Re: [gnso-policyimpl-wg] Proposed Agenda - Next Policy & Implementation WG Meeting

[mcubberley <mcubberley@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Marika,

Regrettably, I am scheduled to meet with another specialist tomorrow to try to 
determine the best way to get me back on my feet, literally. These bone breaks 
are more complex than was first thought, and there are some new complications.

As a result, I will not be able to participate in tomorrow's meeting, which is 
unfortunate in light of the very interesting recent posts and discussion 
regarding the fundamental question of the relationship between policy and 
implementation, and the possibility of elasticity in interpretation.

I am sure, nonetheless, that the other members of the sub-group will be able to 
update the working group and the GNSO Council on our progress.  Had I been able 
to participate, there is one observation I would like to have made, and so, 
with respect, I will make it here, in this email.

(With apologies for the lengthy message........but think of all the time that 
will. be saved in the meeting by reading this now.)

Observation
The *draft* definitions the sub-group has developed are a strong starting point 
in that they are clear and neutral, and most importantly, they enable an 
understanding of the words and phrases as just that: words for which an 
agreed-upon definition can be found. As drafts, they will be subject to some 
editing.

In my view, (and that of others, or the sub-team would not have been formed), 
it is essential to seek agreement on the basic definitions themselves, before 
trying to interpret them in terms that could change their fundamental meaning. 

Yes, there is a definite link between policy and implementation, as there is a 
link between principles and policies. I think, however, that in focussing on 
the relationship between Policy and Implementation, and in assuming it is a 
*direct* link, we have missed some crucial steps, and the agreement or 
disagreement over who will have influence over what, and at which stage, has 
truncated and blurred our understanding of the progression of action from idea 
to implementation. In other words, we may have left out a few things.

I see the continuum (Maureen's Quick and Easy Continuum of Activity), in this 
way:

PURPOSE and VISION
tell us why an organization exists, and where it sees itself now and in the 
future.
(.....In order for an organization to determine what will guide the development 
of its vision, the organization will need PRINCIPLES.)

PRINCIPLES
are agreed-upon, adopted, basic beliefs, truths or theories that influence 
decision and action, and represent that which is positive and desirable for an 
organization.
(.....In order to make decisions, which will reflect the organization's 
PRINCIPLES, the organization needs POLICIES.)

POLICIES are written statements of sets of decisions, which are considered and 
chosen to determine and guide present and future actions thought to be 
desirable or necessary.
(.....in order to enunciate, in terms of achievement and impact, the work that 
needs to be done, and in a manner consistent with the organization's POLICIES, 
the organization needs GOALS)

GOALS are statements of intended achievement and impact, which are consistent 
with an organization's POLICIES
(.....in order to achieve those GOALS, specific OBJECTIVES must be developed.)

OBJECTIVES are statements of the steps, together with indication of the 
resources (time, money, people), required to achieve the stated GOAL(s).

IMPLEMENTATION is the stage of working on (carrying out) the OBJECTIVE by using 
the allocated resources and plans established in the OBJECTIVE.

COMPLETION is........simply wonderful.

So......to go from Policy to Implementation, without considering the dependent 
steps that are between them, seems to complicate our task considerably, and 
make a successful outcome "a long shot".

If part of the purpose of our work is to illuminate the point(s) at which it 
may be appropriate for various parties to have input and influence into the 
decisions and actions that comprise this continuum, then we would be well 
advised to look closely at all of the points; They are connected, and influence 
at one point inevitable opens the door to influence at other points.

A lot goes on between Policy and Implementation, and I think we have to think 
about that before thinking about who (which groups) might be able to provide 
the most valuable input and influence at any or all of the stages. 

