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Best Bits came into being as a very loose, grassroots coalition, and
this has worked very well. At the same time, it has now reached a
point of maturity (and influence) where the benefits of
institutionalising it a bit more strongly would probably outweigh
the risks of doing so.<br>
<br>
To this end, a few volunteers have come (or been prodded!) forward
to serve as an initial steering group. Since we don't already have
a democratic procedure for selecting such a steering group, we
haven't tried to invent one. Rather, it will be the steering group
itself that is responsible for recommending such a procedure for the
rest of us to adopt.<br>
<br>
So, inevitably arbitrarily, the initial group will include myself
and Andrew Puddephatt (for continuity, since we have been loosely
coordinating to date), and to fill out the geographical balance Anja
Kovacs, Deborah Brown, Joana Varon and Nnenna Nwakanma.<br>
<br>
The initial steering group will be responsible for recommending a
process for making future such appointments, will distribute the few
organisational tasks between themselves, may come up with some ideas
on strategy and fundraising for the rest of us to consider, and can
help mediate disputes if there are any.<br>
<br>
So please let's thank them for coming forward and volunteering their
time. Equally, thanks to everyone else who has contributed, and who
continues to do so - your help is also greatly valued.<br>
<br>
<div class="moz-signature">-- <br>
<p style="font-size:9.0pt;color:black"><b>Dr Jeremy Malcolm<br>
Senior Policy Officer<br>
Consumers International | the global campaigning voice for
consumers</b><br>
Office for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East<br>
Lot 5-1 Wisma WIM, 7 Jalan Abang Haji Openg, TTDI, 60000 Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia<br>
Tel: +60 3 7726 1599</p>
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