Happy New Year to all. I am sharing reflections on ICANN81 as I begin planning for the year and ICANN82.
You asked, I'll answer
Across coffees, chats, and stolen moments between sessions at ICANN81 in Istanbul, many community members asked me what I thought about ICANN. I think ICANN is a unique and invaluable ecosystem with talented and committed people working on complex and critical problems that contribute to shaping our Internet-enabled world. I know that I am privileged to work with you all.
I was struck by the power of connection that drove vibrant discussions and how creative solutions emerged from valuable disagreements. It's not always easy or smooth, but this diversity is an extraordinary asset.
I asked, you answered
Thank you to everyone who found time to speak with me, whether through structured meetings or ad hoc discussions.
I heard that you want a safe and inclusive environment and that you are willing to support your peers, demonstrating an impressive care for your community. People I spoke with want incidents of harassment to be taken seriously and I heard that you are more confident in investigation outcomes when the process to handle complaints is transparent and consistently applied.
I heard that independence of the Office of the Ombuds matters greatly and that you want the Office of the Ombuds to be accessible and effective with the right powers discharged in the right way.
Evolve together
I handled only a few complaints about behavior while in Istanbul. I want to thank those who spoke with me. I also want to remind you that you do not need a formal complaint to raise a concern with me or get advice. As you know, changes to the Community Anti-Harassment Policy are being considered in the Community. I am bringing my extensive experience in anti-harassment work to my role as a Board-invited member of the Board's Anti-Harassment Working Group. I will encourage emphasizing prevention and promoting dignity and respect, alongside a fair and just response to incidents of harassment.
My "to do" list is long, but actionable. Alongside handling cases and enhancing community-focused education, at the top of that "to do" list is to help ensure that the WS2 recommendations for which I have responsibility are part of the plan as we work together to evolve the Ombuds Office.
Please know that I am here for more than simply complaint and dispute handling; please don't wait until you have a complaint to get in touch.
Over the coming months, I will be reviewing the services of the Office. Please get in touch if you would like to give feedback. I am doing a series of individual and group listening sessions; contact me if you are willing to be interviewed confidentially as part of the design process.
Finally, keep an eye out for a baseline survey in the first quarter of this year.
You can contact me, in confidence, at [email protected] or [email protected].