Dear All, Please recall from our last teleconference that Jonathan Robinson has asked to be replaced as the GNSO appointed co-chair to the Cross-Community Working Group on new gTLD Auction Proceeds. As a result, the GNSO Council hereby requests community volunteers who wish to be considered for this role. As a reminder: · The New Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program established auctions as a mechanism of last resort to resolve the competition sets between identical or similar terms (strings) for new gTLDs – known as string contention. Most string contentions (approximately 90% of sets scheduled for auction) have been resolved through other means before reaching an auction conducted using ICANN's authorized auction service provider, Power Auctions LLC. However, it was recognized from the outset that significant funds could accrue as a result of several successful auctions conducted by ICANN. · Following the ICANN Board’s commitment to do so, the auction proceeds derived from such auctions have been reserved and earmarked within ICANN until such time as the ICANN Board authorizes a plan for the appropriate use of the funds. These proceeds are to be considered as an exceptional, one-time source of revenue. · A CCWG has now been chartered by the Address Supporting Organization (ASO), the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC), the Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO), the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO), the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC), and the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) to propose the mechanism that should be developed in order to allocate the new gTLD Auction Proceeds. Following approval of the proposal(s) by the Chartering Organizations, it will be submitted to the ICANN Board for its consideration. · For clarification, please note that this CCWG is not dispositioning or spending auction proceeds. Its purpose is to propose the mechanism and structure(s) that will perform this function. In relation to the co-chair position, the CCWG Charter specifies that: · The proposed chair / co-chair has the necessary experience to manage an effort of this nature. o For example, having actively participated as a member in at least one CCWG or ICANN Working Group throughout its lifecycle in order to have relevant or related experience of the different tasks that come with chairing a CCWG. · Prior leadership experience (chair / co-chair / vice-chair) is desirable. · Overall familiarity with the functioning of a CCWG is important to understand the various leadership skills that are necessary to be employed during a CCWG’s lifecycle. o For example, a chair has to ensure that debates are conducted in an open and transparent matter and that all interests are equally represented within the CCWG’s discussions as well as the final deliverables/outcomes from the process. · Those accepting leadership positions in the CCWG will be taking on substantially higher levels of commitment than that of Members and Participants. · The GNSO Council considers familiarity with this CCWG or the previous drafting team a definite plus. · The GNSO Council furthermore expects that anyone volunteering for this position is able and aware of the commitment that is expected leading this effort, noting that the only other co-chair is currently appointed on an interim basis. Co-Chairs are expected to attend all teleconferences and any in person meetings which may be held in conjunction with scheduled ICANN meetings. Travel support is not provided, so candidates should either have another source of funding to attend ICANN meetings or be prepared to chair remotely. · Finally, the nature of this topic requires that prospective volunteers, including co-chairs, carefully consider any potential conflicts of interest, real or perceived, that could arise from their work on this group. You are requested to share this call for volunteers with your respective groups with the objective to be in a position to consider candidates and confirm a replacement during the GNSO Council meeting in Copenhagen. On behalf of James Bladel, Heather Forrest and Donna Austin Marika Konings Vice President, Policy Development Support – GNSO, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Email: marika.konings@icann.org<mailto:marika.konings@icann.org> Follow the GNSO via Twitter @ICANN_GNSO Find out more about the GNSO by taking our interactive courses<http://learn.icann.org/courses/gnso> and visiting the GNSO Newcomer pages<http://gnso.icann.org/sites/gnso.icann.org/files/gnso/presentations/policy-e...>.