[governance] Re: IGF workshops - more time is needed

[Jeanette Hofmann]

Parminder wrote:
> Adam (and other CS members of the MAG)
> 
> I think that the time given for submitting proposals is too little,
> especially when one has to get partners from different stakeholder groups,
> which would mean first seeking partners, then collaborating on proposal text
> and so on. I think there is no need to have people rush it, by giving around
> 3 weeks to bring full proposals to the table. Even if this serves to keep
> the number of workshops manageable - though I am not alleging that is the
> motive here.

Hi, the rationale for the deadline end of July is to give enough time 
for asking speakers or panelists. The MAG thought that well-known 
experts are difficult to get and need to be asked as early as possible.
jeanette

> 
> This works against new groups, and new partnerships, organizing workshops.
> Most CS groups are just about learning about the workshop call and even in
> this age of digital communications - these calls take time in moving away
> from the centre towards relative peripheries. I just now saw the call for
> IGF workshops put out in the WSIS Disability Causus, inviting ideas.  What
> we will have, in such short time, is the usual suspects in usual
> combinations, and that's really against the main principles and ideals of
> IGF. The idea is to get different kinds of people in, and different kinds
> talking to each other (as Nitin keeps saying). This central objective is
> defeated by giving such a short notice for completing workshop proposals.
> This also works against less- resourced and less- connected people and
> groups.  
> 
> I think we should move the deadline at least to July 15th. I see no great
> reason for sticking to this timeline. I request CS MAG members to
> communicate this request to the MAG and the secretariat. Others may also
> give their views on this, and if others agree, it can be communicated on
> behalf of 'some CS members'. 
> 
> This appeal comes directly from the problems being faced with some CS groups
> in which I am involved, in terms of the required time, in reaching out to
> new partners for some activities that we want to organize. And when I
> thought of it I could see that most/many CS groups must be facing this
> problem. 
> 
> Now, if the number of workshops goes beyond what can be handled
> logistically, we will need to come out with some solutions for that. But for
> the present lets open up the process more, in terms of the time available to
> respond with full proposals for organizing these workshops. This will both
> improve participation, and the diversity of partnerships of the workshops. 
> 
> Parminder 
> 
> ________________________________________________
> Parminder Jeet Singh
> IT for Change, Bangalore
> Bridging Development Realities and Technological Possibilities 
> Tel: (+91-80) 2665 4134, 2653 6890
> Fax: (+91-80) 4146 1055
> www.ITforChange.net 
> 
> 
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