Dear Working Group members, Welcome to the Working Group tasked with reviewing the Transfer Policy. I'm looking forward to working with all of you on this PDP. You should have received an invite for our first meeting, which is scheduled for this Friday, 14 May at 18:00 UTC, though not ideal for some, we did want to get moving and in our first meeting we will select a more agreeable reoccurring date/time for our regular meetings going forward. I want to share a few notes in advance of our first meeting to help ensure that we can get through all of the start-up tasks for the Working Group in a timely manner. In preparation for the first meeting, please take the time to begin familiarizing yourself with the following materials: * Working Group Charter<https://community.icann.org/display/TPRPDP/2.+WG+Charter> * Final Issue Report<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/final-issu...> * Transfer Policy<https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/transfer-policy-2016-06-01-en> * Consensus Playbook<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/pdp-3-4-co...> * GNSO Working Group Guidelines<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/annex-1-gn...> & PDP Manual<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/annex-2-pd...> * ICANN70 session providing an introduction to the PDP<https://icann.zoom.us/rec/play/dK9qk08zEpYxTFWJSz7qomUQhdr9z-lbkWRYQN7D1TAR4...> By the second Working Group meeting, I will expect that everyone has carefully read all of these documents. Once you have completed your document review, please confirm here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3xz-e80x6moG8KSRDbCgYQOTN1Er6PYuM...>. The goal of this exercise is to ensure that everyone is starting off on the same page with the same foundation of information, which will enable us to be a more effective team. In addition, a document library is included on the Working Group's workspace (see https://community.icann.org/x/UIaUCQ). An understanding of these documents and their contents will help to ensure your full and productive participation in Working Group deliberations. The following items will be on the agenda for the first meeting: 1. Introductions: As standard practice during the first meeting of a PDP WG, members will do a round of verbal introductions so we can get to know each other. Please be prepared to speak briefly (no more than two minutes) about your relevant experience/background and any objectives you have for participating. 2. Vice Chair: We have an opportunity to select one or two Vice Chairs for this Working Group, but we are not required to do so. For now, I would suggest that we proceed without a Vice Chair and revisit the topic if necessary in the future. 3. Charter: It would be helpful if everyone could read through the Charter<https://community.icann.org/display/TPRPDP/2.+WG+Charter> before the first call. We will briefly go over some key points and answer any questions that members have. 4. Operating Mode/Working Methods: In our first meeting, we'll talk about some of the logistical elements of how we will work, including the decision-making process for this Working Group. We'll also review what is expected of those participating in this Working Group. From the outset, I would like to emphasize the importance of working towards developing consensus recommendations, which means working constructively and collaboratively to find outcomes that members can ultimately accept. To this end, the Consensus Playbook<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/pdp-3-4-co...> is among the resources that you are being asked to read by the second meeting. We'll be drawing on the methods and techniques in the playbook throughout the life of the PDP, so everyone should be familiar with it. 5. Work Plan: On our first call, we will have an opportunity to speak a bit about the Work Plan and what can be expected in our first weeks of work on this PDP. As a preview, the initial areas of focus will be: * High-level review of the topics within the Charter for Phase 1 * Prepare to request input from SO/AC/SG/Cs on topics in Phase 1 * Deliver Phase 1 Work Plan to GNSO Council 1. Meeting Frequency and Schedule: We'll have an opportunity to discuss the meeting frequency and the proposed day/time of the calls. I look forward to seeing all of you on the call. Thanks Roger