[alac] Budget process -- steady-state travel funding?

[Thomas Roessler <roessler-mobile@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

See the text below the .signature for a description of the budgeting
process for FY 03/04.

Seems like the only option we have at this point is to submit
comments on the Proposed Budget as posted on 15 May.  I could
imagine that it might be a good idea to submit an update proposal in
a timely manner, so we have enough time to discuss this with ICANN.

A possible request to ICANN could look like this (as a very first
draft):

        STEADY-STATE FUNDING REQUIREMENT FOR ALAC LIAISONS AND
        CHAIR

        The New Bylaws afford the ALAC with the opportunity to send
        liaisons to a number of other entities within the ICANN
        structure, in particular the Board, the GNSO Council, and
        (assuming approval of the recent ccNSO drafts) the ccNSO
        Council.  These liaisons will be key for an effective
        functioning of the ALAC within ICANN's structure: It is
        their responsibility to build solid and constructive working
        relationships between the bodies they liaise to and the
        ALAC.  To build these relationships, and to effectively
        participate in the bodies they are sent to, liaisons will be
        required to regularly physically participate in ICANN
        meetings.  Similarly, the ALAC's chair will have to work
        with the ICANN community in general to represent the
        committee, and advocate users' interests at ICANN meetings.

        While it may be possible that RALO-appointed ALAC members
        could receive appropriate funding from their respective
        regional organizations (or from some at-large structures) in
        the future, this funding channel cannot be expected to be
        available to Interim members appointed by the board and to
        ALAC members appointed by the Nominating Committee.  In
        order to give the ALAC the opportunity to select as its
        chair and liaisons those personalities best suited for the
        job -- and not just those with the most comfortable
        financial backing --, regular funding of travel to ICANN
        meetings needs to be available to at least (1) those ALAC
        liaisons to other ICANN bodies which are created in the new
        bylaws; (2) the ALAC chair.

(I realize that this is still quite rough.)
-- 
Thomas Roessler                 <roessler-mobile@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>





http://www.icann.org/financials/preliminary-budget-15mar03.htm

[...]

The second phase of the budget-development cycle includes the
preparation of a Preliminary Budget for the next fiscal year based
on the updated forecast for the current year, plus other known
variables affecting the next years budget. This Preliminary Budget
(this document) is posted in advance of the first meeting of the
calendar year (in 2003, this will be the March meeting in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil). A summary of the Preliminary 04 Budget will be
presented at the Public Forum to be held in Rio de Janeiro on 26
March 2003, and will form the basis for open discussion.

The third phase includes preparation of the Proposed Budget for the
next fiscal year, based on review of the Preliminary Budget. The
Proposed Budget, after internal review and development by ICANN
management, the Budget Advisory Group, and the Finance Committee, is
posted for public comment at least three weeks before the second
quarterly meeting, but no later than 45 days before the beginning of
the next fiscal year. In the case of the Proposed Budget for FY04,
this posting will occur on or before 15 May 2003.

The Proposed Budget, modified as appropriate from analysis of
comments received, is presented to the Board for adoption at its
second meeting of the calendar year, resulting in the Adopted
Budget. This year, that will occur on 26 June 2003 in Montreal,
Canada.

[...]