emergency-sc — archive

mission of the Member Section was RE: [emergency-sc] Draft OASIS Press Release: EI

From: Scott McGrath <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:01:00 -0000

Steering Committee members, Allow me to encourage whatever dialogue is necessary here to ensure we have clarity on the purpose of the Emergency Interoperability Member Section, and thus the Steering Committee. The purpose of my note is not to say what your mission, ism but to remind you what it ought not be. I saw a note from David Aylward (off-list and on a different topic) yesterday, where he said: >The "calling on other companies" was aimed at getting OASIS members to >target their dues to the member section to support EIC's activities -- >the theory on which Matt Walton sold this idea to the EIC Board and >membership. While I cannot answer to any representations that Matt made, I've heard that comment before and I offered the following clarification to the EIC Board, via conference call-- moments before a positive voice vote/show of consensus to proceed with submission of the Rules of Procedure to the OASIS Board. Therefore, while I am perplexed why this issue arises again, I'm glad to remind you of that clarification: OASIS member dues cannot be used to support the activities of another organization. OASIS member dues can only be used to support OASIS member needs and the mission of OASIS, its Member Sections and Technical Committees. That said, might there be a shared vision between the two organizations? Sure. But let's be careful to know and represent that these are two different entities. On a side note, we (OASIS staff) are actively talking to existing members about supporting the EI Member Section. I remain curious why more of them have not yet made the commitment. I will say that several large, influential members (who will remain nameless for the purposes of this discussion) expressed concern about the "urban legend" that their OASIS dues might be used at/for/via EIC. Don't take this as disparaging EIC, because it came from some members who clearly support both entities. Rather it is affirmation that members expect their dues spent where they pay them. There are plenty of great reasons why members ought to support and participate in the Member Section, let's make sure mixed messages don't impair that. We are approaching some great opportunities with the press release, the growing ITU interest etc. Both organizations have been successfully serving their respective missions. Lets continue that as effectively as we can. Scott McGrath Senior Director of Member Services Tel +1 978-667-5115 x202 Fax +1 978-667-5114 [email protected] New to OASIS? Take a 3-minute tour: http://www.oasis-open.org/home/tour.php