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Board of Trustees of the Internet Society
Fifth Meeting
Praha, Czech Republic
13-14 Jun 1994


Document:   94-218
Title:      Formulate new ISOC mission statement
Author(s):  Rutkowski 
Date:       4 June 1994
Committee:  ISOC BoT
Revision:   a
Supersedes:
Status:     Draft
Access:     Unrestricted
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Background

The present "mission" is found in the corporate charter, namely:

       A. To facilitate and support the technical evolution of the Internet
as a research and education infrastructure, and to stimulate the
involvement of the scientific community, industry, government and others
in the evolution of the Internet;
       B. To educate the scientific community, industry and the public at
large concerning the technology, use and application of the Internet; 
       C. To promote educational applications of Internet technology for
the benefit of government, colleges and universities, industry, and the
public at large;
       D. To provide a forum for exploration of new Internet applications,
and to stimulate collaboration among organizations in their operational
use of the global Internet.


It is generally recognized, however, that this relatively pro forma language
in the charter doesn't adequately reflect the character of the Society nor
does it adequately state its purposes and goals.  Furthermore, a mission statement
is imperative in setting the directions and agenda of the organization, its
activities and services, as well as dealing with other organizations and
the general public.

The following draft statement was developed by the ISOC Executive Director
in collaboration with the Society President.  It is modelled after comparable
provisions in the charters of other related international organizations.

It has been distributed as a FAQ electronically and on paper for the past 90 
days and met with widespread approval.  Indeed, no adverse comment has been 
received.

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General Character of the Organization

The Internet Society is the international organization for global
cooperation and coordination for the Internet and its internetworking
technologies and applications.


Purposes and Goals of the Organization

Its principal purpose is to maintain and extend the development and
availability of the Internet and its associated technologies and 
applications - both as an end in itself, and as a means of enabling 
organizations, professions, and individuals worldwide to more effectively 
collaborate, cooperate, and innovate in their respective fields and 
interests.


Its specific goals and purposes include:

a) development, maintenance, evolution, and dissemination of  
   standards for the Internet and its internetworking technologies 
   and applications;

b) growth and evolution of the Internet architecture;

c) maintenance and evolution of effective administrative processes
   necessary for operation of the global Internet and internets;

d) education and research related to the Internet and internetworking;

e) harmonization of actions and activities at international levels 
   to facilitate the development and availability of the Internet;

f) collection and dissemination of information related to the
   Internet and internetworking, including histories and archives;

g) assisting technologically developing countries, areas, and peoples
   in implementing and evolving their Internet infrastructure and use;

h) liaison with other organizations, governments, and the general
   public for coordination, collaboration, and education in effecting
   the above purposes.


Operation of the organization

The Internet Society operates through its international Board of
Trustees, its International Networking Conferences and developing
country workshops, its regional and local chapters, its various
standards and administrative bodies, its committees, and its
secretariat.  The Board of Trustees is headed by a President with
the assistance of several officers.  The Board consists of 18 eminent 
individuals drawn from every region of the world - most of whom were 
instrumental in creating and evolving different components of the 
Internet and the technology.

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Recommended Action

Adopt this mission statement by resolution of the Society.


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