I think now would also be a good time for someone to propose text describing the role of the ExCom/Executive Committee so we can vote on amending the rules of procedure. But back to the current issue: I am confused by process. The the document submitted to the mid-term consultation <http://forum.icann.org/lists/alac-mid-consult/msg00008.html> looks like a draft, it opens with "This text for ALAC Response to BGC WG Report on ALAC Review has completed an At-Large Community comments period and is under ratification vote by the ALAC for the next 8 Days. " But there is no note stating the document is draft. Could the chair/ExCom (it is sent in both the Chair's and ALAC ExCom's name, which is also confusing) please explain. 2 questions. If draft, is the document still open for amendments ? (some suggested below) If not draft, but a document proposed for a vote, when will the vote begin (seems we are already eating into the 8 day period stated on the document.) Thanks. General comment: can we submit documents in MS Word, RTF or text. The PDF format used for this document is awkward to manipulate. Suggested amendments: (a) Organization, section 2. Delete the following sentences "From a purely current ALAC perspective it would also be important if in transition or in the longer term a clear connection with an appointee to the Board was directly made from its Membership to maintain a clear nexus between the Advisory Committee and the Board. Please note mechanisms of this process would need careful consideration and further discussed, but could take the form of either one of the two Board Seats being initially made by the ALAC per se or perhaps more preferably an ALAC to Board Liaison role being maintained where the Liaison is the ALAC Chair or nominee of the ALAC Executive." If I understand what it's attempting to say, this statement needs much discussion. And as others have noted the ALAC Executive has no such powers. Section 3. (ingoing? perhaps ongoing commitment?) Think the paragraph needs a re-write. Section 5. What is the sentence including "hither and yon" trying to say? To the follows sentence about priorities being in concert with those of users, this would be a good place to add that one of the goals of the Summit is to identify user priorities. Section 6. Last sentence of the 2nd paragraph. Delete reference to the ExCom, it has no such powers (and should try to be consistent in naming this committee). Suggest changing the sentence to read We also agree with the comments of BGC WG Report on the Recommendation 5 of the Independent Review Report referring to the preparation of an ALAC budget which best contributes to the achievement of ICANN¹s goals. We recommend that preparation of the budget for ALAC activities be undertaken through discussion and negotiation between the ALAC Chair and any appropriate committee of the ALAC and ICANN staff. On sections 10 and 11, I support Wendy's proposal: "Regarding points 10 and 11, I think the case is overstated. ALAC is /an/ appropriate channel for the voice and concerns of the individual Internet user, but because of its Advisory role, ALAC is not an effective route for participation in many policy-making processes. Opportunities for individuals and their representatives to participate in existing GNSO constituencies and new stakeholder groups are equally important. If other entities have the demonstrable support of representative groups of individuals, they are no less legitimate voices than the ALAC." Best, Adam