org>
> signature_4163780424
>
> Give a gift of opportunity. Donate today. <https://bit.ly/3nUsQmJ>
>
> Support strong encryption - Join the Global Encryption Coalition 
> <https://www.globalencryption.org/join/>**
>
> *From: *Veni Markovski <venimarkovski at gmail.com> on behalf of Veni 
> Markovski <veni at veni.com>
> *Date: *Tuesday, 28 January 2025 at 18:57
> *To: *Nick Hyrka <hyrka at isoc.org>, chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org 
> <chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org>
> *Subject: *Re: [Chapter-delegates] Application to start an Internet 
> Society Chapter in North Macedonia: Peer-Review
>
> Nick, thanks.
> Of course, being born in the capital of North Macedonia, I am 
> personally all "for"!
> Wanted to ask, though, what happened with the chapter in North 
> Macedonia that was created in 2011?
>
> best,
> v/
>
> On 1/27/25 12:29, Nick Hyrka via Chapter-delegates wrote:
>
>     Dear Chapter Leaders,
>
>     We recently received the *application**below to start an Internet
>     Society Chapter in **North Macedonia*. I kindly invite you to
>     *review it and share your comments by **10 February 202**5*.
>
>     If you know of active Internet Society members within North
>     Macedonia interested in joining this initiative, please let me
>     know via hyrka at isoc.org <mailto:hyrka at isoc.org>. I would happily
>     connect them to the volunteers who submitted this application.
>
>     Your comments and input will help us make a final decision on this
>     application and move to the next steps.
>
>     Thank you very much in advance for your feedback.
>
>     Kind regards,
>
>     Nick
>
>
>     ================================================
>
>     A. Proposed name of the Chapter
>
>     Internet Society - North Macedonia Chapter
>
>     ================================================
>
>     B. Community of Interest the Chapter Will Serve
>
>     The Internet Society Chapter in North Macedonia will serve a
>     diverse and inclusive community united by a shared interest in
>     advancing the development, accessibility, and responsible use of
>     the Internet. Recognizing the transformative power of the Internet
>     in driving social, economic, and cultural growth, the Chapter aims
>     to engage and empower the following key stakeholder groups:
>
>         Government Institutions and Policymakers
>
>             Collaborate with ministries, regulatory bodies, and local
>     government units to support the creation of effective Internet
>     policies, enhance digital infrastructure, and promote e-governance
>     solutions.
>
>             Provide platforms for dialogue and knowledge sharing to
>     ensure policies reflect the principles of openness, accessibility,
>     and inclusivity.
>
>         Academic and Research Institutions
>
>             Work with universities, schools, and research
>     organizations to foster education and innovation in
>     Internet-related fields such as cybersecurity, Internet
>     governance, and digital transformation.
>
>             Encourage the integration of emerging technologies and
>     digital skills training into educational programs, equipping the
>     next generation with the tools needed to thrive in the digital age.
>
>         Private Sector and Entrepreneurs
>
>             Support businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs in
>     leveraging the Internet to drive innovation, create job
>     opportunities, and expand into global markets.
>
>             Provide networking opportunities and resources to help
>     local enterprises adopt digital solutions and compete effectively.
>
>         Civil Society Organizations
>
>             Partner with NGOs, advocacy groups, and community
>     organizations to address the digital divide, promote Internet
>     rights, and ensure marginalized and vulnerable populations have
>     equitable access to digital resources.
>
>             Empower grassroots organizations to use the Internet as a
>     tool for social change and community development.
>
>         Youth and Students
>
>             Engage with young people and students who are passionate
>     about technology and the Internet, offering mentorship, education,
>     and opportunities to participate in shaping Internet policies and
>     practices.
>
>             Provide platforms for youth leadership and innovation in
>     the digital space, amplifying their voices in national and
>     international dialogues.
>
>         Rural and Underserved Communities
>
>             Focus on expanding Internet access and digital literacy in
>     rural and underserved areas, where connectivity remains a challenge.
>
>             Develop programs that address the unique needs of these
>     communities, enabling them to participate fully in the digital
>     economy and society.
>
>         Technology Enthusiasts and Internet Advocates
>
>             Serve individuals who are passionate about
>     Internet-related topics, providing a space for knowledge exchange,
>     collaboration, and advocacy.
>
>             Encourage participation in global and regional Internet
>     Society initiatives, allowing members to contribute to shaping the
>     future of the Internet.
>
>         General Public
>
>             Promote awareness of Internet-related issues among the
>     broader population, encouraging responsible use of digital
>     technologies.
>
>             Facilitate access to resources, tools, and knowledge that
>     empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape confidently
>     and safely.
