If a group you are involved with wants to influence decisions that shape the Internet, register as an "At-Large Structure" and participate in ICANN decisions critical to the Internet's end users. “At-Large Structure” registration is free, easy, and done via email. Groups interested participating in ICANN At-Large are encouraged to send an email to staff@atlarge.icann.org or get more information and an application online.
A mechanism for participation in ICANN by individual Internet users (called “At-Large”) was created for people who want to be involved in issues that affect individual’s use of the Internet's domain name system. ICANN At-Large provides crucial contributions to ICANN’s work on such matters as guidance on how internationalised domain names (“local language” domain names) are implemented, and how additional new top-level domains (i.e. .info, .name, .museum, etc.) are introduced -- to name just two issues of importance in which At-Large is involved to support the Internet’s end-users. At-Large also is a leading voice for ICANN stakeholders on Internet Governance and issues related to WSIS, and helps raise awareness of key Internet resource issues that affect ICT development.
Globally, thousands of individual Internet users in all regions of the world are a part of At-Large, thanks to their organisations are being registered as "At-Large Structures" and more groups have registering all the time. Many more individuals and organizations are needed, however, to help advance the interests of individual Internet users worldwide.
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 certified as "At-Large Structures."
Why register as an At-Large Structure?
At-Large Structures are wholly independent from ICANN. Registration simply recognizes that these groups meet ICANN's criteria for involving individual Internet users at the local or issue level in ICANN activities, and for promoting individuals' understanding of, and participation in, ICANN.
By being designated an At-Large Structure, your group gets:
- A recognized role in forming the policies that affect how individuals' use the Internet. ICANN is listening. Make sure your voice is heard!
- Quick and easy access to first-hand information on what's happening in ICANN and why it matters to end-users.
- Opportunities to provide your members education on ICANN's work and Internet developments.
- 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.
- 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.
- A free web page and other Internet-based mechanisms to support your group's work.
- Opportunities for grant funding to support some of your group's activities (ALAC applies for grant funding as opportunities arise).
What type of groups can register as At-Large Structures?
Any group that supports individuals' ability to share their views on ICANN issues, and that meets the few simple criteria, can register to be an At-Large Structure. Types of groups that have registered (or have expressed interest in registering) as At-Large Structures include:
- Professional societies (e.g. engineers, attorneys, etc.)
- Academic and research organizations
- Community networking groups
- Consumer advocacy groups
- Internet Society chapters
- Computer user organizations
- Internet civil society groups
Where can I get more information?
Three members from each of ICANN’s five geographic regions (Africa, Asia/Aust./Pacific, Europe, Latin America/Caribbean, North America) represent the At-Large community as members of the At-Large Advisory Committee ("ALAC"). They can be reached on the forums on this website, or by sending an email to staff[at]atlarge.icann.org.
For detailed information on the process of joining the community, please refer to this page.