Submitted with Respect by,
Maureen Cubberley


Maureen Cubberley
+1.705.382.3841

On 2013-11-13, at 12:40 PM, Marika Konings <marika.konings@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Mauren, I'm very sorry to hear about your ankle. Please don't worry about the 
> call, I'm sure that one of the other sub-team members is able to provide the 
> update should you not be able to make it.
> 
> All, please find attached the latest version of the definitions document. Do 
> note that this is still work in progress – as a matter of fact, several 
> comments were submitted earlier today which the sub-team still needs to 
> review.
> 
> With best regards,
> 
> Marika
> 
> From: mcubberley <mcubberley@xxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Wednesday 13 November 2013 18:28
> To: Marika Konings <marika.konings@xxxxxxxxx>
> Cc: Gnosis IP Law & Consulting <gnosisiplaw@xxxxxxxxx>, 
> "gnso-policyimpl-wg@xxxxxxxxx" <gnso-policyimpl-wg@xxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [gnso-policyimpl-wg] Proposed Agenda - Next Policy & 
> Implementation WG Meeting
> 
> Marika and Michael,
> 
> Sorry, I missed this. I broke my ankle in a rather complex way Monday 
> afternoon .... something I really did not need right now :-/.....and have 
> been back and forth between doctors and the hospital ever since. I have 
> another appointment at 1pm today and plan to be home in time for the 20:00 
> utc (3pm Eastern) meeting today, assuming there are no further complications 
> to deal with.
> 
> I have not had a chance to look at the revised document, but I am sure it 
> reflects our discussions so please go ahead and circulate it.
> 
> If for some reason I am unable to participate in the meeting, perhaps you two 
> could take the lead, and I think Wolf-Ulrich would help too.
> 
> Sorry about this, but my schedule is at the mercy of the physicians and their 
> not-always-helpful assistants! (Some day we must chat about Canadian health 
> care :)
> 
> Best regards,
> Maureen
> 
> Maureen Cubberley
> +1.705.382.3841
> +1.705.718.5723
> 
> On 2013-11-12, at 3:18 AM, Marika Konings <marika.konings@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
>> Michael, 
>> 
>> An updated version was sent to the sub-team yesterday for review and 
>> discussion. As soon as Maureen indicates that it is ready for broader 
>> distribution, I will of course do so.
>> 
>> Best regards,
>> 
>> Marika
>> 
>> From: Gnosis IP Law & Consulting <gnosisiplaw@xxxxxxxxx>
>> Date: Monday 11 November 2013 22:48
>> To: Marika Konings <marika.konings@xxxxxxxxx>
>> Cc: "gnso-policyimpl-wg@xxxxxxxxx" <gnso-policyimpl-wg@xxxxxxxxx>
>> Subject: Re: [gnso-policyimpl-wg] Proposed Agenda - Next Policy & 
>> Implementation WG Meeting
>> 
>> Marika:
>> 
>> I presume you will also post the Draft Definitions to the Working Group when 
>> the revisions are completed?
>> 
>> Michael R.
>> 
>> On Nov 11, 2013, at 2:51 PM, Marika Konings <marika.konings@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> 
>>> Dear All,
>>> 
>>> Please find below the proposed agenda for the next Policy & Implementation 
>>> Working Group meeting (Wednesday 13 November 2013).
>>> 
>>> Best regards,
>>> 
>>> Marika
>>> 
>>> Proposed Agenda Policy & Implementation Working Group Meeting – 13 November 
>>> 2013 (20.00 UTC)
>>> Roll call / SOI  
>>> Update from Work Plan Sub-Team (Michael)
>>> Update from Definitions Sub-Team (Maureen)
>>> Formation of sub-team 0B – next steps
>>> Review update to GNSO Council presentation (see proposed slides attached)
>>> Planning for BA – proposed agenda:
>>> Introductions
>>> Finalise / sign off on work plan
>>> Discussion of questions (see attachment for latest version)
>>> Next steps / confirm next meeting
>>> 
>>> <Updated PI WG questions 31 Oct.doc><Policy Implementation Update - Updated 
>>> 11 November 2013.ppt>
>> 
> <Draft definitions - updated 11 November 2013 - 2.doc>