Dear all, We started off to build the EURALO in such a good spirit that we even called our report on our kick off Meeting in Frankfurt May 2006 "The spirit of Frankfurt". Where are we now? After Lisbon an absurd discussion about deadlines of nomination periods started which almost lead to the exclusion of those ALS representatives who were in easter vacation. Now, a legal advice is asked for on a nomination of a candidate as if it matters if someone became a member of an ALS during nomination period or at the first day of the period of discussion of the nominations - both definately before the actual decision taking/voting on the candidates. All this is such a bureaucratic argy-bargy (german: Hickhack). We do not need to love each other but should be able to respect and work with each other: cooperative, not trying to exclude but to integrate different positions. In short, we should start to follow our own bylaws: - as stated for Board and General assembly we should operate "to the maximum extent possible via consensus" (9.2.21 and 9.4.17.1) - "The Association shall at all times act in an open, accountable and transparent manner and is committed to cultural and geographic diversity and gender balance in its work internally and externally." (3.4) The current state is: - We have one candidate seconded by the european consumer protection/civil liberties ALSes who are not ISOC members. This candidate comes from Moldova, is female, comes from a non-EU country with a rather developing IT-infrastructure. We have two candidates from Luxembourg and France, both male, both EU, both western region, both members of the same umbrella organisation, seconded by all the members of the very same organisation - ISOC). Let us take our bylaws serious concerning diversity and reaching consensus among us. In this case the latter means, let us both accept, that there are more or less two equally strong opinions expressed and try to have a fair representation of both postions. - We have nine nominees for the board and agreed to have the one join, who will not make it in the selection for the ALAC (and all three ALAC members will join as non-voting members). This is great! Instead of trying to put each other down and vote out, we should be happy that we have these great people who are willing to serve the EURALO board and stop all this destructive stuff. Let us welcome all to the EURALO Board! Let us start working together on content, on outreach, on issues significant for ICANN policies. Best Annette