Dear Bruce and fellow Councillors - (my apologies for the length of this email) During the active discussions between various constituencies of the GNSO and the Board in Luxembourg, several Councillors supported the suggestion that it would be productive if there was scheduled a working session between the Council and Board. This would provide a fuller opportunity to work together on topics of mutual concern. Here are a few thoughts and ideas I am posting as an individual Councillor in an effort to develop this idea further and hope this will serve to generate like responses from my fellow Councillors. Recognizing that planning for meetings at Vancouver are progressing now, I propose the following suggestion be taken up now such that it can be accommodated in that planning and the final schedule for Vancouver. I propose that: The Board and GNSO Council meet, during the ICANN face-to-face meetings, for the purpose of exchanging views and updates on key issues facing ICANN and in particular to have discussions on the 3 [4?5?] key policy items on the GNSO's agenda where board approval, or involvement/support is key. Further, I suggest that: 1. the meeting be for at least 3 hours -my strong recommendation would be for half a day including breakfast and lunch (say 8.00 - 1pm) 2) while other SO's also undertake policy development work, the vast majority of policy issues concerning ICANN are related to the generic TLD space. Thus, I think it would be preferable to prioritise the participation of the GNSO, and ensure that the interests of the CCNSO and ASO be included through their liaison reps on the GNSO council and possibly their relevant chairs, (rather than trying to expand the forum to include all of those organisation's councils). 3) this joint meeting should preferably be held early on in the meeting schedule so that each body is better prepared for their further deliberations during the week. 4) the meeting should not pre-empt the existing Board meetings with the constituencies which provide valuable opportunity for the Board to hear from the grass roots membership nor the GNSO or Board public forums. 5) the meeting would strengthen the policy role and leadership responsibility of the Council, supported by staff. The Council should assume its responsibility of advising the Board on policy matters rather than relying on staff to act as messengers and interpreters of Council's work. This would reduce the current staff-Board policy briefings opening up some of the precious time necessary to accommodate the proposed joint meeting. 6) in order to facilitate free and frank discussion and noting that this is not a decision making meeting, the meeting would be conducted under "Chatham house rules" and participation limited to the Board, Council, Council's official liaisons, agreed guests (such as other SO chairs, etc.), and specific staff at appropriate junctures during the meeting (again, like other briefings the Board presently takes). These recommendations seek to address the concern that many have of the perceived disconnects between ICANN's policy development organisation and Board. This is evidenced by the lack of interaction and communications between the two bodies. Today, all too many of the communications between the Council and Board are restricted to email exchanges and staff reports that are often not even previewed with the Council. This is an unfortunate position for staff to be in, and unacceptable for the Council in fulfilling its core responsibilities. I would be keen to hear the views of others on Council and once we have refined our set of proposals, we would formally put this to the Board. Regards Grant Forsyth Manager Industry & Regulatory Affairs TelstraClear Cnr Taharoto & Northcote Roads Private Bag 92143 AUCKLAND ph +64 9 912 5759 fx + 64 9 912 4077 Mb 029 912 5759