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".