GreenNet is a not for profit, ethical, collective ISP. It was set up in the late 80s as an effective and cheap way for environmental activists to communicate - a long time before email and dot coms had become household names. Unlike many other internet service providers, GreenNet is geared to the needs of organisations, activists and people working for social change. Our use of networking technology focuses on supporting and promoting their work for peace, human rights and the environment through the use of ICTs.
As part of our work within the NGO community, we set up the GreenNet Educational Trust in 1994, as a registered charity which can spend any profits from GreenNet's activities on support and promotion of the use of ICTs. GreenNet is also a founding member of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), a global network of networks that work for peace, human rights and the environment through the use of ICTs.
What is a collective?
A collective organisation is one in which a group of people work together on the basis of equal benefit to all. There is no hierarchical structure, the organisation is jointly operated, with all staff members having equal decision making powers, and equal responsibility. In the case of the GreenNet collective, staff members do not benefit from GreenNet's profits, or have any shares in GreenNet. GreenNet is owned by the GreenNet Educational Trust (GET), a registered charity (registered charity no. 1037080). Any profit made by GreenNet goes directly into GET towards the implementation of projects.
How did it all begin?
In 1989, a bunch of environmental activist techies worked together to devise tools that would support networking efforts within the green movement. They called the operation, GreenNet. Soon, GreenNet began collaborating and exchanging information with similar networks in other countries.
In 1990 the APC was formed by these networks. The APC currently has 45 member networks serving over 50,000 activists, non-profit organisations, charities and NGOs in over 133 countries. The APC is committed to supporting international links with Southern member and partner networks.
GreenNet has provided an international gateway for small, indigenous networks in African and Asian countries since 1987. The gateway has supported email exchange between the internet and 52 networks in Africa and Asia - sometimes the link being the only means of electronic communication for NGOs and other organisations in those countries.
GreenNet and other APC networks pay a proportion of their income to the APC to support the operations of the Association.
How can I support GreenNet?
For GreenNet to survive and develop we need the continued support of our users and to recruit new members. You can help by simply promoting an account with GreenNet, or advertising our services at an event you are attending. We also organise ad swaps with users and attend users events and conferences.
If you can help with GreenNet outreach, please email info@gn.apc.org
If you are interested in helping our work, you can volunteer to help and lend your skills to further the projects. If there is an area that you would like to get more involved with please get in touch. You can email info@gn.apc.org
You can also contribute towards the work of the GreenNet Educational Trust in similar ways, including donating your time or resources to help implement the charities objectives.
Who uses GreenNet?
GreenNet has developed specifically to support small to medium sized organisations, in particular, activists and NGOs. GreenNet hosts web pages for organisations whose work is consistent with our mission, which is to work with movements for peace, economic and social justice, human rights and environmental sustainability around the world. Check the Network section of this site to see who is using GreenNet.
Contact and legal information
If you have access to email, you can send any queries to: info@gn.apc.org. Alternatively, contact the GreenNet Support team by phone on: 0845 055 4011 between 09.30 and 17.30 Monday to Friday.
GreenNet is also a member of the Internet Service Provders Association, Nominet UK (.uk domain registrar), and CISAS.
Registered address: GreenNet, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT
Tel: UK 0845 055 4011 (Intl +44) 20 7065 0935 Fax: 020 7065 0936
Registered in England No. 02070438 VAT Reg GB 473 0262 65
