At-Large provides a way for the worldwide individual Internet user community to engage in all the issues that are a part of ICANN’s work such as:

• Guidance on how internationalised domain names (“local language” domain names) are to be implemented;
• How additional new top-level domains (the part of a domain name after the dot, for example: .info, .name, .museum) are introduced;
• How to transition from the current Internet addressing system (“IPv4”) to the next-generation of Internet addresses (“IPv6”) in a stable and equitable manner.

How Does At-Large Work?

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", or ALSes.

The ALSes located in each of the five geographic regions of the world have federated into Regional At-Large Organisations (RALOs), which provides a forum for them to work together on issues that affect their region.

Each RALO selects representatives to the At-Large Advisory Committee, which is a statutory body of ICANN that grants it official standing to advise the larger ICANN community, including the Board of Directors of ICANN, based upon the views of the individual Internet user community worldwide. It also works to bring more Internet user groups into the decision-making processes of ICANN.

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 with education on ICANN's work and Internet developments;
• Participation in 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).

Currently more than 100 groups have applied for or been granted ALS status and more are joining all the time – but there cannot be too many ALSes; more is definitely better.

ALSes within each region affiliate with each other in a Regional At-Large Organization; the regional organisations then appoint the members of the At-Large Advisory Committee. RALOs are in formation throughout the world, so now is a great time to get involved.

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. Types of groups that are or could be 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