Internet2 works collaboratively with state and regional networking organizations to ensure integrated provision of advanced networking resources to the higher education community. Through its support of The Quilt, Internet2 has recognized the importance of state and regional networks that serve as connectors to the Internet2 backbone network. More recently, the Internet2 Governance and Nominations Committee (GNC) underscored the critical role of state and regional networks within the Internet2 community and outlined a series of recommendations giving these organizations a more visible role within Internet2's membership and governance.