You’d think that this intense work of insiders picking insiders — which was put into place after the Ghana meeting to prevent candidates with actual popular support from joining the board — would, along with the Board members’ secret compensation packages, produce a string of bright shining stars to populate the ICANN Board. I mean, why listen to Internet users when experts know best?
On Apr 16, 2025, at 4:01 PM, Evan Leibovitch via NA-Discuss <na-discuss@icann.org> wrote:
Hi Chuma,
On Wed, Apr 16, 2025 at 7:09 AM Chuma Akana <akanachuma@gmail.com <mailto:akanachuma@gmail.com>> wrote:
I believe the reason there are several nominations is that people want to get involved, even if it means starting in a role that is less leadership intensive. From past experience, we've seen that people interested in leadership roles may not be selected if they're not familiar to the decision-makers. However, if someone shows interest in a role, that's enough to demonstrate their commitment, and they should be considered for it. By doing so, we can encourage participation and give everyone a fair chance.
I cannot emphasize enough that the position of NomCom rep is *not* entry-level.
While it is true that being on the NomCom does not require deep policy expertise, it does require a good familiarity with ICANN's different constituencies, their relationships and indeed the politics between them. You need to be aware of everything ICANN does -- or at least needs to do -- so that you can sufficiently choose people for its Board. You also need to know about the committees -- besides ALAC -- to which the NomCom chooses delegates.
Furthermore, as Marita said, being on the NomCom separates you from the rest of the community. You may travel to ICANN meetings but won't be spending much time with At-Large colleagues. Your meetings will be intense, with the same small group, and you will be sworn to secrecy so that you really can't even tell anyone what you're accomplishing. Meanwhile, you'll be doing fairly little relationship-building beyond the NomCom even if staying at the same venue as everyone else.
And finally, I take issue with the assertion that "people interested in leadership roles may not be selected if they're not familiar to the decision-makers". In NARALO the "decision makers" are your peers -- the other members and ALS reps that make up this community. It is they who choose committee chairs, vote for NARALO leaders, and select two of the three North America members of ALAC. Showing interest alone does not demonstrate commitment, it is not enough just to show up. You need to do things -- speaking, writing, meeting, convincing, and above all learning. Earn your colleagues' respect and trust first, and then go for their vote.
Cheers, Evan ------ NA-Discuss mailing list -- na-discuss@icann.org To unsubscribe send an email to na-discuss-leave@icann.org
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