[Advisors] CIRA forum - digital lit. ques & answ.
michael gurstein
gurstein at gmail.com
Sat, 6 Oct 2012 10:02:48 -0700
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A belated thanks to Marita for raising this issue and the responses are
quite interesting--particularly that from Michael Geist. I think that in
whatever way possible we should support him in developing the idea of an
arm's length organization to support Digital Literacy and other non-core
Internet related CIRA functions (the Brazil .br/CGI provides a very useful
model I think).
I should perhaps mention that I'm chairing a session at the Internet
Governance Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan next month on Internet Governance
Mechanisms dealing specifically with this issue and with the intention of
making the Brazil model more widly known, and I'm copying this to Michael G.
as a specific invitation to him and any other CIRA directors (?) who may be
in Baku to attend and contribute.
Best to all,
M
From: advisors-admin@tc.ca [mailto:advisors-admin@tc.ca] On Behalf Of Marita
Moll
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2012 5:09 PM
To: TC Advisors
Subject: [Advisors] CIRA forum - digital lit. ques & answ.
Hello all. I thought you might be interested in the responses to the
question I posed on the CIRA forum re: digital literacy. The forum is open
till Sept. 18 (Tuesday) so if you want to get a question or a point in,
there is still time.
I hope this table format is readable at your end. If now, you can look at
the original (and the other forum discussions) here
https://elections.cira.ca/2012/campaign/topic/35/en
Author: Marita Moll
Date: 2012/09/11 08:32pm
Message:
CIF participants have suggested that CIRA could play a larger role in
digital literacy program development and implementation in Canada. Can CIRA,
as it is currently constituted, play such a role? As a director, would you
see this as a relevant role for CIRA?
Replies:
Author: <https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1398/en> Kevin
McArthur
Date: 2012/09/11 09:22pm
Message:
Hi Marita, awesome question.
CIRA definitely has a role to play in supporting digital literacy in Canada.
Through the Community Investment Program (CIP) and the Canadian Internet
Forum (CIF), CIRA has done a lot of really great engagement with the public
and consistently it comes up that digital literacy needs to be focused on if
the Internet is to grow in Canada.
CIRA has made some really positive moves this year towards its goal of
supporting Internet development, including starting a great discussion
around Internet Exchange Points. So when it comes to digital literacy and
other CIF-arising concerns there's already a really good success model that
we can replicate amd build upon.
I'd like to see the CIP invest in grassroots community organizations -
organizations working to build a better Internet in Canada - while at the
same time ensuring that such investments don't turn into a tax on internet
users more generally. The best way I see to balance these two goals would be
to limit CIP investments to not-for-profit organizations and ensure that
CIRA doesn't engage in the direct funding of for-profit organizations. This
will make sure that CIRA's limited funding goes where it is truly needed and
not into the pockets of large telecommunications companies.
Beyond funding support, CIRA also has a big voice and could easily engage in
advocacy around digital literacy in K-12 and post-secondary programs. This
fits in well with my platform around creating a digital policy working
group. I'd hope that going forward we'll see a strong multi-stakeholder
approach to digital policy at CIRA that would invite members like yourself
to participate in developing these policy positions.
Thanks for the question, hope I've done it justice.
Author: Marita Moll
Date: 2012/09/14 09:49pm
Message:
Thanks to all of you for your well considered responses. I ask the question
because, as we deliberate here, thousands of digital literacy sites in
Canada are going dark because of the cancellation of the federal Community
Access Program. This program supported public Internet access combined with
digital literacy support. This is affecting thousands of real people right
now, mostly people who have very little voice. I know CIRA does not have the
resources to solve this problem. But, as Kevin McArther noted, CIRA has a
big voice. It can take a loud and clear stand on the need for such programs
in this country and implement some pilot projects or it can, as Michael
Geist noted, continue to "nibble around the edges." That would be an
opportunity lost for sure.
Author: <https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1367/en> Jennifer
Shelton
Date: 2012/09/11 11:13pm
Message:
Marita, you have picked a topic very close to my heart. I definitely see
value in CIRA taking a larger role in digital literacy development.
My approach is along a different vector than Kevin's, however: I am
particularly concerned with digital literacy programs for entrepreneurs and
small business. According to Industry Canada, we have 1.1 million small
businesses (<100 employees) and 1.1 million "employer businesses" (=1
employee) in this country. How many of these entities have a .ca domain, I
wonder?
