2. While determined to exploit the full potential of the internet, we recognise that its development has been uneven. Even in the Western economies, there is a social imbalance in regard to those who do and do not have access to the net. Nevertheless the Internet is - and will continue to develop as - a very important tool.
3. Inside the WSM
Use of the Internet will be developed in a number of ways as an internal organisational tool.
a) Communication/Information sharing:-
(i) All members will, where possible, acquire an E-mail address. When communicating to members, branch secretaries, national secretary etc. may use E-mail as a primary means of communication. However, access to e-mail is not compulsory, it must be remembered that not everyone will have access to e-mail and those who do not have access must be contacted in more traditional ways - phone, letter etc.
(ii) E-mail should not be used for confidential communication unless encrypted.
(iii) It must be remembered that even where people have access to E-mail, this does not imply immediate access. Where a communication requires an urgent response, it should also be made by phone where possible.
4. The Internet as a Propaganda/Education Tool
Work will continue on developing the WSM website and related sites. To co-ordinate this work, an internet co-ordinator will be elected. As well as carrying out the technical work of maintaining the website, this person will train interested members in developing the skills necessary.
5. Using the Internet for Decision making
This paper is out of date - see the new WSM site for the more recent versiona. Decisions will only be made by Email if they are urgent (ie must be made before the next scheduled meeting).
b. When a decision needs to be made by Email, whoever wants the vote asks either the Branch or National Secretary - as appropriate - (or someone nominated by him/her) to send an E-mail to the list outlining details of the vote. If time permits, the E-mail will nominate a 'debate/discussion' period before commencement of voting. However, at least a 48-hour period for casting of votes will be given. The Email will also give a deadline for the final vote.
c. The E-mail will ask for an immediate (ie within 24 hours) acknowledgement of receipt.
d. At the end of the 24-hour period, the Branch/National Secretary (or nominee) will telephone anyone who has not responded and make them aware of the details of the vote.
e. If after the period of debate/discussion the terms of the vote have changed, the Branch/National Secretary (or nominee) must again ensure that everyone is aware of this change (ie by telephoning anyone who has not acknowledged this by E-mail)
f. Once an actual vote begins, the terms of the vote may not be further amended.
Votes may be cast in any one of the following ways:-
I. by E-mail to the list
II. by text message to the Branch/National Secretary (or nominee)
III. by telephone to the Branch/National Secretary (or nominee)
g. The Branch/National Secretary (or nominee) will post the vote results to the list within 24 hours of conclusion of the vote.