>
>     By engaging this diverse community of interest, the Chapter will
>     ensure that its initiatives reflect the needs and aspirations of
>     North Macedonia’s society. Through inclusivity, collaboration, and
>     a commitment to the Internet Society’s core principles, the
>     Chapter will foster a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits all
>     citizens.
>
>     ================================================
>
>     C. Purpose and Scope of the Chapter
>
>     The Internet Society Chapter in North Macedonia aims to advance
>     the development, accessibility, and responsible use of the
>     Internet within the country. By fostering a collaborative
>     environment among key stakeholders—ranging from government
>     institutions, academia, businesses, and civil society to
>     individual users—the Chapter seeks to promote an inclusive, open,
>     and secure Internet that benefits all citizens.
>
>     This Chapter will serve as a platform to address the unique
>     challenges faced by North Macedonia in terms of digital
>     transformation, Internet penetration, and the digital divide. By
>     bringing together individuals and organizations passionate about
>     Internet development, the Chapter will work to:
>
>         Build Capacity and Promote Education:
>
>             Conduct workshops, seminars, and training sessions to
>     improve digital literacy and skills, particularly in underserved
>     and rural areas.
>
>             Collaborate with schools, universities, and training
>     centers to incorporate Internet governance and cybersecurity
>     topics into curricula.
>
>         Advocate for Inclusive Internet Policies:
>
>             Engage with policymakers and regulators to ensure that
>     laws and policies support an open and accessible Internet.
>
>             Advocate for affordable Internet access and infrastructure
>     development, especially in regions where connectivity is limited.
>
>         Raise Awareness on Internet Rights and Responsibilities:
>
>             Organize campaigns to educate citizens about their rights
>     to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information online.
>
>             Highlight the importance of ethical and responsible
>     behavior in the digital space, promoting safe online practices for
>     individuals and organizations.
>
>         Drive Local Innovation:
>
>             Support initiatives that foster the use of the Internet as
>     a tool for social and economic growth, including entrepreneurship
>     and e-governance.
>
>             Provide platforms for local innovators and startups to
>     connect, share, and scale their ideas.
>
>         Promote Multistakeholder Engagement:
>
>             Facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders, ensuring
>     that all voices are heard in shaping the future of the Internet in
>     North Macedonia.
>
>             Act as a bridge between global Internet Society
>     initiatives and local needs, enabling the exchange of best
>     practices and resources.
>
>     Establishing an Internet Society Chapter in North Macedonia is
>     vital for addressing the local digital ecosystem’s unique needs.
>     As part of the broader Internet Society, this Chapter will
>     leverage global expertise, resources, and networks to amplify its
>     impact. Through these efforts, the Chapter seeks to create a
>     robust, inclusive, and sustainable digital environment that
>     empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives the
>     country's progress in the digital age.
>
>     ================================================
>
>     D. Outline of Key Priorities for the First Year of the Chapter
>
>     The first year of the Internet Society Chapter in North Macedonia
>     will focus on laying a strong foundation for long-term success by
>     addressing critical gaps in digital skills and enhancing the
>     development and operational efficiency of ixp.mk. These priorities
>     will align with the Chapter’s mission to promote a more inclusive,
>     accessible, and sustainable Internet ecosystem in the country.
>
>     1. Capacity Building and Digital Skills Development
>
>         Workshops and Training Programs:
>
>         Organize targeted workshops on digital literacy,
>     cybersecurity, and network infrastructure management. Special
>     focus will be given to training individuals on topics related to
>     Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), including routing, traffic
>     management, and network optimization.
>
>     2. Development and Expansion of ixp.mk
>
>         Operational Optimization:
>
>         Collaborate with technical experts and Internet Service
>     Providers (ISPs) to enhance the operational efficiency of ixp.mk.
>     This will include upgrading infrastructure, improving redundancy,
>     and implementing best practices for scalability and performance.
>
>         Stakeholder Engagement:
>
>         Host regular meetings and forums with ISPs, content providers,
>     and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the benefits of
>     ixp.mk. Highlight its role in reducing latency, lowering costs,
>     and fostering local Internet traffic exchange.
>
>         Technical Documentation and Knowledge Sharing:
>
>         Develop comprehensive guides and documentation on managing and
>     expanding ixp.mk. Organize knowledge-sharing sessions to build
>     local expertise and ensure the sustainability of the IXP.
>
>         Regional Collaboration:
>
>         Explore opportunities for ixp.mk to collaborate with
>     neighboring countries’ IXPs, promoting cross-border Internet
>     traffic exchange and strengthening regional connectivity.
>
>     3. Awareness Campaigns and Community Outreach
>
>         Public Awareness Campaigns:
>
>         Conduct campaigns to educate the general public on the
>     importance of digital skills and infrastructure like ixp.mk. Use
>     social media, local events, and partnerships with media outlets to
>     amplify the message.
