[A2k] Invitation to join Consumers International's A2K working group

[Jeremy Malcolm]

I posted to this list a month ago to briefly describe the work that
Consumers International is undertaking in two related projects to
improve Access to Knowledge for consumers (see http://lists.essential.org/pipermail/a2k/2008-November/003703.html)
.

Following on from that, we would now like to invite like-minded NGOs
to partner with us in this work by joining a Member Working Group as
part of our Global Consumer Dialogue on Access to Knowledge (A2K).
The Dialogue is a knowledge sharing platform for capacity building and
advocacy in areas of intellectual property rights, access to
knowledge, telecommunications, broader communications and media
rights.  This group will provide input into CI's activities in these
areas, which will include an Access to Knowledge Watch List and a
consumer survey on access barriers.

Particularly valued will be your input into the compilation of the A2K
Watch List which will identify countries whose IP policies and
practices are harmful to consumers. It will be used as a
counterbalance to the United States' Special 301 Report, which is an
annual report highlighting those countries that supposedly do not
provide strong enough protection for and enforcement of the interests
of US intellectual property owners.

If you are interested in participating, please contact myself or
Arlene de Vera, Member Services and Development Officer for the Asia-
Pacific and the Middle East at arlene@ciroap.org, and we will add you
to the Member Working Group listserve.  If you would like more
information, please do not hesitate to contact me or visit http://a2knetwork.org/
.

Thank you and we look forward to working with you on this initiative.

--
JEREMY MALCOLM
Project Coordinator
CONSUMERS INTERNATIONAL-KL OFFICE
for Asia Pacific and the Middle East

Consumers International (CI) is the only independent global
campaigning voice for consumers. With over 220 member organisations in
115 countries, we are building a powerful international consumer
movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere. For more
information, visit www.consumersinternational.org.