[Chapter-delegates] Application to form an ISOC Chapter in The Gambia

[Sabrina Wilmot]

Dear Colleagues,

Following a rejuvenation effort that began in October 2010, including several member meetings and online activities, the application below for (re-)starting a Chapter of the Internet Society in The Gambia has been received. It is being sent to this list for peer comment and review. The period allowed for comments is two weeks and the deadline is 26 November 2011.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on or off list with your feedback.

Thanks,
Sabrina Wilmot
Manager, Chapter Formation
Internet Society

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Chapter Application

A. Proposed name of the Chapter 
The Chapter shall be called The Gambia Chapter of the Internet Society.

B. Community of Interest the Chapter will to serve
The Chapter will serve the interests of those residing in The Gambia, West Africa.

C. Purpose and Scope of Chapter
The Gambian Chapter of the Internet Society is a non-profit organization operated for charitable networking and educational purposes, as well as for academic, scientific and social purposes, in particular:

1. To enable and promote debate and genuine dialogue among government, industry, academia and individuals concerned with the integration of Internet technologies within the country’s technological, research, educational, social and business infrastructure.

2. To promote intelligent and responsible use of the Internet by broadening critical awareness of Internet infrastructure, technologies and regulations, with emphasis on the creative and innovative use of the Internet towards academic, educational, charitable and scientific purposes, and how these might impact on the individual and society as a whole.

3. To represent The Gambia Internet community in government committees and in international forums that deal with the various technical, legal and social aspects of the Internet, especially to ensure representation of developing world concerns in determining the shape and future of the Internet e.g. representation, participation and raising of concerns in government and the international community.

4. To encourage and support the advancement of innovations in Internet technologies as well as the conduct of Internet-related research especially recognizing its originality, and scientific and practical value.

D. Founding Members of the Chapter
1. Bakary Njie , Affiliation: Gambia College, Brikama, The Gambia
2. Nahla Tambedou, Affiliation: The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations

E. List of Supporters
Mr. Yahya Jobe, National Commission of UNESCO Gambia, NatCom UNESCO
Prof. Muhammadou Kah (Vice Chancellor), University of The Gambia
Dembo Ibrahim Sankareh, Senior ICT Officer, Ministry of Information, Communication and Infrastructure, GRTS Building, MDI Road, Kanifing, The Gambia, West Africa
Simon Abraham (CEO), Netpage Internet Service Provider, Kairaba Ave, The Gambia, West Africa
Mr. Salieu Taal,  Attorney-at-Law Temple Legal Chambers, Garba Jahumpa Rd., Bakau, The Gambia, West Africa
Pa Sara Drammeh, Network Administrator, University of The Gambia Brikama Campus, The Gambia, West Africa

F. List of Requirements
There is a government requirement for all not-for-profit organizations be registered. We have already filed the paperwork and submitted it to the Registrar of Companies at the Attorney General’s Chambers. The fee is D1000 ($36). The legal fees were waived by our Attorney and member, Mr. Salieu Taal of Temple Legal.

G. Additional Information
In the short period that we initiated this project to rejuvenate the ISOC Gambia Chapter, I am pleased to report that we now have a membership of 59 persons! We have had a series of meetings which has enabled us to develop our By-Laws and Constitution, as well as outline our areas of activity. A leadership team has also been selected.
Our online presence continues to be developed. A website (http://isoc.gambian.com and www.isoc.gm ) and a group mailing list (isoc-gambia at googlegroups.com) have been established. Current number of members is 59.

In addition, I (Gabriel Latjor Ndow) am a recent recipient of the ISOC Community Grant Award for March 2011. This will greatly assist our efforts to encourage more Gambians to utilize the internet as a resource for socio-economic development, amongst others.

H. Your Contact Information Gabriel Latjor Ndow
Affiliation: University of The Gambia; BelTech Consulting 
Address: [...] Yundum, The Gambia
[contact details on file]

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