Unfortunately, the research I have done over my 10 years in market strategy
has shown me that these groups consistently lag behind large companies, as
well as their small business counterparts in the U.S., in terms of
technology adoption. In remote regions, where carrier service is patchy
(another area for advocacy) firms are still using pen and paper.
How might we reach them? Research indicates that these groups tend to lack
dedicated IT expertise, often relying upon their financial officers (not to
mention family members) to guide IT investment. By partnering with
professional advisory organizations in this area (e.g. accountants), and
with organizations that serve small business, CIRA could develop and
implement programs that would make an enormous difference to an important
segment of Canada's economy. In so doing, we would be cultivating potential
new members for our community.
Author: <https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1381/en> Jim Grey
Date: 2012/09/12 12:02am
Message:
CIRA has through the Community Investment Program run forums that have
raised the awareness and challenges of digital literacy in Canada. Based on
the feedback from these sessions the groups that are most disadvantaged are
lower income Canadians and small business. Given the magnitude of the
challenge it is difficult to see how CIRA by itself can address the issue.
However, what CIRA can do is seek out other partners who can work on a
co-ordinated basis to address the challenge. Also, CIRA through it's forums
and other activities can make sure that our community is aware of the
importance of digital literacy and the focus it deserves.
Author: <https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1406/en> Michael
Geist
Date: 2012/09/12 03:08pm
Message:
Hi Marita,
I certainly think CIRA can play a role in digital literacy. Indeed, I would
have thought CIRA would be a leader in developing a Canadian digital
strategy more broadly. Thus far, it is only nibbled at the issue as it
struggles with the "right" role for TLD.
I believe that more aggressive involvement in these digital policy issues
will require governance reform. For years, CIRA's board has debated
whether/how to engage on these issues. I think the best way is to create an
arms-length, standalone organization that is funded by CIRA that is free to
pursue these kinds of policy objectives. Other ccTLDs have followed this
model. With a relatively modest investment relative to CIRA's annual
revenue, the organization could have profound impact on digital policy,
including digital literacy. The CIRA board would be freed to address core
operational concerns without getting bogged down on questions about whether
these issues fall squarely within its mandate.
Author: <https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1433/en> Daniel
Kligerman
Date: 2012/09/12 07:59pm
Message:
It is clear that improving Canadians' level of digital literacy is
important, and would have many benefits. CIRA should play a role in this,
but should not try to accomplish this alone. There are other organizations
who are well-equipped to help improve digital literacy, including school
boards, non-profits such as MediaSmarts, other community groups, as well as
other non-profit and for-profit corporations. CIRA could work with all of
the above to reach children, parents, families, businesses, and the
community at large.
As for digital policy, I agree with Michael that CIRA should play a much
larger role in developing and advancing such policy. Whether this is through
an arms-length, CIRA-funded organization, or directly by CIRA, this is
important work that is currently being neglected. I would support evaluating
the best approach to take on this, and then moving decisively and
expediently to make it happen.
Thanks,
Dan
Author: <https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1445/en> Rick
Sutcliffe
Date: 2012/09/13 10:16am
Message:
I do see digital literacy as part of the mandate of CIRA. However, it is not
core to the business model, so expanding the funding of and organizations
and events promoting digital literacy (and participating) seems the best
approach. Setting up a CIRA department to do such things seems like a
distraction to me.
Besides the kinds of fora already supported, here are some scattered ideas
(not systematic, just a few I've long advocated):
- scholarships for study at Canadian computing science schools
- grants for scholars working on internet-related research projects whether
at universities or at the CIRA campus
- sponsor development of course materials in internet functioning and
governance
- sponsor a chair in internet studies at a Canadian university
- internships for coop students at CIRA
- much more promotion of the .ca name in Canada
- directors participate in fora nationally
- directors and officers have a greater presence at national and
international bodies
- CIRA be a name in the national press on a regular basis (a PR function)
Open to other suggestions.
