Dear ICANN:On behalf of
the 25,000 members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) across North
America and around the world, I am writing to express my support for the DotOrg Foundation's
proposal to operate and develop the .org registry for the benefit of its worldwide
noncommercial registrants.
I was excited to hear that the DotOrg Foundation has
developed an innovative approach to improving the capacity of nonprofit and noncommercial
organizations around the world to communicate and become more active and effective
via the Internet. The Foundation's plan to implement new validation systems
to enhance the level of confidence all Internet users have when visiting a .org,
nonprofit or non-commercial website are of particular interest to AFP and the philanthropic
and nonprofit sectors.
AFP's members work to generate philanthropic revenue for
a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Philanthropy and charitable giving
are based upon public trust; without the confidence of donors and volunteers, nonprofits
would find it difficult, if not impossible, to fulfill their missions. With
the inherent possibilities of fraud that exist in the Internet, AFP believes that
the work of the DotOrg Foundation would be instrumental in enhancing public trust
when using the Internet for activities related to the nonprofit sector (e.g. online
giving, virtual volunteering, etc.)
The work of the nonprofit sector is critical
to creating the social bonds and sense of community that is necessary to implement
positive social change. As technology brings the world closer together and
boundaries diminish, it is incumbent upon the sector to use the Internet and other
technologies to improve and enhance our own operations and effectiveness. AFP
supports the new registry proposed by the DotOrg Foundation because it will do just
that - create a greater sense of community by ensuring smooth and efficient operations
of the .org Internet space and enhance the Internet as a tool to build civil society
around the world.
AFP is further encouraged by the DotOrg Foundation's priorities
and structure, which include an independent, focused mission; a diverse and experienced
international board; a public-private partnership; and, accomplished and proven partners
with a track record of success. The Foundation's mission to help nonprofit
organizations transition successfully into the online arena is a worthy one that
will find many supporters from the nonprofit sector.
In conclusion, let me reiterate
AFP's strong support for the DotOrg Foundations proposal to operate and develop
the .org registry for the benefit of its worldwide noncommercial registrants.
Sincerely,
Paulette
V. Maehera, CFRE, CAE
President and CEO
Association of Fundraising Professionals
1101
King Street, Suite 700
Alexandria, VA 22314