[Chapter-delegates] Application to start an Internet Society Chapter: Canada Ontario
James Olorundare
olorundarek at gmail.com
Wed Jun 18 14:33:05 PDT 2025
The application for the new ISOC Canada Ontario Chapter has been
thoroughly reviewed and found to be satisfactory. This represents a welcome
and positive development.
My opinion.
Thank you.
*Engr. Kunle Olorundare, SMIEE*
*President, ISOC Nigeria Chapter*
On Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 9:29 PM Charles Mok (gmail) via Chapter-delegates <
chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org> wrote:
> Great to hear about this! It will be a great addition to ISOC for the
> North America community!!
>
> Charles
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 8:26 AM Kyle Shulman via Chapter-delegates <
> chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org> wrote:
>
>> Dear Chapter Leaders,
>> We recently received the *application below to start an Internet Society
>> Chapter in Canada Ontario*. I kindly invite you to *review it and share
>> your comments by 1 July 2025*.
>> If you know active Internet Society members in Ontario who are
>> interested in joining this initiative, please let me know via
>> shulman at isoc.org . I will happily connect them to the volunteers who
>> submitted this application.
>> Your comments and input will help us make a final decision on this
>> application and move to the next steps.
>> Thank you very much in advance for your feedback.
>> Kind regards,
>> Kyle Shulman
>> Senior Manager, Community Engagement
>> Internet Society
>> shulman at isoc.org
>>
>> _______________________
>>
>> *Internet Society Ontario Chapter*
>>
>>
>> *A. Proposed name of the Chapter*
>> Internet Society Ontario Chapter
>> *B. Community of Interest the Chapter will serve*
>> The primary community of interest is the *Province of Ontario*, In the 2021
>> census <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Canadian_Census>, Ontario had
>> a population of 14,223,942 living in 5,491,201 of its 5,929,250 total
>> dwellings, a 5.8 percent change from its 2016 population of 13,448,494.
>> With a land area of 892,411.76 km2 (344,562.11 sq mi), it had a population
>> density of 15.9/km2 (41.3/sq mi) in 2021.[2]
>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario#cite_note-StatCan2021-2> This
>> large and diverse population, spread across a significant geographical area
>> with key urban centres, presents both a substantial opportunity and a clear
>> need for an Internet Society chapter dedicated to promoting digital
>> literacy, accessibility, and informed Internet governance across the
>> province. The largest population centres
>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_population_centres_in_Ontario> in
>> Ontario are Toronto <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto>, Ottawa
>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa>, Hamilton
>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton,_Ontario>, Kitchener
>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchener,_Ontario>, London
>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London,_Ontario> and Oshawa
>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshawa>, which all have more than 300,000
>> inhabitants.
>> The Chapter welcomes participation from individuals across Ontario and
>> Canada who share an interest in Internet governance, policy, technology,
>> and development, particularly those operating primarily in English.
>> *C. Purpose and scope of Chapter*
>> The purpose of the Internet Society Ontario Chapter is to advance the
>> mission of the Internet Society within the Province of Ontario by:
>>
>> - *Promoting an Open, Globally-Connected, Secure, and Trustworthy
>> Internet:* Serving as a local platform for discussion, education, and
>> advocacy on critical Internet issues.
>> - *Building Capacity:* Educating students, professionals,
>> policymakers, and the public on Internet governance, digital rights, online
>> safety, accessibility, and emerging technologies.
>> - *Fostering Community:* Creating a multi-stakeholder forum for
>> collaboration among academia, the technical community, civil society, the
>> private sector, and government entities within the province's vibrant
>> ecosystem.
>> - *Supporting ISOC's Vision:* Contributing to global Internet policy
>> discourse and advocating for principles that ensure the Internet is for
>> everyone.
>> - *Addressing Local Needs:* Focusing on issues relevant to Ontario
>> residents, such as digital inclusion across Ontario's diverse urban and
>> rural landscape, the intersection of technology and civic life, and
>> supporting the region's large tech and innovation sector.
