Election 2023-2024/Candidates/Additional Statements

Candidates in the ISOC-NY Election 2023-2024 were invited to make additional statements on two topics.

• Thus is also available as a pdf

Danny Glix

Your vision of ways to improve the ISOC-NY Chapter

An open and more connected internet by humanizing the aspect of community around these aspirations. Some of the ISOC initiatives to promote inclusion could be integrated in our Manhattan chapter's gameplan.

Your vision of ways to improve ISOC in general

Ideas re: engaging local community to expand chapter memberships and active efforts.

Josephson Kiplangat

Your vision of ways to improve the ISOC-NY Chapter

KIPLANGAT JOSEPHSON KOSKEI VYING AS VICE-PRESIDENT

Internet Society Organization Community- (ISOC)

Internet is a whole infrastructure of interconnectivity. It is a tool that is becoming a vital component in our society today. During our time when we were growing up in 90s Internet was lesser superior to be talked of, we didn’t even have a glue what this animal does or behave, we could just hear computers have come up that uses Internet. Like myself I grow up in a remote place where not much was happening, electricity was a very big challenge even up to now 22nd century most community setup doesn’t have electricity in their homes they still depend on hurricane lamps that uses kerosene fuel for light. A few people have started owning smartphones which have internet connectivity and that’s a good thing. As a technology expert I still see the gap that needs to be filled so fast so as the rest of the community don’t be left out. I am talking of Africa and Kenya in specific. Internet Society Organization Community- (ISOC) have played a very important part but there is still more to be done. In New York Chapter for example among others it is a developed world class city where every developing Nation is looking up to. There are only a few things that needs to be done in New York Chapter that is emphasizing the important role played by the Internet to the people over there and try to highlight this developing countries that struggle to understand Internet as a vital component that impact our daily lives. Internet usage in New York Chapter is not the same as Internet usage in developing Nation like somewhere in Kenya. Internet usage in New York Chapter we are like may be talking of something like how much capacity do we want, the speed and components connectivity. We also need to have a discussion on Internet to seek partnership and collaboration with the developed Nations, firms and Enterprises for support.

Your vision of ways to improve ISOC in general

KIPLANGAT JOSEPHSON KOSKEI VYING AS VICE-PRESIDENT

Internet Society Organization Community- (ISOC)

In general developing Nations like Kenya we are still introducing to people that there is a vital tool that interconnect the whole globe and improve communication, speed up business operation and makes the whole Nation transform in a faster way. As a technology expert in a developing country I can reflect where Internet started, where it is now and where the future looks like. As a candidate who is vying as Vice-president in Internet Society Organization Community- (ISOC) I know I am in a better place to bring together the developed Nations and those Developing Nations to close the gap. For example, I have three and half years’ daughter at time she feels like she doesn’t need to go to school but she wants to stay home so she can use Internet. Internet is really catching up so fast to the younger generations and it is time for us expert to ensure we teach our children the importance of Internet roles it plays and the importance of school as well. Being a graduate in Technology field I feel like I am really into this thing internet. I have passion in exploring more, sharing with people from different diverse globe on what they does daily and how they do it better.

Namra Naseer

Your vision of ways to improve the ISOC-NY Chapter

To enhance the ISOC-NY Chapter's impact and engagement, I envision:

1. Diversify Membership: Encourage broader participation by reaching out to esp. underrepresented groups in the tech and IG communities. Hosting events and partnering with local educational institutions can too help diversify our membership base.
2. Educational Initiatives: Develop educational programs/workshops focused on emerging technologies, digital literacy, and internet governance aimed at empowering members.
3. Community Outreach: Strengthen ties with local communities and organizations to foster collaboration on internet related issues. Building partnerships can lead to joint events, projects, and increased visibility for ISOC NY.
4. Advocacy and Policy: Increase advocacy efforts to influence policies that align with ISOC's mission. Engage with policymakers, participate in public consultations and share expert insights on internet governance topics.
5. Online Presence: Enhance the chapter's online presence through regular updates on our website, social media, and newsletters. Engaging content can attract a wider audience and keep members informed.
6. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs connecting experienced professionals with newcomers. This can facilitate knowledge transfer, networking, and career development within the ISOC NY community.
7. Youth Engagement: Create programs tailored to youth, encouraging their involvement in internet related discussions.
8. Event Diversity: Organize a diverse range of events, including panel discussions, webinars, hackathons, and networking gatherings. These events should address both technical and policy aspects of the internet.
9. Feedback Mechanisms: Establish regular feedback mechanisms to collect input from members and the broader community. Listening to stakeholders' needs and concerns will inform the chapter's direction.

