Dear APRALO colleagues, I would like to share with you the good news, that as a result of our collaboration with APNIC, we have discussed the opportunity to conduct a preparatory webinar on policy development. There is the need for some knowledge about what the issue is about so that we as ALSes can engage appropriately. APNIC professionals agreed to run the webinar for APRALO members and this webinar will also be open for other members of your organization (it also will be recorded in case if you would like to share it with your ALS members). The webinar is planned to take place on the second week of August, the doodle will be sent later this month to clarify the time and concrete date for webinar. We would highly encourage your participation, as well as further active involvement in policy development issues. Many of our ALSes have just spent time at ATLASII learning about ICANN and policy development, this is another stream so that many will also be interested in RIRs and learning about how they can contribute to policy development in this area as well.We would like to encourage our members to become involved, but in order to do so we understand that there is a need to learn what we are expecting you to get involved in and what it entails and I am sure this webinar will provide some in depth information on that. Some brief information on how APNIC is dealing with this issue, provided by Adam Gosling (Internet Policy Development Consultant at APNIC): You might like to take a look at our online resourceshttp://www.apnic.net/community/policy/processhttp://www.apnic.net/community/... And subscribe to the Policy SIG mailing listhttp://www.apnic.net/community/participate/join-discussions/sigs/policy-sighttp://mailman.apnic.net/mailman/listinfo/sig-policy(Don’t’ be too frightened of another mailing list. The traffic is not so heavy and is generally only active over the two month period around the OPM) I am about to go on 2 weeks leave, so won’t really be available to advance this immediately. Perhaps somebody could help get this rolling by doing a doodle poll and booking some web conferencing time. I’ll make myself available to suit your time and needs if it’s in that week of the 11th. If you are really enthusiastic to get started, you could take a look at the archive form the last OPM.http://conference.apnic.net/37/policyThere are slide decks, video, and transcripts. The beginning of the first session includes a lightweight look at the PDP. APNIC will be also holding it's meeting in September in Brisbane and those are interested are more than welcome to participate (especially those who are based in the region). I would like to thank APNIC staff for such a great opportunity and their continuous support, as well as Rinalia for pushing forward this idea and suggestion. Looking forward to learn more together with you all. Best Siranush APRALO Chair