>
>         Engagement with Civil Society Organizations:
>
>         Partner with NGOs and advocacy groups to promote the ethical
>     and responsible use of the Internet while highlighting the
>     societal benefits of robust Internet infrastructure.
>
>     4. Policy Advocacy and Stakeholder Collaboration
>
>         Policy Development for Internet Growth:
>
>         Engage with government institutions and policymakers to
>     advocate for laws and regulations that support the growth of
>     ixp.mk and digital skills development. This includes pushing for
>     initiatives that fund and prioritize Internet infrastructure
>     expansion.
>
>         Private Sector Partnerships:
>
>         Collaborate with businesses and tech companies to support
>     training initiatives, sponsor events, and invest in the growth of
>     ixp.mk.
>
>         International Representation:
>
>         Represent North Macedonia in international forums to attract
>     technical expertise, funding, and support for both skills
>     development and the enhancement of ixp.mk.
>
>     5. Local Innovation and Content Development
>
>         Support for Local Content Providers:
>
>         Encourage the use of ixp.mk by local content providers to
>     improve accessibility and speed for North Macedonian users. Offer
>     incentives or technical support to onboard more providers onto the
>     platform.
>
>     6. Monitoring and Evaluation
>
>         Baseline Assessments:
>
>         Conduct an initial assessment of digital skills levels and the
>     current state of ixp.mk. Use this data to set measurable goals and
>     track progress over the first year.
>
>         Performance Metrics for ixp.mk:
>
>         Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for ixp.mk, such as
>     traffic volume, latency improvements, and new stakeholder
>     participation. Use these metrics to identify areas for improvement
>     and growth.
>
>         Community Feedback:
>
>         Establish channels for community feedback on Chapter
>     activities, including skill development programs and the
>     performance of ixp.mk. Use this input to refine and adapt strategies.
>
>     By focusing on these priorities, the Internet Society Chapter in
>     North Macedonia will make significant strides in empowering its
>     community with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age
>     while establishing ixp.mk as a vital component of the country’s
>     Internet infrastructure. This strategic foundation will ensure
>     sustainable growth, inclusivity, and resilience in North
>     Macedonia’s digital ecosystem.
>
>     ================================================
>
>     E. Founding members of the Chapter
>
>     Vladislav Bidikov, FCSE/FINKI, IXP.mk, FINKI CIRT
>
>     Boro Jakimovski, Dean FCSE/FINKI
>
>     Anastas Mishev, Professor FCSE/FINKI, IEEE MKD, IGF-MKD, MARNET
>
>     Kiril Kjiroski, Head of Computer Center FCSE/FINKI
>
>     Stefan Marincevski, Computer Center FCSE/FINKI
>
>     Aleksandar Stefanovski, Student
>
>     Martin Ristoski, Student
>
>     Martin Dinev, Teaching assistant FCSE/FINKI
>
>     Marko Paloski, IGF-MKD
>
>     Predrag Tasevski, Independet Researcher
>
>     Jovan Bidikov, Game Industry
>
>     Zhivko Kocev, Student
>
>     Dragan Rizov, Student
>
>     Jovan Kamchev, Student
>
>     Voydan Kjorveziroski, Teaching assistant FCSE/FINKI
>
>     Sonja Filiposka, Professor FCSE/FINKI, ACM, FINKI CIRT
>
>     Petar Hristovski, Student
>
>     Ivan Zanov, Student
>
>     Andrea Trifunova, IT Industry
>
>     Kristina Cokovska, Student
>
>     Dario Stojanov, IT Industry
>
>     Ani Trpovska, IT Industry
>
>     Panche Ribarski, Professor FCSE/FINKI
>
>     Ilija Marincevski, Student
>
>     Anđela Jankoska, Lawyer, IGF-MKD
>
>     ================================================
>
>     G. Membership
>
>     The Internet Society Chapter in North Macedonia recognizes that an
>     engaged and active membership base is the backbone of its success.
>     A diverse and dynamic membership not only ensures a steady flow of
>     ideas, energy, and talent but also builds a strong foundation for
>     sustainable leadership and innovation. The Chapter will employ a
>     multifaceted approach to communicate, engage, and interact with
>     its members, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment.
>
>     1. Membership Recruitment
>
>         Awareness Campaigns:
>
>         Conduct targeted outreach through social media, local events,
>     and partnerships with universities, tech hubs, and community
>     organizations to attract new members.
>
>         Value Proposition:
>
>         Highlight the benefits of membership, including access to
>     training, networking opportunities, participation in global
>     Internet Society initiatives, and contributing to the development
>     of the Internet in North Macedonia.
>
>         Inclusive Membership Policies:
>
>         Ensure that membership is open and accessible to individuals
>     from all demographics, including youth, underserved communities,
>     and professionals from various sectors.
