IGF workshop on a development agenda for IG (remote participation)

[Milton L Mueller]

>I'd also be up for working with you on organizing the future
>development interest group that you have shared within the NCSG. By
>the way, what is the process of setting up new constituencies under
>the NCSG charter? Can you point me to the documents?

Fouad:
It is best to think of them as "interest groups" -- now, and possibly indefinitely. 
The idea of an interest group makes it clear that it is based on the initiative of the people involved, and bottom up. 

The concept of "constituency" is laden with all kinds of undesirable baggage at the moment. It also has all kinds of top-down implications (i.e., must be approved by the Board, etc.) Some people seem to believe that creating or calling it a constituency somehow magically multiplies its power. In your case, you can see how you are already delayed by looking for "documents." Why do you need "documents?" 

In fact, either you have people willing and able to do things or you don't. If you do, there are all kinds of opportunities for participation and action that can be constructive. If you don't, it doesn't matter what any document says about "setting up new constituencies," etc. 

I would urge you to use the Ning site to formulate any new interest group (and the NCUC meeting already agreed to help create a development-oriented interest group at the Seoul meeting). That way, it is transparent to the membership and everyone knows where it is and who is part of it and how to join. If you go off by yourself and form your own private mailing list 

Milton Mueller
Professor, Syracuse University School of Information Studies
XS4All Professor, Delft University of Technology
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