In order to get the most out of the IGF experience and to help the Internet Society achieve the goals of the programme, Ambassadors are expected to perform the following duties;
Before the Forum
Prepare, with the aid of mentors, in advance of the IGF meeting;
Each Ambassador is paired with a “mentor,” an experienced IGF participant who is familiar with the WSIS discussions.
In advance of the meeting, the mentor will help the Ambassador prepare by recommending IGF materials that will help the individual get the most out of their attendance and will be available to answer questions via e-mail.
At the meeting, the mentor will help introduce the Ambassador to other participants, answer questions about the meeting schedule, and serve as a general "point of contact" for the Ambassador.
If the Ambassador already knows someone in the IGF sphere willing to be their mentor, the Ambassador may make their own arrangements. Otherwise, the Internet Society will find a mentor for the Ambassador.
Assist with administrative aspects of the programme.
If you are selected as an Ambassador, we will send you an e-mail outlining the steps that need to be taken in order to get you to the meeting. You will be responsible for:
- Applying for and obtaining a visa to enter the country where the meeting is to take place, as well as transit visa(s), if necessary.
- Making sure that your passport expires no earlier than six months and one day after the last day of the IGF meeting.
- Suggesting appropriate flights to get you to and from the meeting.
Please also note that the Ambassadorship only supports travel itineraries that get Ambassadors to and from the meeting on dates reasonably close to the actual meeting. Ambassadors should not plan on incorporating extra time for personal or business trips into their travel.
We ask that you respond promptly to our e-mails. It is also very important that you let us know as soon as possible if for any reason you think that you won't be able to attend the IGF meeting.
During the Forum
- Participate broadly in the IGF meeting agenda.
- Contribute to the Internet Society IGF Ambassadors' blog.
- Represent the Internet Society by helping to staff the Internet Society booth at the venue.
After the Forum
Share the experience and knowledge gained at the IGF with their local communities when they return home (including a written report on the activities).
An important part of the programme is for Ambassadors to share the knowledge they gained at the IGF with others in their local area or region and to continue in their local policy discussions. This can be done, for example, by making a presentation at a relevant professional, academic, or technical meeting, speaking at an association meeting or local Internet Society chapter event, writing an article for a relevant local publication, and so on. Reporting guidelines and examples will be provided to each Ambassador at the time of award announcement.
In the past, successful applicants to the Ambassadorship have provided clear plans for this Post-IGF Project of the Ambassadorship, including deadlines and dates (if applicable). We ask that you provide verification of your IGF information-sharing activities within two months of attending the meeting. An Internet Society staff member will follow up with each Ambassador prior to the two month deadline to answer questions and encourage community engagement. Please note that Post-IGF reports will be posted on the Internet Society website to highlight Ambassadors’ achievements. This is operated under an "opt-out" Policy, so please let us know if this is not something you support.
Participate in the NGL programme participant network.
All IGF Ambassadors will be added to a mailing list to extend their IGF experience and relationship building opportunities after the meeting. The mailing list includes all past IGF Ambassadors, as well as participants from other NGL programme components. This network will also help you stay up to date with training opportunities and other events organized by the Internet Society. We will also list your name, affiliation, position, and country on our Internet Society Ambassadors Alumni page (though you are welcome to opt out if you wish).
Completion of a follow-up report on your experience at the IGF as an Internet Society ambassador
This is in order to help us improve the programme. The link will be sent to participants at the end of the Forum, and should be completed within two weeks.