Proposed Change to ICANN Bylaws Regarding "At-Large Structure" [...]

Background:

The At-LargeAdvisory Committee (ALAC) is recommending that the Board amend thebylaws to improve the process by which the ALAC certifies ordecertifies groups as "At-Large Structures."  The ALACproposes to reduce the number of required votes of ALAC members forapproval of applications for At-Large Structure certification, asfollows:

The bylaws whichestablished the ALAC also established the process by which groupswould be designated as "At-Large Structures."  After usingand attempting to improve this process for two years, and voting on26 applications, the ALAC has determined that a change is needed. The ALAC has found that the "super-majority" threshold forcertification (2/3 of the ALAC, which is 10 votes) is cumbersome andunnecessary and can impede progress in building a network of usergroups involved in ICANN At-Large.  The ALAC has proposed thenew voting requirement to achieve the objective of ensuring groupscomply with the At-Large Structure criteria, as well as to expeditethe ALAC's processing of applications.

Groupsthroughout the world that deal with individual Internet users'interests are encouraged to register and participate in ICANNAt-Large by submitting a short application form. Groups that thatmeet the few simple criteria listed on the ALAC website can becertified as "At-Large Structures." Steps for "At-LargeStructure" certification are as follows:

• A group reviews the criteria for an At-Large Structure (ALS) and, ifit believes it meets the criteria, completes and submits an ALSapplication, which is posted on the ALAC website.
• The ALAC conductsdue diligence, checking the application and available informationand performing necessary tasks in an effort to ensure that thecriteria has been, or will be, met.
• The ALAC reviewsthe application and related documentation.
• The ALAC votes viaemail on certifying the applicant as an "At-Large Structure."
• The ALACnotifies the applicant of its decision and posts ALS notices on itswebsite.

Unfortunately,the ALAC has found that it is not always feasible for fifteeninternationally distributed volunteers to vote on each application. Recently, three applications did not receive the required 2/3 votes,even though a majority of members voting supported the applications(no votes were cast to not certify these groups).  Reducing therequired number of votes as proposed by the ALAC, coupled with theALAC's due diligence to verify that applicants meet the At-LargeStructure criteria, will better enable the ICANN At-Large frameworkenvisioned in the bylaws to be created.

Proposedchange to the ICANN Bylaws:

ARTICLEXI, Section 2, paragraph 4(i):

Existingbylaws: 

"...  Decisions to certify or decertifyan At-Large Structure shall require a 2/3 vote of all of the membersof the ALAC and shall be subject to review according to proceduresestablished by the Board."

Replace with:

"...Decisions to certify or decertify an At-Large Structureshall require a 2/3 majority among all of the members of the ALAC whocast a vote, provided at least nine members of the ALAC cast a voteaccording to procedures adopted by the Committee. These decisionsshall be subject to review according to procedures established by theBoard."

Please submityour comments in time for consideration at ICANN's Board meeting inVancouver, Canada on 4 December 2005. Comments have been solicitedby the ALAC since 2 November 2005(<http://www.alac.icann.org/announcements/announcement-02nov05.htm>)

Clickhere to submit comments on the change to ICANN Bylaws regarding theAt-Large Structure Certification Process

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Clickhere to view comments on the change to ICANN Bylaws regarding theAt-Large Structure Certification Process posted on the At-Large Forum