[governance] Innovation

[yehudakatz at mailinator.com]

Wendy Seltzer addressed this rather well, back in April 30th 2007.
'The Proof' is in the system, were these comments addressed?
[Implemented? or Not-Implemented?] 

I feel the most affinity with her comments here:

... By contrast, these TOR therefore seem too closely restricted to study of
the efficacy of the existing ALAC structures. The reviewers should not
conclude from the weakness of these structures that individual
participation is unworkable, but rather should evaluate alternative
structural mechanisms for representation of individual Internet users in
ICANN's work and policy processes. The independent review provides a
valuable opportunity for restoring the voice of the individual Internet
user to ICANN. ...

-
Ref.: http://forum.icann.org/lists/alac-review-tor/msg00007.html
     Seltzer_Comments_on_ALAC_Review_Terms_of_Reference_.pdf

To: alac-review-tor at xxxxxxxxx 
Subject: Comments on Terms of Reference for Independent Review of ALAC 
From: Wendy Seltzer <wendy at xxxxxxxxxxx> 
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:23:53 +0100 

Comments on Terms of Reference for Independent Review of ALAC

In response to ICANN's call for comment on the Proposed Terms of
Reference for Independent Review of the At-Large Advisory Committee, I
submit these comments in my individual capacity. While they are based on
my experience as a member of the Interim At-Large Advisory Committee, I
do not speak for the Committee.

It is critical to the secure and stable operation of ICANN's technical
functions that it provide a channel for input from and maintain the
support of the Internet-using public. ICANN's international legitimacy
depends on its effective responsiveness to input from all stakeholders.
 Review of ALAC's structure and operation should thus be framed within
that overall purpose. ALAC must be evaluated not only as to how
effectively it has functioned within the structures it has been set, but
how effectively even optimal performance of those structures could serve
the representation needs of the at-large body of individual Internet users.

By contrast, these TOR therefore seem too closely restricted to study of
the efficacy of the existing ALAC structures. The reviewers should not
conclude from the weakness of these structures that individual
participation is unworkable, but rather should evaluate alternative
structural mechanisms for representation of individual Internet users in
ICANN's work and policy processes. The independent review provides a
valuable opportunity for restoring the voice of the individual Internet
user to ICANN.

The rationale for the ALAC, as described in Article XI, Section 2, 4(a)
of the Bylaws, is "to consider and provide advice on the activities of
ICANN, insofar as they relate to the interests of individual Internet
users."  The ALAC is intended to provide voice for individual Internet
users, replacing an initial structure in which at-large Internet users
were to elect half of ICANN's Board. Key questions for the review,
therefore, are whether individual Internet users have in fact achieved
voice through the activities of ALAC, and whether that voice substitutes
adequately for voting representation at the Board level and in Policy
Development Processes.

Specific additional questions and recommendations follow:

PART I. Does the ALAC have a continuing purpose in the ICANN structure?


Is the bylaws-stated purpose of ALAC too minimal to provide for public
representation and participation within ICANN?

Are the ALAC-enabled modes of participation insufficient for individual
Internet users to contribute to  ICANN?


Do individual Internet users suffer from inadequate means by which to
make their concerns heard and to receive timely responses to their concerns?

Does the complexity of the ALAC structure turn away willing and valuable
Internet user participation?

Would greater participation, through voting at the GNSO and Board level,
increase the incentives to individual Internet user participation and
the quality of that participation?

Does ICANN need ALAC or a replacement for it?

Would individual Internet users be better served by reinstating direct
elections?

Do individual Internet users feel inadequately represented by ALAC?

Have years of delay in achieving real representation frustrated an
important part of the at-large Internet-using public?

I recommend emphasizing Questions 2,3, and 8-12 in the existing Part I
inquiry.

PART II. Is there any change in structure or operations that could
improve the ALAC's effectiveness?

Question 17: Should any of these three structural levels be changed and,
if so, how?
 I recommend specifically that the review consider flattening the layers
of the ALAC to reduce both bureaucratic overhead and disincentives to
participate through the dilution of opportunities.

Does adherence to the ICANN regional configuration unnecessarily
fragment and constrain input and participation?

Are ALAC's ministerial tasks unduly left to volunteers when they should
be delegable to staff at the direction of ALAC?


Has ALAC's service to the individual Internet users been hindered by
staffers' conflicting interests and responsibilities?

Would individuals be better served if ALAC staff operated at the
direction of the Committee?

How could ALAC and individual Internet users more effectively obtain
resources and staff support?

Question 31 asks, To what extent have the recommendations of the
Ombudsman been followed?
Given the intrusive nature of the Ombudsman's inquiry, we should add To
what extent have the Ombudsman's processes and recommendations been
appropriate?

To what extent have tools used and introduced by ALAC served as a model
for other ICANN bodies?

How often have the Board or GNSO followed ALAC recommendations? How
often have they demurred?

How often have ALAC contributions had a visible impact on ICANN
policymaking?


I look forward to assisting in answering these questions as part of
the review.

Wendy Seltzer
Member, Interim At-Large Advisory Committee

Attachment: Seltzer_Comments_on_ALAC_Review_Terms_of_Reference_.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document
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