Your vision of ways to improve ISOC in general

1. Global Engagement and Inter-Chapter Collaboration: Strengthen ISOC's presence and influence in regions with emerging internet ecosystems. This involves expanding local chapters, collaborating with regional organizations, and tailoring initiatives to address unique challenges. I am particularly interested in increasing inter-chapter collaboration.
2. Digital Inclusion: Elevate efforts to bridge the digital divide. ISOC should champion initiatives that promote internet access, affordability, and digital literacy, particularly in underserved communities worldwide.
3. Policy Advocacy: Enhance ISOC's role as a global advocate for internet-related policies that prioritize openness, privacy, and security. Engage with governments, international organizations, and stakeholders to shape policies that align with ISOC's principles.
4. Technical Leadership: Maintain ISOC's commitment to technical excellence. Support the development and deployment of open standards, protocols, and technologies that underpin a secure and resilient internet.
5. Youth Empowerment: Establish programs to engage and empower the next generation of internet leaders. Youth-focused initiatives can promote digital skills, innovation, and participation in shaping the internet's future.
6. Partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, including academia, civil society, and industry stakeholders. Collaborative efforts can amplify ISOC's impact and broaden its reach.
7. Community Engagement: Foster a vibrant and inclusive ISOC community. This involves facilitating knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and meaningful engagement among members, chapters, and partners.
8. Data Governance and Privacy: Advocate for responsible data governance and user privacy protections. ISOC should play a leading role in discussions surrounding data ethics, security, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
9. Research and Thought Leadership: Promote research and thought leadership on internet related issues. ISOC can contribute valuable insights and solutions to complex challenges in the digital age.
10. Transparency and Accountability: Maintain a high level of transparency in organizational governance and decision-making processes. Accountability to members and stakeholders is crucial for trust and credibility.

Andrea Romaoli Garcia

Your vision of ways to improve the ISOC-NY Chapter

Obviously if Splinternet could change where the addresses you normally use on the open Internet, it could take you to completely unwanted places or bring some frustration due to sites that can be blocked entirely.
For instance, if this landscape could gathe the financial power coming from some companies or institutions, I see a future where financial power could decrease trustworth, suppress human expression and internet resilience.
Regarding my vision of ways to improve ISOC-NY Chapter, I will work for solutions to protect the Internet way of networking. As a Vice President, I will be an asset to expand persistence in our work to connect and reduce the number of unconnected people by building paths to allow decision-makers reaching information they need to make the right choices to support the Internet’s growth and development.
Furthermore, through my humanitarian efforts for ISOC-NY Chapter, I will apply my 17 years of experience to protecting the global Internet from a splinternet to ensure free flow of information, livelihoods, economies, democracy, business and innovation.
By reducing threats to the open and collaborative model of internet governance, it will improve ISOC in general because more and more connected people will make part of the future of the internet.

Stuart Reid

Your vision of ways to improve the ISOC-NY Chapter

I would like to see the NY Chapter significantly increase its activity, programming and presence within the under-served public housing communities of New York City. This population of over half-a-million people is very much in need of equity…digital, economic, social and political… and innovative Internet-based services and applications could play a pivotal role in enhancing resident-led initiatives and programs, both underway and prospective, to begin to address this critical need. Over the last five-years of my tenure as a Board Member of ISOC-NY, I was instrumental in securing a Large BTN Grant from the Internet Society Foundation that created a community-based streaming radio program that helped Harlem residents communicate with each other and coordinate the flow of resources and health-care information during the COVID pandemic (https://www.isocfoundation.org/story/in-coronavirus-hit-harlem-community-streaming-gives-residents-a-virtual-lifeline/). I was also successful in securing funding from the Foundation to help support our annual Harlem Emergency Preparedness Day annual event held in September at the City College of New York (http://www.whcrebt.org). Working in collaboration with local not-for-profit housing groups and resident leaders, the Chapter could develop many more such initiatives that utilize internet-based resources to empower and enhance the lives of the City’s Black and brown low-income families most in need. I believe that I bring ideas, relationships and leadership to the Chapter to help make such a robust and vibrant connection between ISOC-NY and our under-served NYC communities happen.

Your vision of ways to improve ISOC in general

I would like to see ISOC central work to facilitate the growth and development of individual Chapters in at least two ways. The first would be by sharing a portion of its annual $50+ million dollars of revenue with individual Chapters. Most, if not all, Chapters are struggling to survive with all-volunteer staffing and meager programming resources. While all appropriately organized (i.e. not-for-profit) Chapters are able to apply to the Internet Society Foundation, as well as other sources, for funding for specific projects and programs, there needs to be some under-girding subsidy from the central Internet Society body to help sustain the ongoing boots-on-the-ground operations that work in the trenches trying to make “the Internet is for Everyone” a reality. While there is technically no legal relationship between ISOC central and the Chapters, each Chapter being its own independent legal entity, it seems to me that there should be some fundamental provision by ISOC central to financially encourage and support the activities of individual Chapters that work to move forward our collective mission.