Rick
Marita
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lang=3DEN-US link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple><div class=3DWordSection1><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>A belated thanks to Marita for raising this issue and the responses =
are quite interesting--particularly that from Michael Geist. I =
think that in whatever way possible we should support him in developing =
the idea of an arm's length organization to support Digital Literacy and =
other non-core Internet related CIRA functions (the Brazil .br/CGI =
provides a very useful model I think).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>I should perhaps mention that I'm chairing a session at the Internet =
Governance Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan next month on Internet Governance =
Mechanisms dealing specifically with this issue and with the intention =
of making the Brazil model more widly known, and I'm copying this to =
Michael G. as a specific invitation to him and any other CIRA directors =
(?) who may be in Baku to attend and contribute.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Best to all,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>M<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div =
style=3D'border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in =
0in 0in'><p class=3DMsoNormal><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:windowt=
ext'>From:</span></b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:windowt=
ext'> advisors-admin@tc.ca [mailto:advisors-admin@tc.ca] <b>On Behalf Of =
</b>Marita Moll<br><b>Sent:</b> Sunday, September 16, 2012 5:09 =
PM<br><b>To:</b> TC Advisors<br><b>Subject:</b> [Advisors] CIRA forum - =
digital lit. ques & answ.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-bottom:12.0pt'><br>Hello all. I thought you might =
be interested in the responses to the question I posed on the CIRA forum =
re: digital literacy. The forum is open till Sept. 18 (Tuesday) so =
if you want to get a question or a point in, there is still =
time.<br><br>I hope this table format is readable at your end. If =
now, you can look at the original (and the other forum discussions) =
here <a =
href=3D"https://elections.cira.ca/2012/campaign/topic/35/en">https://elec=
tions.cira.ca/2012/campaign/topic/35/en</a><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><div =
style=3D'border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in =
0in;outline-color: -moz-use-text-color;outline-style: =
none;outline-width: 0px;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: =
2;word-spacing:0px' id=3Dcampaign><table class=3DMsoNormalTable =
border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 width=3D"100%" =
style=3D'width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'line-height:16.5pt'><strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'>Author: </span></strong><sp=
an class=3Dapple-converted-space><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> </span></span><span =
class=3Dauthoruser><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666;border:none windowtext =
1.0pt;padding:0in'>Marita Moll</span></span><span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> </span></span><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'><br><strong>Date:</strong> =
2012/09/11 08:32pm<br><strong>Message:</strong><br>CIF participants have =
suggested that CIRA could play a larger role in digital literacy program =
development and implementation in Canada. Can CIRA, as it is currently =
constituted, play such a role? As a director, would you see this as a =
relevant role for CIRA?<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br =
style=3D'orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: =
2;word-spacing:0px'><br></span><o:p></o:p></p><h2 =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;mar=
gin-left:0in'><span =
style=3D'font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Replies:<o:p>=
</o:p></span></h2><div style=3D'border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in =
0in 0in 0in;outline-color: -moz-use-text-color;outline-style: =
none;outline-width: 0px;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: =
2;word-spacing:0px' id=3Dcampaign-reply><table class=3DMsoNormalTable =
border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
style=3D'border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'line-height:16.5pt'><strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'>Author:</span></strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> <span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><a =
href=3D"https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1398/en"><span =
style=3D'color:#CC0000;border:none windowtext =
1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'>Kevin McArthur</span></a><span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><strong>Date:</strong>&nbs=
p;2012/09/11 09:22pm<br><strong>Message:</strong><br>Hi Marita, awesome =
question.<br><br>CIRA definitely has a role to play in supporting =
digital literacy in Canada. Through the Community Investment Program =
(CIP) and the Canadian Internet Forum (CIF), CIRA has done a lot of =
really great engagement with the public and consistently it comes up =
that digital literacy needs to be focused on if the Internet is to grow =
in Canada.<br><br>CIRA has made some really positive moves this year =
towards its goal of supporting Internet development, including starting =
a great discussion around Internet Exchange Points. So when it comes to =
digital literacy and other CIF-arising concerns there's already a really =
good success model that we can replicate amd build upon.<br><br>I'd like =
to see the CIP invest in grassroots community organizations - =
organizations working to build a better Internet in Canada - while at =
the same time ensuring that such investments don't turn into a tax on =
internet users more generally. The best way I see to balance these two =
goals would be to limit CIP investments to not-for-profit organizations =
and ensure that CIRA doesn't engage in the direct funding of for-profit =
organizations. This will make sure that CIRA's limited funding goes =
where it is truly needed and not into the pockets of large =
telecommunications companies.<br><br>Beyond funding support, CIRA also =
has a big voice and could easily engage in advocacy around digital =
literacy in K-12 and post-secondary programs. This fits in well with my =
platform around creating a digital policy working group. I'd hope that =
going forward we'll see a strong multi-stakeholder approach to digital =
