Proposed new working group: Collaboration

[Patrik Fältström patrik@localhost]

Dear Colleagues,

Here is a proposed charter for the proposed working group named  
"Collaboration".
As you can see, the name of the chair(s) is not mentioned. Of course  
the names have to be decided when the wg is formally formed. But, to  
not delay the discussions about this wg, and to not mix up the two  
issues (charter and chair) I hereby let you all comment on this  
proposed wg. An action point as decided upon at the Friday plenary.
    Patrik Fältström


Collaboration Working Group

Suggested chairs: tbd


The RIPE community decision-making processes are open to anyone,
meaning that anyone with an interest can suggest policy, take part in
reviewing documents and participate on mailing lists and at RIPE
Meetings. To encourage participation from people and organisations  
outside the
traditional RIPE community, a number of special outreach programs
have been developed, including a series of "Governmental Roundtable
Meetings", at which RIPE community members and government
representatives can meet and discuss common areas of interest.
Government representatives participate in RIPE Meetings, and the RIPE
NCC actively reaches out to governments and others in the public sector
to inform them on issues related to the RIPE community and engage them
on issues related to RIPE and RIPE NCC activities.

The Collaboration Working Group is a forum for discussion focusing on
collaboration between the private and public sectors on Internet  
matters.
This kind of collaboration has taken on increased prominence in recent
years, as the wider Internet community strives to ensure that all voices
are heard and the interests of all parties are considered. Fostering  
more
open dialogue between all stakeholders is vital to ensuring the  
continued
stability of the Internet.

The working group discusses the following:

1. Topics raised by working group participants that are of interest
to both the public and private sectors

2. The RIPE NCC's current outreach activities will be reported, and
the RIPE NCC will seek advice and guidance on future activities.

3. The working group will develop and clarify the RIPE community's
position on issues that are of relevance to the public sector or on
which a community position has been sought

4. The working group will be responsible for maintenance of the RIPE
Document produced by the Enhanced Cooperation Task Force, describing
the RIPE community, existing policy development processes and
outreach programs

The working group is also an important channel through which the RIPE
community can communicate with others in the "Information Society".