>>
>> In particular, the Ontario provincial capital is Toronto, and it's one of
>> the leading North American tech hubs (over 285,000 tech workers, major R&D
>> presence), home to numerous world-class universities and colleges, and its
>> position as Ontario's provincial capital makes it a critical location for
>> an ISOC chapter. In addition to the regional hubs in Waterloo and Ottawa,
>> these cities have a substantial population of potential ISOC membership.
>> The Chapter will leverage these concentrated strengths and the diverse
>> digital landscape across the entire province to build a dynamic community
>> engaged in shaping the future of the Internet for all Ontarians and
>> contributing to global Internet discourse. We are committed to ensuring our
>> activities reflect the diversity of Ontario and promote inclusivity in all
>> aspects of our work.
>> *D. Outline of key priorities for the first year of Chapter*
>> The inaugural year will focus on establishing a strong operational
>> foundation, building an engaged membership base, and initiating impactful
>> activities.
>>
>> - *Governance & Operations (Q1-Q2):*
>> - Finalize and adopt the Chapter Bylaws.
>> - Formally incorporate as a non-profit entity in Ontario.
>> - Establish financial infrastructure (bank account, basic
>> accounting).
>> - Elect the first official Chapter Board/Officers as per the
>> bylaws.
>> - Develop internal processes using tools like Trello for project
>> management.
>> - *KPI:* Achieve non-profit incorporation within 6 months.
>> - *KPI:* Hold first official Annual General Meeting (AGM) and
>> election within 12 months.
>> - *Membership Growth & Engagement (Ongoing):*
>> - Launch membership recruitment drive targeting academic
>> institutions, tech companies, NGOs, and interested individuals.
>> - Develop and launch the Chapter website (WordPress) and social
>> media presence (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter).
>> - Implement the communication plan (see Section G), including a
>> regular member newsletter.
>> - *KPI:* Recruit a minimum of 100 registered members by the end of
>> Year 1.
>> - *KPI:* Achieve an average open rate of 25% for the member
>> newsletter.
>> - *KPI:* Establish active Chapter presence on at least two
>> relevant social media platforms.
>> - *Partnerships & Outreach (Ongoing):*
>> - Formalize collaborations with initial partners (IEEE Toronto,
>> NASIG, VSIG, ARIN, CIRA, NARALO/NPOC).
>> - Identify and engage with potential new partners in the academic,
>> tech, and civil society sectors within Ontario.
>> - Develop a sponsorship package and initiate fundraising efforts.
>> - *KPI:* Secure formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or
>> collaboration agreements with at least 3 key partners within Year 1.
>> - *KPI:* Secure initial funding/sponsorship from at least 5
>> corporate or institutional sponsors by the end of Year 1.
>> - *Education & Events (Q3-Q4 onwards):*
>> - Co-organize and host the North American School of Internet
>> Governance (NASIG) Toronto event (in collaboration with NASIG).
>> - Host introductory webinars/events focused on ISOC's mission and
>> key Internet governance topics.
>> - Plan and deliver at least one event specifically focused on
>> digital inclusion or accessibility within Ontario.
>> - *KPI:* Successfully deliver the NASIG Toronto event (or agreed
>> equivalent first major event).
>> - *KPI:* Engage at least 200-300 individuals from across Ontario
>> through [e.g., 3-4] educational webinars or public forums on key Internet
>> governance issues.
>> - *Diversity and Inclusivity (Ongoing):*
>> - Actively promote membership and participation from
>> underrepresented groups within Ontario's tech and policy communities.
>> - Ensure events and communications are accessible.
>> - Strive for gender balance and diverse representation in
>> leadership and event speakers.
>> - Engage students and youth through targeted outreach and
>> potential student membership rates.
>> - *KPI:* Develop and publish a Chapter Diversity & Inclusion
>> Statement within 6 months.
>> - Initiate at least one outreach activity or event in Year 1
>> specifically designed to engage an underrepresented group identified
>> through our D&I planning.