policy at CIRA that would invite members like yourself to participate in =
developing these policy positions.<br><br>Thanks for the question, hope =
I've done it =
justice.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><table =
class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
style=3D'border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'line-height:16.5pt'><strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'>Author:</span></strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> <span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><span =
class=3Dauthoruser><span style=3D'border:none windowtext =
1.0pt;padding:0in'>Marita Moll</span></span><span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><strong>Date:</strong>&nbs=
p;2012/09/14 09:49pm<br><strong>Message:</strong><br>Thanks to all of =
you for your well considered responses. I ask the question because, as =
we deliberate here, thousands of digital literacy sites in Canada are =
going dark because of the cancellation of the federal Community Access =
Program. This program supported public Internet access combined with =
digital literacy support. This is affecting thousands of real people =
right now, mostly people who have very little voice. I know CIRA does =
not have the resources to solve this problem. But, as Kevin McArther =
noted, CIRA has a big voice. It can take a loud and clear stand on the =
need for such programs in this country and implement some pilot projects =
or it can, as Michael Geist noted, continue to "nibble around the =
edges." That would be an opportunity lost for =
sure.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><div style=3D'border:solid =
#CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: 0px;orphans: =
2;text-align:start;widows: 2;word-spacing:0px' id=3Dcampaign-reply><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:12.0pt'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";display:none'>=
<o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 =
cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
style=3D'border-collapse:collapse;outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: =
0px;font-size:inherit;border-spacing: 0px'><tr style=3D'outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: 0px'><td =
valign=3Dtop style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt;outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: 0px'><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:16.5pt'><strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'>Author:</span></strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> <span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><a =
href=3D"https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1367/en"><span =
style=3D'color:#CC0000;border:none windowtext =
1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'>Jennifer Shelton</span></a><span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><strong>Date:</strong>&nbs=
p;2012/09/11 11:13pm<br><strong>Message:</strong><br>Marita, you have =
picked a topic very close to my heart. I definitely see value in CIRA =
taking a larger role in digital literacy development.<br><br>My approach =
is along a different vector than Kevin's, however: I am particularly =
concerned with digital literacy programs for entrepreneurs and small =
business. According to Industry Canada, we have 1.1 million small =
businesses (<100 employees) and 1.1 million "employer =
businesses" (=3D1 employee) in this country. How many of these =
entities have a .ca domain, I wonder?<span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><br>Unfortunately, the =
research I have done over my 10 years in market strategy has shown me =
that these groups consistently lag behind large companies, as well as =
their small business counterparts in the U.S., in terms of technology =
adoption. In remote regions, where carrier service is patchy (another =
area for advocacy) firms are still using pen and paper.<br><br>How might =
we reach them? Research indicates that these groups tend to lack =
dedicated IT expertise, often relying upon their financial officers (not =
to mention family members) to guide IT investment. By partnering with =
professional advisory organizations in this area (e.g. accountants), and =
with organizations that serve small business, CIRA could develop and =
implement programs that would make an enormous difference to an =
important segment of Canada's economy. In so doing, we would be =
cultivating potential new members for our =
community.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><table =
class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
style=3D'border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'line-height:16.5pt'><strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'>Author:</span></strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> <span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><a =
href=3D"https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1381/en"><span =
style=3D'color:#CC0000;border:none windowtext =
1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'>Jim Grey</span></a><span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><strong>Date:</strong>&nbs=
p;2012/09/12 12:02am<br><strong>Message:</strong><br>CIRA has through =
the Community Investment Program run forums that have raised the =
awareness and challenges of digital literacy in Canada. Based on the =
feedback from these sessions the groups that are most disadvantaged are =
lower income Canadians and small business. Given the magnitude of the =
challenge it is difficult to see how CIRA by itself can address the =
issue. However, what CIRA can do is seek out other partners who can work =
on a co-ordinated basis to address the challenge. Also, CIRA through =
it's forums and other activities can make sure that our community is =
aware of the importance of digital literacy and the focus it =
deserves.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><div =
style=3D'border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in =
0in;outline-color: -moz-use-text-color;outline-style: =
none;outline-width: 0px;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: =
2;word-spacing:0px' id=3Dcampaign-reply><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'line-height:12.0pt'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";display:none'>=
<o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 =
cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
style=3D'border-collapse:collapse;outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: =
