Hello everybody,

Transition talk got you down? Looking to acquire some expertise in an area where the NCSG really needs your help? Please consider joining a webinar today that kicks off the planning process for ICANN's 2018 fiscal year budget and renewed operating plan.

The webinar kicks off at 15:00 UTC and can be accessed here:

https://icann.adobeconnect.com/planning

Last year the NCSG did not submit a public comment on the budget. I personally found that to be a bit embarrassing - this is something very important for the noncommercial community to weigh in on. I had held the pen the previous two years for the NCSG but this year was drafted in to help write he GNSO public comment for Council. That's a likely occurrence going forward this year. So...

If anyone has interest in pursuing this today's webinar would be a great place to start. I certainly would be happy to answer any questions and help guide anyone and everyone willing to follow this for the NCSG. It's a bit complicated, and somewhat opaque, but I've found study of the ICANN budget to be absolutely fascinating. Following the transition we absolutely need to develop expertise in this area within the NCSG so we can properly meet our responsibilities for monitoring the budget as part of the empowered community. It's a great opportunity for someone willing to take on the challenge!

Hope to see some folks on the call today. The call will be recorded so feel free to take a look later if you can't make it now.

Thanks for considering,