>>
>>
>>
>> * E. Founding members of the Chapter*
>> A minimum of 25 Internet Society members is required. The following
>> individuals are confirmed founding members committed to establishing the
>> Chapter:
>>
>> *Name*
>> Waqar Ahmad
>> Mohibul Mahmud
>> Joan Kerr
>> Glenn McKnight
>> Jason Dasti
>> Daniel Migault
>> David Cameron
>> Robert T Bell
>> Allan Aspina
>> Muhammad Shammaas Baig
>> Zulqar Nayen
>> Bibi Rookayya Gulmahamed
>> Adrian Schmidt
>> Mildred Weiss
>> Marita Moll
>> Arafat Al Hossain
>> MD Saiful Amin
>> Kim Therrien
>> Fariha Rahman
>> Monamee Afroze Ishika
>> Fred Fernbach
>> Caleb Ogundele,
>> Momotaz Mahin Khan
>> Abdul Ala Muhammud
>> Md Mokarram Hossain
>>
>>
>> *F. List of supporters and partner organizations*
>> We are actively engaging with potential partners and have secured initial
>> commitments. We aim for a multi-stakeholder approach. Letters of support
>> will be included in Appendix C.
>>
>> - *Virtual School of Internet Governance (VSIG):* Educational
>> partner. Letter of Support secured (see Appendix C). Collaboration on
>> educational content, a potential source for speakers and student members.
>> Contact: Alfredo Calderon, Dean of Academic Affairs) ATTACHED
>> - *North American School of Internet Governance (NASIG):* Educational
>> partner. Letter of Support requested. Planned collaboration to host the
>> NASIG Toronto event. Contact: Eduardo Diaz, Chair) ATTACHED
>> - *North American Regional At-Large Organization (NARALO) &
>> Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group (NCSG) (ICANN):* Multi-stakeholder
>> partner. Letter of Support requested. Collaboration on policy discussions,
>> potential discretionary funding support, cross-promotion for membership.
>> (Contact: Adrian Schmidt, Secretariat ATTACHED
>> - *IEEE Toronto Section:* Professional affiliation. Letter of Support
>> requested. Potential for cross-promotion of events and membership, access
>> to the technical community. Contact: Dustin Durwell, Chair: Pending
>> - *American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN):* Regional Internet
>> Registry (RIR). Letter of Support requested. Promotion of ARIN
>> Fellowships/Memberships, potential collaboration on events, exploring
>> Community Grant opportunities. Contact: Amanda Gaudin, ARIN Outreach,
>> Pending
>>
>>
>> *G. Membership Communication, Engagement, and Interaction*
>> We propose a multi-channel strategy to engage members and the broader
>> community:
>>
>> - *Website (WordPress):* Serve as the central information hub with
>> news, event listings, resources, membership information, and blog posts.
>> Will adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG). The domain name
>> www.isocontario.org has been identified as available and is planned
>> for registration upon chapter approval.
>> - *Email Newsletter:* Monthly updates sent to members covering
>> chapter activities, relevant ISOC news, upcoming events, and Internet
>> governance highlights.
>> - *Podcast*: Foster spirited discussion of relevant and current
>> Internet issues with industry leaders and civil society members
>> - *Social Media (LinkedIn Group, potentially Twitter/Facebook):* Foster
>> discussion, promote events, share relevant news, and engage with the wider
>> Ontario tech/policy community.
>> - *Online Events:* Regular webinars, virtual panels, and Q&A sessions
>> on relevant topics, allowing broad participation. Recorded sessions made
>> available where possible.
>> - *In-Person Events:* Periodic meetups, workshops, and networking
>> events across Ontario (with initial events potentially in accessible hubs
>> like the GTA), including the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
>> - *Collaboration Platforms:* Utilize tools like Google Workspace,
>> Discord or Slack for internal committee work and potentially member
>> discussions.
>> - *Membership Management:* Use tools like Google Forms or a dedicated
>> membership platform for applications and database management.
