Apologies for cross posting --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you or your organization want to influence decisions that shape the Internet? If you do, why not apply to be designated "At-Large Structure" and participate in the Internet Cooperation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) decisions critical to the Internet's end users? ICANN's Interim At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) is now accepting applications from existing or new groups that involve (or want to involve) individuals in Internet issues. Go to <http://alac.icann.org/> for more information. A new mechanism for individual Internet users participation in ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has been launched for people who want to be involved in issues that affect individuals use of the Internet's domain name system. ICANN is involved in shaping the Internet and is dealing with issues such as privacy protections for your personal domain registration information (called the WHOIS database), the implementation of internationalized domain names (use of non-ASCII characters), trade mark and domain name disputes and related matters, and how new top-level domains (i.e. .info, .name, .museum, etc.) are introduced. These are but a few ICANN issues on which the end-users voice needs to be heard. Groups throughout the world that deal with individual Internet users' interests are encouraged to register and participate in ICANN by submitting a simple application form. Groups that meet the minimum requirements will be designated as "At-Large Structures." The ALAC is an Advisory Committee to ICANN's Board charged with providing advice on activities of ICANN that relate to the interests of individual Internet users, and helping to organize At-Large groups throughout the world for structured involvement and informed participation of the individual Internet user community. Why become an At-Large Structure? By being designated an At-Large Structure, your group gets: a.. A recognized role in forming the policies that affect how individuals' use the Internet (ICANN is listening. Make sure your voice is heard!); b.. Quick and easy access to first-hand information on what's happening in ICANN and why it matters to end-users; c.. Opportunities to provide your members education on ICANN's work and Internet developments; d.. Participation in building your region's At-Large organization (RALO), and opportunities to network with other groups in your country and region as At-Large grows; e.. Representation in ICANN at the regional and international level, plus your group's members will be eligible to serve on important regional and international decision-making bodies in ICANN; f.. A free web page and other Internet-based mechanisms to support your group's work; and g.. Opportunities for funding to support some of your group's activities (ALAC is applying for grant funding). What type of groups can be At-Large Structures? Any group that supports individuals' ability to share their views on ICANN issues, and that meets the few simple criteria listed on the ALAC's website, can apply to be an At-Large Structure. Types of groups that have expressed interest in being designated At-Large Structures include: a.. Professional societies (e.g. engineers, attorneys, etc.) b.. Academic and research organizations c.. Community networking groups d.. Consumer advocacy groups e.. Internet Society chapters f.. Computer user organizations g.. Internet civil society groups Where can I get more information? Send an email to <als@alac.icann.org>, or go to the ALAC website at <http://alac.icann.org/>. We look forward to working with you, and hearing from you. ~ The Interim At-Large Advisory Committee