If NCUC can get regular funding from .org, let us take it, as much as 
possible. But I think, in order to assert our rightful place in ICANN, I 
suggest that we make all efforts to get also onto the ICANN support 
structures on the ICANN budget.

It is not only ALAC, but it is also being discussed how ICANN can assist 
the functioning of the GAC (I did not yet check any budgetary 
implications for ICANN, but the GAC secretariat function was supported 
by the EU, and from now on the Indian government will do something).

Milton, I do not subscribe, in general, to what you wrote: "You should 
all be politically astute enough to know that who pays the piper calls 
the tune." - Maybe I am not politically astute enough to realize that I 
am dancing to a tune played by the Francophonie which is paying for my 
participating in ICANN since quite a while. I am embarrassed to continue 
to as for this regularly, and I would be much happier if - at present, 
as a duly established member of the GNSO Council on behalf of NCUC, 
there would be a financial basis for us to do this service - and even 
have the members of our ExCom here, because a lot of informal activity 
is going on face-to-face during ICANN meetings (during coffee breaks, 
lunches, and in the evenings) which cannot be achieved on the mailing list.

Or to turn it around: if we, as NCUC, can "play the tune" better, the 
ICANN tune, as we would like to see it re-composed, let us become 
integral members of the team of pipers.


Norbert

=

Milton Mueller wrote:
>>>> Carlos Afonso <[log in to unmask]> 3/29/2006 3:46 PM >>>
>>>>         
>> I am actually surprised, after reviewing ICANN's operational plan, 
>> that NCUC has never before claimed this right.
>>     
>
> Actually it has been raised. Kathy, Harold and I tried to make it a permanent part of the .org contract. That is a much better solution imho than a budget item subject to ICANN's CEO. It also might be better to press for that as a condition of .org renewal. Registrars and registries, who would pay the taxes to fund a general budget allocation, would prefer to stick .org with the tab. And believe me, PIR, which sloshes 3 million a year into ISOC coffers, can afford to set aside $20,000 a year for NCUC. 
>
>
>