The second suggestion for improvement would be for ISOC central to encourage, preferably with funding attached, the networking and intercommunication of Chapters across the globe. I would particularly like to see support for the development of working coalitions/programs that connect folks from the many diasporas represented here in New York City with their constituent nations, communities, brethren and sistren across the planet (African, Asian, Caribbean, Latino, etc). Collaborations could include exchange student and interest group streaming events, podcasts, discussions and lectures, and other activities and programs designed to foster connection and strengthen communities across the planet.

Liwayway (Dawn) Arce-Rodriguez

Your vision of ways to improve the ISOC-NY Chapter

To fulfill specific goals and objectives for the ISOC-NY Chapter, the general assembly has to be in synchrony. We need to start with the Board of Directors and Officers who ideally should be working harmoniously with one another to fulfill a joint vision for where we should be going, what we should be achieving within a reasonable timeframe and given existing resources. While every member is encouraged to join the discourse and give their viewpoints, mutual respect for our diverse backgrounds and opinions should take the center stage. Our diversity in New York is one of our biggest assets as a melting pot of the world. Let us use this to our advantage by harnessing our various strengths and focusing on our commonalities than our differences. Let us strive to reach a common ground by focusing on what brings us together -improving access to the internet for all - than what divides us. My vision for ISOC-NY is to develop a more dynamic community where members are fully engaged and encouraged to be part of the whole. A board that is united in spirit will help foster this environment for all. Upon achieving this, we can make bigger things happen.

Your vision of ways to improve ISOC in general

I am particularly interested in focusing on how to protect the vulnerable sectors of society from cyber bullying, cyber crimes and false information.

To improve ISOC in general, we could reach a consensus and determine which particular contribution ISOC-NY can bring to the entire organization, and the rest of the chapters, and work on this with dedication. This project or activity could be ISOC-NY's contribution to ISOC and would be its unique selling point or trademark.

Dave Burstein

Your vision of ways to improve the ISOC-NY Chapter

Start by being honest with each other. Do we even have a dozen people who have been active in the past year? We obviously need an aggressive outreach program, in NY and RoW. A proposal was made in the last board meeting with details and someone to run it. It also promoted the election. Let's pass that next meeting. We should communicate in a substantive way with members.

We can counter the massive misinformation out there about the Internet. Most think of national propagance, but in writing about broadband I've found massive misinformation from companies and their lobbyists. As Jennie said, we can be neutral & accurate.

We should actively promote policy statements on important issues, emphasizing those that do not have gov or major corporate support.

We can do much more on education.

We should become the most important Forum to discuss local Internet issues, with open access to our discussions. But we should always put people's needs first, especially those in need.

We should demand 10% of ISOC's budget be allocated by the chapters.

We should not be afraid to speak truth to power.

Your vision of ways to improve ISOC in general

Our $40 million subsidy from .org means we are the best-funded organization with the sole purpose of a better Internet. Govs & giant corporations have most of the power. We can put users first.

We need stronger chapters and a well-informed membership with authority & support. In other words, practice what we preach about "multi-stakeholder" & Democracy. Issues like these should be widely discussed by the membership before decisions are made.

Until recently, the overwhelming majority of our officers and top staff have come from the US, Europe, and allies - the Global North. 2/3rds of the Internet is in the Global South. We should be listening to them, not telling them what to do. Many of our positions continue to be against the needs of Asia, Africa, & Latin America.

From 2011-2018, the only issue we disagreed with the US gov & giant corporations was encryption. Our top policy person sat at the right hand of the US Ambassador. The US has been wrong sometimes.

I believe ISOC should choose issues that are important and without powerful advocates. we should be putting our effort into things like interoperability between major platforms to make competition more practical, reasonable royalties to keep the price of mobile phones down, and possibly opening 5.9 GHz to Wi-Fi internationally.

Staff should consult with the chapters before setting policy that affects their region. When we approach governments & institutions, local members must be included.

Very few of our programs have had much impact. We should evaluate all our programs for effectiveness and drop those that aren't doing much.

We talk about transparency and an informed membership. But I can't find out even such basic information as who our powerful funders are. We need to be able to take on the dominant corporations.

We should be a strong presence at key organizations like 3GPP & IEEE. That's where the important decisions on wireless are made. Wireless costs are the most Important factor in how many people connect. We have plenty of well-qualified volunteers in the chapters.

It's crucial for ISOC to include China because so much relevant to what we do needs the whole world. China is between 25% & 40% of the internet. We must find a way to hear their voice.

We should not be afraid.