Thanks, Tomslin!

Yes, it is a great initiative, driven by the Board (and from
what I understand, especially Matthew), where they seem to
have listened to our concerns and are trying to work with us.

We had a good, constructive discussion with Melissa and other
staff members and the NCSG/NPOC/NCUC leadership about it
(unfortunately Bruna and Raoul couldn't make it), and it really
sounds like an effort worth our time and attention.

	Julf


On 21/07/2022 00:27, Tomslin Samme-Nlar wrote:
> FYI all non-commercial Fellowship alumni.
> 
> I think this is a great initiative.
> 
> Warmly,
> Tomslin
> 
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: *Melissa Peters Allgood via Fellowship-Alumni* 
> <[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
> Date: Thu, 21 July 2022, 02:03
> Subject: [Fellowship-Alumni] **New Engagement Opportunity - Policy 
> Transition Program Pilot**
> To: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
> <[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
> 
> 
> ICANN Fellowship Alumni, ____
> 
> __ __
> 
> On behalf of the Policy team, I’d like to share an exciting new pilot 
> initiative slated to begin in October 2022 – the *Policy Transition 
> Program*! ____
> 
> __ __
> 
> The program is the natural next step for Fellowship alumni who are 
> interested in active policy participation at ICANN. Participants will 
> engage in specific policy knowledge-building, cultivating a deeper 
> understanding of current and forthcoming policy matters, while building 
> community relationships and value in volunteerism. ____
> 
> *GOALS *____
> 
>   * Cultivate a pool of knowledgeable volunteers adequately prepared to
>     participate in substantive policy activities at ICANN. ____
>   * Connect ICANN community groups with individual members seeking to
>     contribute to policy matters. ____
>   * Foster community, relationship-building, and value in volunteerism
>     through connections with veteran community members. ____
> 
> *__ __*
> 
> *APPROACH*____
> 
> */__ __/*
> 
> */Deep dive into a current policy issue – the specific policy topic of 
> the pilot is forthcoming/*____
> 
>   * Participants will receive focused primer materials including
>     background summaries, webinar and session recordings, and relevant
>     resources that offer differing points of view. The goal is to
>     provide program participants a well-rounded set of materials on the
>     policy topic. ____
>   * Participants are expected to study these materials and participate
>     in session activities, facilitated by Policy staff, to further their
>     understanding of the policy topic. ____
>   * Participants will use a dedicated mailing list to ask substantive
>     questions and engage in targeted discussions. ____
>   * Program participants will engage in interactive discussion sessions
>     with subject matter experts (SMEs) and/or active community members. ____
>   * We anticipate finalizing the policy topic by 1 August 2022.____
> 
> */__ __/*
> 
> */Community building/**/____/*
> 
>   * Targeted Fellowship alumni will act as guest speakers, sharing their
>     experiences within ICANN policy development and the personal value
>     they derive from participation. ____
> 
> __ __
> 
> */Support connections between newcomers and existing community /*____
> 
>   * *//*Program sessions have four distinct goals: ____
> 
>       o Provide a forum for interactive policy topic discussions with
>         SMEs.____
>       o Support participation in a guest speaker series targeted at
>         substantive policy engagement and the value of volunteerism.____
>       o Foster connections between participants.____
>       o Provide a forum for existing community members to engage with
>         newcomers. ____
> 
>   * All sessions will be conducted via Zoom as this program does not
>     have travel funding.____
> 
> __ __
> 
> *__ __*
> 
> *MEMBERSHIP **____*
> 
> For the pilot, participation will be limited to Fellowship alumni who 
> are either currently affiliated with non-commercial groups within the 
> GNSO, or those who are currently unaffiliated, and wish explore 
> opportunities for contribution within GNSO non-commercial groups.____
> 
> If you are interested in participating or learning more, please email me 
> at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>by 15 
> August 2022. ____
> 
> We look forward to working with you!____
> 
> Melissa Allgood (on behalf of the team supporting the Policy Transition 
> Program)____
> 
> __ __
> 
> __ __
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Fellowship-Alumni mailing list
> [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> https://mm.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/fellowship-alumni 
> <https://mm.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/fellowship-alumni>
> 
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