Greetings ASP-IRT colleagues (and cc to full IRT), We are very excited to announce that the Applicant Support Program is Open<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-opens-application-period-for-new-gtld-applicant-support-program-19-11-2024-en>! You all have contributed immensely to the design and development of this program. As we move into the execution phase, we thought it would be helpful to share the available ASP resources that you can reference and pass on to your networks to help generate awareness and excitement for the program. * We hope you’ve had a chance to view the recent Blog Post<https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icann-resources-available-to-prepare-...> announcing the new ASP Applicant Readiness Materials now available to support prospective ASP applicants in understanding the eligibility criteria and application process. * If you haven’t seen it, please make note of the Pro Bono Services announcement<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-seeks-mentors-and-pro-b...> seeking professional service providers or mentors as volunteers to provide guidance to supported ASP applicants. We are seeing great engagement with this announcement with 173 visits to the registration link and 36 registrations. * To brief your networks, you are welcome to use the ASP Champions Toolkit <https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/resources/ChampionsToolkit> as a resource to create awareness about the Next Round Program and the Applicant Support Program, including the Engagement Calendar and a speaker request form. * Lastly, we kindly invite you to engage with recent social media posts on LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/icann/posts/?feedView=all>, Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/icannorg/>, and Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/icannorg/> to increase visibility for the ASP, Next Round, and other ICANN happenings. As you well know, ICANN relies on you, our community, to help raise awareness, interest, and recruit volunteers. We appreciate all that you do and want to share the information you may need to help spread the word. Many thanks in advance for your help in doing so. Please see below for a more comprehensive list of available resources. With excitement and much gratitude, Kristy, on behalf of the ASP Project Team ASP Blog Announcement<https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icann-resources-available-to-prepare-...> ASP blog announcement creating awareness of the ASP Applicant Readiness materials now available, including the Quick Start Guide, Checklist, and System User Guides. ASP Website<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/asp> Online information and resources regarding ICANN’s Applicant Support Program. ASP Handbook<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/sites/default/files/documents/next-round-as...> Provides a comprehensive understanding of the ASP application deadlines, criteria, processes, and evaluation steps. Applicant Quick Start Guide<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/asp-applicant-quick-start-guide-...> High-level overview of the ASP application process and what to expect. (Scheduled to be translated into six ICANN languages by end of 2024.) Applicant Checklist<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/asp-applicant-checklist-05nov24-...> More detailed summary of the ASP application process to prepare applicants for the ASP submission requirements. (Scheduled to be translated into six ICANN languages by end of 2024.) Application System User Guide (English)<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/asp-application-system-guide-05n...> Provides simple navigation and helpful tool tips of online application processes. Available in six ICANN languages. ASP FAQs<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/asp/faqs> Up-to-date frequently asked questions and answers about the ASP. Champions Toolkit<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/resources/ChampionsToolkit> · ASP Info Sheet<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/sites/default/files/documents/asp-info-shee...> · ASP Intro Deck<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/sites/default/files/documents/asp-deck-04oc...> Toolkit of resources that can be leveraged to create general awareness of the Next Round Program and the ASP including a speaker request form. · Info Sheet offers a snapshot of the kinds of assistance provided through the ASP. · Intro Deck provides additional insights into harnessing the power of the internet through a gTLD and becoming a registry operator. Pro Bono Service Provider Announcement<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-seeks-mentors-and-pro-b...> Announcement appealing to professional service providers to register to provide pro bono services for ASP supported applicants. We already have 173 clicks and 33 registered! Social Media Posts Engage with our social media posts on LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/icann/posts/?feedView=all>, Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/icannorg/>, and Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/icannorg/>: · Increase visibility by liking or commenting on the posts. · Spread the word by reposting to your networks. ASP Launch Announcements: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:share:7264692114549018626/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/628539175970152/posts/986675896823143 * X: https://x.com/ICANN/status/1858926573199765955