>
>     2. Communication Channels
>
>         Email Newsletters:
>
>         Send regular newsletters to keep members informed about
>     Chapter activities, upcoming events, opportunities, and achievements.
>
>         Social Media Platforms:
>
>         Utilize platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and
>     Instagram to engage members in real-time, share updates, and
>     encourage interaction.
>
>         Website and Member Portal:
>
>         Maintain a dedicated website with a member portal that
>     provides resources, event registration, and discussion forums.
>
>         Community Groups:
>
>         Create online and offline groups (e.g., Slack, WhatsApp, or
>     Discord) to facilitate open communication among members and foster
>     collaboration.
>
>     3. Engagement Activities
>
>         Workshops and Training Sessions:
>
>         Organize regular skill-building activities such as workshops
>     on Internet governance, cybersecurity, and technical topics
>     related to the development and maintenance of critical
>     infrastructure like ixp.mk.
>
>         Networking Events:
>
>         Host meetups, conferences, and networking sessions to connect
>     members, share experiences, and explore opportunities for
>     collaboration.
>
>         Volunteer Opportunities:
>
>         Encourage members to volunteer for Chapter projects, providing
>     them with leadership experience and a chance to contribute actively.
>
>     4. Recognizing and Retaining Members
>
>         Member Recognition Programs:
>
>         Acknowledge the contributions of active members through
>     awards, certificates, or public appreciation during events.
>
>         Mentorship and Leadership Development:
>
>         Offer mentorship programs to support members' professional
>     growth and prepare them for future leadership roles within the
>     Chapter.
>
>     5. Expanding Membership Base
>
>         Youth Engagement:
>
>         Actively involve students and young professionals by
>     collaborating with schools, universities, and youth organizations.
>     Offer tailored programs such as internships, hackathons, and
>     innovation challenges.
>
>         Regional Outreach:
>
>         Expand membership to include individuals and organizations
>     from rural and underserved areas by addressing connectivity
>     challenges and offering localized engagement opportunities.
>
>         Industry Partnerships:
>
>         Collaborate with ISPs, tech companies, and other industry
>     players to bring professionals and organizations into the Chapter
>     as members or partners.
>
>     6. Feedback and Continuous Improvement
>
>         Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms:
>
>         Regularly seek input from members through surveys, focus
>     groups, and one-on-one conversations to understand their needs and
>     expectations.
>
>         Member-Led Initiatives:
>
>         Encourage members to propose and lead initiatives that align
>     with the Chapter’s goals, fostering a sense of ownership and
>     active participation.
>
>     By creating a vibrant and interactive membership ecosystem, the
>     Internet Society Chapter in North Macedonia will ensure that it
>     remains a dynamic and forward-looking organization. This approach
>     will help attract and retain a diverse pool of individuals and
>     organizations, enabling the Chapter to adapt to the evolving needs
>     of its members and the broader community.
>
>     ================================================
>
>     H. List of requirements
>
>     None.
>
>     ================================================
>
>     I. Additional information
>
>     As all founding memebers are well recognized in the local
>     community and beyond and powered by the student component, I
>     strongly belive that the time for making the Chapter success is
>     now. The students already have several projects as ideas in 2025
>     so i belive where are needed to fully enable this young talent.
>
>     ================================================
>
>     J. Your contact information
>
>     Vladislav Bidikov
>
>     Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering
>
>     ================================================
>
>     -- 
>
>     Nick Hyrka, Regional Community Engagement Manager, Europe
>     hyrka at isoc.org <mailto:hyrka at isoc.org>
>     signature_3725484352
>
>     Give a gift of opportunity. Donate today. <https://bit.ly/3nUsQmJ>
>
>     Support strong encryption - Join the Global Encryption Coalition
>     <https://www.globalencryption.org/join/>
>
>
>
>     _______________________________________________
>
>     As a Chapter Leader, you are automatically added to the Internet Society’s Chapter Leaders Community Group and the Chapter Delegates e-list, which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal (AMS):https://community.internetsociety.org.
>
>     Based on ISOC’s legitimate interests to communicate with its chapter leaders, you will remain subscribed for the duration of your term and will be unsubscribed automatically when your term ends.
>
>     View the Internet Society Code of Conduct:https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
>
>
>
> -- 
> Best regards,
> Veni
> https://www.veni.com
> pgp:5BA1366Eveni at veni.com
> The opinions expressed above are those of the
> author, not of any organizations, associated
> with or related to him in any given way.

-- 

Best regards,
Veni
https://www.veni.com
pgp:5BA1366Eveni at veni.com

The opinions expressed above are those of the
author, not of any organizations, associated
with or related to him in any given way.
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