ICANN is the nonprofit org that more-or-less runs the Internet. They're the ones who figure out top-level domains (like .COM and .NET) and they're all that stand between us and another Verisign unilateral decision to break the whole goddamned net with a scheme to sell advertising on 404s.
ICANN's members are chosen from lots of different places, but some are volunteers from Internetland, and that means that you could take a turn in the barrel if you dare. Here's the latest ICANN call for participation: your Internet needs you!
Those individuals selected by the Nominating Committee will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe, address intriguing technical coordination problems and related policy development challenges with diverse functional, cultural, and geographic dimensions, and gain valuable insights and experience from working across these boundaries of knowledge, responsibility and perspective.
Additionally, those selected will gain the satisfaction of making a valuable public service contribution. Placing the broad public interest ahead of any particular interests, they will help ensure the stability and security of the Internet for critically important societal functions.
These voluntary positions are not remunerated, although direct expenses incurred in the course of duty may be reimbursed. These positions may involve significant international travel, including personal presence at periodic ICANN meetings, as well as regular telephone and Internet communications.
Did I mention that ICANN meetings are held all over the world, in Africa and on tropical islands, and odd poky corners of Asia?