>> - *Feedback Mechanisms:* Regularly solicit member feedback through
>> surveys and during events.
>>
>> Recruitment Strategy: Outreach via partners, promotion at relevant
>> industry/academic events, targeted social media campaigns, direct outreach
>> to key organizations and universities in Ontario, and leveraging the
>> professional networks of founding members to build initial momentum.
>>
>> Retention Strategy: Provide valuable content, facilitate networking
>> opportunities, offer meaningful ways to participate (volunteering,
>> speaking), recognize member contributions, and conduct periodic member
>> surveys to gauge satisfaction and identify evolving interests.
>>
>> *H. List of requirements*
>> We have researched the requirements for operating a non-profit
>> organization in Ontario, Canada:
>>
>> - *Incorporation:* We intend to incorporate as a non-profit
>> organization under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). This
>> involves filing Articles of Incorporation with the Ontario Ministry of
>> Public and Business Service Delivery (Estimated Fee: ~$155).
>> - *Annual Filings:*
>> - *Ontario:* Annual return filing with the Ministry.
>> - *Federal (CRA):* Annual T2 Corporation Income Tax Return and
>> potentially T1044 Non-Profit Organization Information Return with the
>> Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). We anticipate needing accounting services for
>> tax preparation (Estimated cost: ~$500+/year).
>> - *Regulatory Compliance:* We will ensure compliance with all
>> relevant provincial and federal regulations for non-profits, including
>> governance practices outlined in ONCA and financial reporting standards.
>>
>> We have reviewed these requirements via the official Ontario government
>> websites and resources for non-profits.
>> *I. Additional information*
>> The founding team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds in
>> technology, policy, education, and business, deeply committed to the
>> Internet Society's mission. The establishment of the ISOC Ontario Chapter
>> fills a significant gap, providing a much-needed platform for
>> multi-stakeholder dialogue and capacity building across Ontario, one of
>> North America's most dynamic and diverse digital landscapes. We are
>> confident in our ability to build a vibrant and sustainable chapter that
>> contributes positively to the local community and the global Internet
>> Society network.
>> *J. Contact Information*
>>
>> - *Name:* Mr. Waqar Ahmad
>> - *Affiliations:* IEEE Member, NARALO Unaffiliated Member, VSIG Urdu
>> Translation Lead
>> - *Postal Address:*
>> - *Phone Number:*
>> - *Email Address:*
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> As a Chapter Leader, you are automatically added to the Internet
>> Society’s Chapter Leaders Community Group and the Chapter Delegates e-list,
>> which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal
>> (AMS): https://community.internetsociety.org.
>> The Internet Society has a legitimate interest to communicate with its
>> chapter leaders, you will therefore remain subscribed for the duration of
>> your term and will be unsubscribed automatically when your term ends.
>> Please note that the archive of this list is publicly accessible and may
>> be viewed by anyone. By submitting information to this list and
>> contributing to the communications, you acknowledge that the contents will
>> be publicly visible.
>> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct:
>> https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
>> -
>> Unsubscribe:
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>>
> _______________________________________________
> As a Chapter Leader, you are automatically added to the Internet Society’s
> Chapter Leaders Community Group and the Chapter Delegates e-list, which is
> regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal (AMS):
> https://community.internetsociety.org.
> The Internet Society has a legitimate interest to communicate with its
> chapter leaders, you will therefore remain subscribed for the duration of
> your term and will be unsubscribed automatically when your term ends.
> Please note that the archive of this list is publicly accessible and may
> be viewed by anyone. By submitting information to this list and
> contributing to the communications, you acknowledge that the contents will
> be publicly visible.
> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct:
> https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
> -
> Unsubscribe:
> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9b6ef0621638436ab0a9b23cb0668b0b?The%20list%20to%20be%20unsubscribed%20from=Chapter-delegates
>
--
Kunle Olorundare (MNSE, PRINCE2)
+2348036551591
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