Cerf said he will step down from ICANN in November and has posted an on-camera interview on video-sharing site YouTube and ICANN's blog to spread awareness of Internet-related issues and the importance online interoperability.
ICANN's nominating committee is reportedly seeking applicants to join its team, and has posted an application on its site for responsible people passionate about the Internet's future and eager to be a part of it. The deadline is May 18.
"If I were looking forward, wondering what kind of people I would want to see serving," Cerf said, "I would look for people who are sincere in their ability to participate — really are prepared to spend the time that is needed — and who have [a] clear understanding of the functions of ICANN and understand what the limitations are."
Cerf also highlighted the important role ICANN plays for the Internet, "Inventing new kinds of practices for the establishment of policy." Applicants with general creative thinking, organizational and financial skills are strongly encouraged to contact ICANN.
Cerf said the Internet decisions that ICANN has been, and still is, responsible for have become increasingly difficult because of how complex and important these decisions have become.
"If you really care about how the Internet evolves," Cerf said, "then you want to be a part of this apparatus ...Your views and perspectives won't be heard unless you participate. An individual can make a difference."
