Hi all,

Thanks to everyone for engaging on the topic of chair structure. Taking in all of the in-person and email discussion thus far, I think we have a viable path forward. My observations are:

1. In response to the compromise I suggested on July 31 [i], the group demonstrated broad support for a 1+2 structure, with an objection from Jean-Jacques and ALAC. This included support from people who had previously stated preferences for other structures, and even support from people who had previously said they could not live with 1+2. This is what some people might call “consensus” and what I would normally describe as “rough consensus” in support of 1+2.

2. We have very strong support for a “1+something” chair structure, following the recent mail from Jean-Jacques [ii]. I don’t think we have anyone objecting to 1+something at this point.

3. We have had lengthy discussions on the list about geographic diversity. We have very strong support in the group for having geographically diverse participation throughout the stewardship transition plan development process. We have differences of opinion within the group about the extent to which that diversity must be required to extend to the chairs of the ICG.

4. We have a demonstrated need to agree within the ICG about the methods, both electronic and in-person, that we will use to arrive at and judge consensus within this group going forward.

Taking the above into consideration, let's proceed as follows:

Go forward with a 1+2 structure — 1 chair and 2 vice-chairs. I believe the current list of people who have volunteered to serve in these roles is:

Russ Housley

Patrik Fälström

Mohamed El Bashir

Keith Drazek

Alissa Cooper

(I do not think we need re-confirmations from the above people because they have mostly re-confirmed already on the list at some point over the last several weeks, but if any of the above listed people wants to withdraw, please say so.)

Taking the suggestion from Jean-Jacques, I think we should give people a few more days to volunteer. So if you would like to volunteer, please make that known on the list by August 11, 23:59 UTC.

On August 12, Joe, who previously agreed to detail the chair roles and run the selection process [iii], and Wolf-Ulrich, who has agreed to help Joe while Joe is traveling, will launch the selection process. In making their selections, ICG participants should take the geographic diversity discussions we’ve had into account.

Joe and Wolf-Ulrich will also begin drafting a proposal that describes the methods the group will use for arriving at and judging consensus going forward, and will make that proposal available to the group for discussion when it is ready.

Thanks,

Alissa

[i] http://mm.icann.org/pipermail/internal-cg/2014-July/000582.html

[ii] http://mm.icann.org/pipermail/internal-cg/2014-August/000769.html

[iii] http://mm.icann.org/pipermail/internal-cg/2014-July/000381.html