Historical Resolution Tracking Feature » GNSO gTLD Registries Stakeholder Group Charter Amendments (2016)
Important note: The explanatory text provided through this database (including the summary, implementation actions, identification of related resolutions, and additional information) is an interpretation or an explanation that has no official authority and does not represent the purpose behind the Board actions, nor does any explanations or interpretations modify or override the Resolutions themselves. Resolutions can only be modified through further act of the ICANN Board.
GNSO gTLD Registries Stakeholder Group Charter Amendments (2016)
the ICANN Board approves the RySG Charter Amendments as documented in the briefing materials submitted to the Board
Whereas, the ICANN Bylaws (Article X, Section 5.3) state, "Each [GNSO] Stakeholder Group shall maintain recognition with the ICANN Board."
Whereas, the Board has established a Process For Amending GNSO Stakeholder Group and Constituency Charters (the "Process").
Whereas, the GNSO gTLD Registries Stakeholder Group (RySG), ICANN staff, and the Organizational Effectiveness Committee (OEC) have completed all steps identified in the Process.
Whereas, the amendments appear to address a number of matters the Board directed to the RySG's attention in previous Board Resolution Number 2015.10.22.14.
Resolved (2016.05.15.03), the ICANN Board approves the RySG Charter Amendments as documented in the briefing materials submitted to the Board The RySG and ICANN staff are directed to provide access to the new governing document on the appropriate web pages for the RySG. The Board directs the RySG to review the changes within one year to determine if they are having the intended impacts. ICANN staff is further directed to share this resolution with the leadership of the RySG.
Why is the Board addressing this issue now?
ICANN Bylaws (Article X, Section 5.3) state, "Each Stakeholder Group shall maintain recognition with the ICANN Board." The Board has interpreted this language to require that the ICANN Board formally approve any amendments to the governing documents of Stakeholder Groups (SG) and/or Constituencies in the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO).
In September 2013, the Board established a Process For Amending GNSO Stakeholder Group and Constituency Charters ("Process") to provide a streamlined methodology for compliance with the Bylaws requirement.
Earlier this year, the gTLD Registries Stakeholder Group (RySG) of the GNSO approved amendments to its governing documents and availed itself of the Process.
What are the proposals being considered?
The Stakeholder Group has amended its existing Charter document to adjust to an evolving composition of membership and to enable it to more effectively undertake its policy development responsibilities. Among a number of amendments, the most substantial charter changes are in the following areas:
Creation of a new class of "Association" members;
Changes to the weighted voting categories and measures of the group; and
Adjustments to the community fee structure to accommodate the addition of association members.
What stakeholders or others were consulted?
In addition to extensive community deliberations within the RySG, the proposed amendments were subjected to a 43-day Public Comment period (22 February – 4 April 2016). When the period was completed, staff produced a Summary Report for community and Board review on 15 April 2016.
What significant materials did the Board review?
The Board reviewed a redline formatted document of the proposed charter amendments and a copy of the Staff Summary Report summarizing community comments.
What factors did the Board find to be significant?
The GNSO Registries Stakeholder Group, ICANN staff, and the Organizational Effectiveness Committee completed all steps identified in the Process. The publication of the amendments for community review and comment resulted in support for the changes.
Are there Positive or Negative Community Impacts?
The Stakeholder Group has amended its existing Charter document to adjust to an evolving composition of membership and to enable it to more effectively undertake its policy development responsibilities.
Are there fiscal impacts/ramifications on ICANN (Strategic Plan, Operating Plan, Budget); the community; and/or the public?
The amendments include adjustments to the RySG fee structure which could impact individual community members.
Are there any Security, Stability or Resiliency issues relating to the DNS?
There is no anticipated impact from this decision on the security, stability and resiliency of the domain name system as a result of this decision.
Is this either a defined policy process within ICANN's Supporting Organizations or ICANN's Organizational Administrative Function decision requiring public comment or not requiring public comment?
The proposed amendments were subjected to a 43-day Public Comment period (22 February – 4 April 2016).