ABOUT THE COALITION

Overview:

Structure and Membership

THE VON COALITION IS STRUCTURED AS as an open, non-profit 501 (c) (6) organization in accordance with the laws of the Internal Revenue Service in the USA. This structure ensures that, in the event the Coalition ceases to exist, any assets left after satisfying liabilities can only be transferred to another non-profit 501 (c) (6) organization.

The organization is controlled by its Voting Members, who annually elect a Board of Directors to oversee the management of the Coalition and establish its operating policies. Voting Members also ratify the VON Coalition's annual budget and any changes to its corporate by-laws, ensuring that any changes to rights and privileges are ratified by a majority of Members.

The VON Coalition maintains two annual membership levels, Full voting membership is based on annual revenues as follows: $60,000 for companies over $1 billion; $30,000 for companies between $500 million and $1 billion; and, $12,000 for companies under $500 million. Full Members l can vote for and serve on the board, and hold officer positions. Associate members are not permitted to serve on the Board, hold officer positions, or vote on policy positions and pay 50 percent of the full membership, based on annual revenues. The VON Coalition has an Executive Director to handle the administration of the group, conduct regular meetings, direct policy positions and draft the written work product that is presented to regulators and policymakers.

The VON Coalition has already achieved a great deal as an ad hoc body. The membership fees received by the VON Coalition will enable the organization to continue its efforts to shape policy concerning Internet communications around the world.