Grassroots Internet Governance: Navigating the Path to Professionalization
The landscape of internet governance is at a critical juncture as grassroots initiatives grapple with the need to evolve while staying true to their origins. With the 2025 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) on the horizon, these organizations are facing mounting pressure to professionalize without sacrificing the grassroots spirit that has fueled their success.
One of the key challenges facing grassroots internet governance initiatives is finding a balance between passion, funding, and long-term legitimacy. While grassroots movements are often driven by a deep-seated passion for a cause, the harsh reality is that passion alone is not always enough to ensure sustainability and impact. As these initiatives grow and mature, they require stable funding sources to support their activities and maintain their independence. At the same time, they must also navigate the complex terrain of legitimacy, proving their value and relevance in an ever-changing digital landscape.
The push for professionalization within grassroots internet governance initiatives is not new. As these organizations have gained visibility and influence, they have come under increasing scrutiny to operate more like traditional institutions, with clear governance structures, transparent decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms. While these elements are essential for ensuring credibility and trust, they can also pose a threat to the grassroots ethos that has been central to the success of these initiatives.
One potential model for balancing passion, funding, and legitimacy within grassroots internet governance initiatives is the creation of hybrid structures that combine the best of both worlds. By integrating elements of grassroots activism with professional governance practices, these organizations can harness the energy and innovation of grassroots movements while also ensuring sustainability and effectiveness. This approach allows grassroots initiatives to scale their impact without losing sight of their core values and principles.
An example of a successful hybrid model in internet governance is the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Originally founded as a non-profit organization with strong ties to the U.S. government, ICANN has evolved into a global multistakeholder entity that manages the domain name system and other critical internet resources. By embracing a multistakeholder approach that includes governments, businesses, civil society, and technical experts, ICANN has been able to strike a balance between inclusivity and efficiency, ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.
As grassroots internet governance initiatives stand at a crossroads in 2025, the upcoming IGF provides an opportunity for these organizations to come together, share best practices, and chart a path forward. By learning from successful models like ICANN and exploring innovative approaches to professionalization, grassroots initiatives can navigate the challenges of funding, legitimacy, and passion while staying true to their grassroots roots.
In conclusion, the future of grassroots internet governance lies in finding a delicate balance between passion, funding, and legitimacy. By embracing hybrid models that combine the energy of grassroots movements with the professionalism of traditional institutions, these initiatives can continue to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving digital world.
internet governance, grassroots initiatives, professionalization, funding, legitimacy