0px;font-size:inherit;border-spacing: 0px'><tr style=3D'outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: 0px'><td =
valign=3Dtop style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt;outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: 0px'><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:16.5pt'><strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'>Author:</span></strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> <span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><a =
href=3D"https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1406/en"><span =
style=3D'color:#CC0000;border:none windowtext =
1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'>Michael Geist</span></a><span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><strong>Date:</strong>&nbs=
p;2012/09/12 03:08pm<br><strong>Message:</strong><br>Hi Marita,<br><br>I =
certainly think CIRA can play a role in digital literacy. Indeed, I =
would have thought CIRA would be a leader in developing a Canadian =
digital strategy more broadly. Thus far, it is only nibbled at the issue =
as it struggles with the "right" role for TLD.<br><br>I =
believe that more aggressive involvement in these digital policy issues =
will require governance reform. For years, CIRA's board has debated =
whether/how to engage on these issues. I think the best way is to create =
an arms-length, standalone organization that is funded by CIRA that is =
free to pursue these kinds of policy objectives. Other ccTLDs have =
followed this model. With a relatively modest investment relative to =
CIRA's annual revenue, the organization could have profound impact on =
digital policy, including digital literacy. The CIRA board would be =
freed to address core operational concerns without getting bogged down =
on questions about whether these issues fall squarely within its =
mandate.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><table =
class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
style=3D'border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'line-height:16.5pt'><strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'>Author:</span></strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> <span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><a =
href=3D"https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1433/en"><span =
style=3D'color:#CC0000;border:none windowtext =
1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'>Daniel Kligerman</span></a><span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><strong>Date:</strong>&nbs=
p;2012/09/12 07:59pm<br><strong>Message:</strong><br>It is clear that =
improving Canadians' level of digital literacy is important, and would =
have many benefits. CIRA should play a role in this, but should not try =
to accomplish this alone. There are other organizations who are =
well-equipped to help improve digital literacy, including school boards, =
non-profits such as MediaSmarts, other community groups, as well as =
other non-profit and for-profit corporations. CIRA could work with all =
of the above to reach children, parents, families, businesses, and the =
community at large.<br><br>As for digital policy, I agree with Michael =
that CIRA should play a much larger role in developing and advancing =
such policy. Whether this is through an arms-length, CIRA-funded =
organization, or directly by CIRA, this is important work that is =
currently being neglected. I would support evaluating the best approach =
to take on this, and then moving decisively and expediently to make it =
happen.<br><br>Thanks,<br>Dan<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><div=
style=3D'border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in =
0in;outline-color: -moz-use-text-color;outline-style: =
none;outline-width: 0px;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: =
2;word-spacing:0px' id=3Dcampaign-reply><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'line-height:12.0pt'><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";display:none'>=
<o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 =
cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
style=3D'border-collapse:collapse;outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: =
0px;font-size:inherit;border-spacing: 0px'><tr style=3D'outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: 0px'><td =
valign=3Dtop style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt;outline-color: =
-moz-use-text-color;outline-style: none;outline-width: 0px'><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:16.5pt'><strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'>Author:</span></strong><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;color:#666666'> <span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><a =
href=3D"https://elections.cira.ca/2012/finalslate/show/1445/en"><span =
style=3D'color:#CC0000;border:none windowtext =
1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'>Rick Sutcliffe</span></a><span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><strong>Date:</strong>&nbs=
p;2012/09/13 10:16am<br><strong>Message:</strong><br>I do see digital =
literacy as part of the mandate of CIRA. However, it is not core to the =
business model, so expanding the funding of and organizations and events =
promoting digital literacy (and participating) seems the best approach. =
Setting up a CIRA department to do such things seems like a distraction =
to me.<span class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br><br>Besides =
the kinds of fora already supported, here are some scattered ideas (not =
systematic, just a few I've long advocated):<br>- scholarships for study =
at Canadian computing science schools<br>- grants for scholars working =
on internet-related research projects whether at universities or at the =
CIRA campus<br>- sponsor development of course materials in internet =
functioning and governance<br>- sponsor a chair in internet studies at a =
Canadian university<br>- internships for coop students at CIRA<br>- much =
more promotion of the .ca name in Canada<br>- directors participate in =
fora nationally<br>- directors and officers have a greater presence at =
national and international bodies<span =
class=3Dapple-converted-space> </span><br>- CIRA be a name in the =
national press on a regular basis (a PR function)<br><br>Open to other =
suggestions.<br><br>Rick<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><br>Marita<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>
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