[bestbits] Important information for IGF2015 workshop proposers

[Seth Johnson]

This was originally going to be in September, right?

On Mon, Mar 23, 2015 at 7:14 PM, Susan Chalmers
<susan at chalmers.associates> wrote:
> Dear colleagues,
>
> As many of you are aware, the deadline for IGF2015 workshop proposals is
> fast approaching (30 March).
>
> I see that Lea shared the MAG's Call for Proposals document a week or so
> ago, and I write as a follow-up. Mindful that there have been a number of
> changes that proposers may not be aware of, I write to ensure that everyone
> is on notice of these changes so that there are no last minute surprises.
>
> For instance, panel sessions require a background paper this year, while
> different session formats (for example debate, birds of a feather, etc.) do
> not. Rapporteurs for each session are also required, and fully-thought out
> remote participation plans will be well-received. All of this information is
> contained within the Call (excerpt provided below) but, understanding that
> we are all very busy, I wanted to be sure to point these things out
> expressly.
>
> Unofficial translations for this information in Arabic, Chinese, French,
> Hindi, Japanese, Russian and Spanish are available here:
> http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/workshop-proposals/considerations-for-workshop-proposers#unofficial-translations
>
> Please do share this information widely with your respective networks.
>
> Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I am happy to help.
>
> Sincere regards,
> Susan
>
>
>
> Susan Chalmers
> susan at chalmers.associates
>
> CHALMERS & ASSOCIATES
> http://chalmers.associates
>
> 10 things for IGF workshop proposers to consider
>
> 1.    Use a new session format. The MAG will be looking for proposals that
> use new and innovative formats to encourage greater diversity and
> participant interaction. Break-out group discussions, debates, roundtables,
> birds of a feather, and flash sessions are all options this year for
> workshop sessions. You could also propose your own format for the session.
> These six formats exist in addition to the traditional panel format, a
> proposal for which requires a background paper (see number 7).
>
> 2.    Submit a proposal even if you have never been to an IGF. During the
> evaluation process, preference is given to first-time workshop proposers, in
> an effort to welcome new voices to the IGF discussions.
>
> 3.    Attention to proposers from developing countries, including least
> developed countries: Preference is given to proposals from your areas, to
> encourage greater diversity at the IGF event.
>
> 4.    Be clear about why the session should happen and how it will happen.
> It is important to be clear on what Internet Governance issue the session
> will address and how this will be discussed.
>         o    Why: In your proposal, give a concise description of the
> Internet Governance issue that your session is designed to explore.
>         o    How: Then explain how the issue will be addressed through the
> session format. For example, if the session is a debate on the “right to be
> forgotten” explain what aspect of the issue will be discussed, the major
> discussions points, and the perspectives to be covered. In addition, provide
> the agenda of the debate, including timings for debaters, moderator and
> audience.
>
> 5.    Choose the length of your session wisely. Workshop Sessions are either
> 30, 60 or 90 minutes long. Pick the amount of time that is best for your
> session. For example, if you wish to give a brief presentation on a topic,
> the 30 minute Flash Session would be a good duration and format. Panel
> sessions require longer times. Note that different formats have different
> durations. Check the formats here.
>
> 6.    Plan for remote participation: The IGF is a global discussion, and
> those who are not “on location” also need to be able to participate. This
> year the MAG will pay special attention to the proposer’s plan for remote
> participation, so ensure that you have considered how to accommodate remote
> participants and that you have nominated a remote moderator in your
> proposal. You could even check to see if a “remote participation hub” is
> being planned by members of the Internet community in your locality or
> region, and work with them.
>
> 7.    Background papers are required for panel sessions, optional for
> others. The MAG has introduced a requirement this year for proposals in the
> panel format. Panel session proposals must include a background paper. Check
> the guidelines for this paper here.
>
> 8.    Assign a rapporteur. All workshop sessions this year require a
> rapporteur to produce a summary report of the session (based on this
> template). Reports must be submitted to the IGF Secretariat no later than
> two weeks following the IGF event. If a report is not submitted, then the
> workshop proposer will not be allowed to submit a workshop proposal for the
> next IGF.
>
> 9.    Participants/Speakers need not be confirmed in the proposal. The MAG
> understands that it is difficult to ask workshop session participants to
> confirm their attendance to the IGF at the proposal stage, so confirmation
> is not required. What is more important is a description of the part each
> participant/speaker is meant to play in the workshop (e.g. one speaker will
> share technical expertise on the issue, while another speaker will address
> the economic considerations of the issue).
>
> 10.    Reach out if you need help. Please contact the secretariat of the IGF
> at <igf[at]unog.ch> if you have questions about submitting a proposal.
>
> Finally, remember that you don’t need to organize or participate in a
> workshop to participate in the IGF. All stakeholders are welcome to join the
> meeting in Brazil. All relevant information can be found at
> http://www.intgovforum.org/ .
>
>
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