Seeing that there's a lot of people cc'd on the message - well, I will keep my message concise and suggest recommendations on how to move ahead Darlene and others raise good points regarding the great challenges NGOs, user groups, and ALS have to engage, consult and contribute to ongoing discussions @ ICANN. Unlike the industry and government actors who paid for for their active involvement @ ICANN, ALS's and ALAC members at times find it a great challenge to find the required time, energy and funding to participate. ICANN's support is appreciated, however for it to truly seek and engage users - it needs to do much more. Active engagement for civil society actors is not a top down process, but a bottom-up one - one that requires far more time and effort to seek comments, and from there, a formulated mutually agreed to position. For users - such as the internet using public - to be involved, they need to have the issues and ongoing policy debates translated into a language they can understand . Materials - such as documentation, and background documents would be very helpful, as would a pro-active press strategy that engages the popular press , radio and blogging community. ICANN could do a lot more in this respect. If ICANN wishes to support and encourage users to participate in ongoing policy issues - then ICANN should find ways to attend, and participate where users are active . ICANN, in my view should expect not that users come to it - but instead reach out and be more present in spaces, communities, and events where user communities are active. Interviews and engagement of the popular media could also help a great deal. Outreach and engagement is not something that can be done easily. it takes time, energy and effort. Not managing expectations will lead to disillusionment and likely generate negative press - something ICANN likely does not want. In closing, I hope this message summarizes some of the sentiments expressed to-date and some constructive ideas on the type and approach to outreach that has been long promised - but not yet delivered. regards Robert Guerra Managing Director, Privaterra ALAC , North America Rep