I am moved by Per's thoughts to voice my own perspective on the issue of reform of ICOM. From the postings I have read, it appears to me that comments tend to deal with the symptoms of problems or issues rather than the root causes. I believe it would be most helpful to the process to try to rise about suggestions on specific programs, procedures or organizational structure to a higher "issue" level. I now provide an example this level of problem/issue: ICOM has insuffient financial strategies or current funding base to adquately fund the neccessary level of program to serve the world museum community. ICOM's governance structure does not allow for effective and inclusive discussion of organizational issues and policy matters. It seems to me that once there is general agreement on the major root issues/problems, then a concerted effort could be made to pose possible solutions to the issue/problem and a thoughtful evaluation of each of those solutions. I hope all will forgive me for being such a "linear" thinker, but at AAM we have had considerable experience in this area and I have observed that there does need to be a step by step process that allows for and organized and logical sequence or steps in addressing the larger picture of organizational challenges. At the same time, if one jumps too quickly to solutions at structural or programatic level, one is likely to misidentify the root problem or fail to get broad consensus on what that root problem really is/. I hope my comments are helpful to Bernice, her task force and the general discussion of the topic ED ABLE, President and CEO, American Association of Museums and Executive Secretary, AAM/ICOM -----Original Message----- From: Per Rekdal [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2000 6:15 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: ICOM reforms Late last year there was a debate on the List concerning the need to reform ICOM . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html