Feeling left out of the new generic Top Level Domain application process? Well then ICANN wants your help in evaluating gTLD applications from developing countries. Well, providing you meet their criteria that is.

ICANN have announced they are seeking volunteers to assist in the evaluation of those organisations seeking financial support to apply for a gTLD.

“These volunteers will be key to ICANN’s effort to assure that the less-developed parts of the world are able to participate in the new Domain name program,” said Kurt Pritz, Senior Vice President. “The panel members will make a real impact in ensuring that the opportunities for innovation and economic development created by the Internet are open to everyone.”

The volunteers will be chosen for their background and experience in areas such as running a small business, operating in developing economies, analysing business plans, serving in the public interest, managing a domain name registry service, or awarding grants.

The financial assistance component of the Applicant Support Program offers a limited number of qualifying applicants the opportunity to pay a reduced evaluation fee of $47,000 instead of the full evaluation fee of $185,000.

The selected volunteers will assist in the evaluation of financial support applicants in the context of established public interest, financial capabilities and financial need criteria as outlined in the “Financial Assistance Handbook.”

For anyone interested in applying, review the criteria, work out if you can commit the time required and check out any other expectations at newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/candidate-support/sarp-eoi-request-03feb12-en.pdf.