It used to be generally agreed that the nonprofit sector lagged at least two years behind the private sector when it came to technology use. As costs have dropped and nptech savvy has risen, I think that gap has closed, dramatically. Today, there are organizations large and small doing amazing things with technology to create actual social change.

Public Interest Registry and NTEN want to celebrate that change, so we're launching the .ORG Ambassador awards. If you think your organization is rocking technology in service of your mission, you should:

> Apply today!

Nominations close April 13. This year's Ambassador will be chosen by a judging panel made up of the .ORG and NTEN teams. There are a few criteria:

• You must be a member of NTEN. If you're not already a member, you can still join today.
• You must be associated with and branded as a .ORG web presence.
• You must have been doing business for at least one year on your .ORG web presence.
• You must have a representative present at the 2009 NTC in San Francisco.

The winner will be announced at the luncheon Gala event at the NTC on Tuesday, April 28, 2009! (Finalists will be notified in advance of the conference for planning purposes.)

The.ORG Ambassador will be recognized within the community as a whole and will receive several benefits throughout the 12-month tenure as Ambassador. These include the ability to advance the organization's mission by establishing thought leadership positions in blogs, whitepapers, public relations activities and newsletters, as well as through visibility on the Public Interest Registry’s website.