Thought this might be of interest.. Begin forwarded message:

From: Robert Guerra <lists@privaterra.info> Date: July 1, 2007 2:46:41 PM EDT (CA) To: Roberto Gaetano <roberto@icann.org> Subject: Re: [At-Large] Thank you all - and...

Roberto:

Thanks for your comments, they are much appreciated.

ALAC, I believe could be more productive and effective if it implemented measures that decentralize decision making, improve transparency and improve consultation and engagement in an open and transparent fashion with its regional RALOS,the public as whole as well as other other stake-holders & constituencies .

As I mentioned to my NA RALO colleagues, my goals from a regional perspective will be to increase dialogue and engagement with other ICANN stake-holders and equally importantly improve consultation and engagement with ALSs that form part of the NA region, and with others that share common objectives and concerns.

With luck, and lots of hard work I hope you and your board colleagues will be able to see a far more aware and engaged constituency as a result of the time, energy and considerable support that has been given to ALS's in North America and elsewhere by ICANN.

regards,

Robert --- Robert Guerra <rguerra@privaterra.ca> Managing Director, Privaterra Tel +1 416 893 0377

On 1-Jul-07, at 12:25 PM, Roberto Gaetano wrote:

...

Yes, indeed, the ALAC is growing in popularity in the community, and in the Board. However, the drawback is that there are now growing expectations. ;>) I have no doubt that, once the administrative/procedural/ structural matters related to the formation period are done, the ALAC will increase its production of good position papers. Personally, I see two major points to keep in mind: 1. the purpose of ALAC is not to have a club of knowledgeable people in an ivory tower, but to be a link to the local community. The local structures have to be involved more in the policy making. 2. trust has to be further built with the rest of the ICANN family: the SOs, the different constituencies, the Working Groups, and last but not least the Board. ALAC will be evaluated also on its ability to work with the rest of the community to build a common position.

Best regards, Roberto