Clarify Guidance for Leadership Participation in External (Non-IETF) Outreach Events

[dhruvdhody]

We occasionally receive requests for IETF leadership to participate in external (non-IETF-sponsored or organized) outreach events — for example, by providing a welcome message, recording a short video, or appearing as a speaker.

There’s a need to balance:

1. Perception of Endorsement: When leadership participates, such events may be perceived as officially endorsed by the IETF, which could lead to confusion.
2. Community Initiative: At the same time, we should not discourage independently organized community efforts that contribute to outreach and inclusion.

Proposal:

• Discuss a consistent approach for leadership participation in external events.
• Define a guiding principle
• Draft a possible disclaimer template to be included

[jlivingood]

Seems like maybe this was largely resolved in Madrid?

[tfpauly]

Yes, this was discussed at IETF 123 — @dhruvdhody can you write up the summary of what we discussed?

[dhruvdhody]

Related: https://chairs.ietf.org/en/speaking

ToDo: Update the IAB Wiki based on the discussion during the IETF and the above page!