Dear ISPCP members Below is a draft of the email I propose to send to Rob Hoggarth in response to the action point I was given during our recent conference call. It explains the ISPCP approach to the provision of the GNSO toolkit, following the discussion we had with Rob in Dakar and our last conference call. Please let me have any comments or amendments by c.o.p 29th December. I will then submit the final version to Rob. Thank You Tony ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Rob The ISPCP Constituency very much appreciated the opportunity to discuss our requirements from the GNSO toolkit with you during the Dakar meeting. We have since held an ISPCP conference call reflecting on those discussions and consider it would be helpful to forward a brief note summarising the current situation and our requirements. The ISPCP greatly appreciate the work undertaken within the GNSO and by staff which has resulted in the establishment of the toolkit. When fully available its comprehensive menu should ensure all involved parties have the ability to participate in the policy development process and represent their stakeholder groups in an effective and efficient manner. As recognised during our discussions we have not quite reached that stage, but we are all aware that the level of commitment required from volunteer members who form ICANNs GNSO Constituencies has greatly increased, along with the scope and pace of policy development. Handling that situation in an environment where participation has to be carefully weighed against other demands placed on participants by the organisations they represent is in itself, a considerable challenge. Against that background the ISPCP and other Constituencies have already benefitted from using some elements of the toolkit. In particular the ISPCP have been very appreciative of the support given to organising its meetings, organising conference calls and assistance in conducting elections for Constituency officers. However as discussed in Dakar some of the elements that would make a considerable difference to our Constituency are not readily available, in particular, Constituency web site hosting and content maintenance and the provision of grants/funding for constituencies to assist us in providing their own support. We are also aware that no firm timeline currently exists for the provision of those tools. On that basis the ISPCP would like to request that a budget allocation is made available to assist in bridging that gap. It is accepted that any funds made available should only be used for the specified purpose and meet in full the requirements for transparency, accountability and audit control. Because if the budget implications this email has also been copied to Xavier Calvez Chief Financial officer. Submitted on behalf of the ISPCP Constituency Tony Holmes ISPCP Chairman