Dear all,
TL;DR
There are two topics this letter talks about – 1) the call for new members
of the Wikimedia Affiliations Committee (AffCom) is open
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_department/Commi…>
on Meta until 17 November 2023; and 2) there are membership changes in the
committee to ensure the transition process for offboarding existing
members, and onboarding new ones.
== 2023 Call for AffCom members ==
The Affiliations Committee
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee> is, until 17
November 2023, seeking additional members to help the Wikimedia Foundation
Board of Trustees (Board) support the affiliate ecosystem. As a note: two
other movement groups (Ombuds commission and Case Review Committee) are
also seeking members. You can read about the process and how to apply here
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_Leg…>
on Meta.
AffCom makes recommendations to the Board on the recognition, approval, or
derecognition of Wikimedia movement affiliates. It helps Wikimedians from
around the world self-organise into chapters, thematic organizations, and
user groups, and to gain official recognition from the Wikimedia
Foundation. AffCom’s work involves the recognition of new affiliates,
helping them retain their affiliate status through yearly reportings, and
conflict mitigation when challenges happen within affiliates.
Volunteers in this role should be experienced Wikimedians from any project,
have experience working with affiliates to practice good governance.
International perspectives, collaboration, teamwork and experience handling
sensitive situations are among traits needed. Given the scope of work,
proficiency in English is required. AffCom seeks members committing 7-10
hours monthly for a 3-year term. The members will have the option to run
again after completion of their terms.
Members are required to sign the Confidentiality agreement for nonpublic
information
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Confidentiality_agreement_for_nonpublic_inf…>
and must be willing to comply with the appropriate Wikimedia Foundation
board policies (such as the access to non-public information policy
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Access_to_nonpublic_information_policy>).
Members must also be over 18 years of age.
The information about this was previously shared on village pumps of the
Wikimedia projects, but as usual this call is also shared here, on the
mailing list.
== AffCom transition period ==
The number of members AffCom needs to recruit this year is not set, as
there was the intentional delay in selecting new members last year
(announced in December 2022, as AffCom was “a key input for the Board in
developing the Wikimedia Foundation Affiliates Strategy” [1]), but it has
created a need to stagger selection - as all AffCom members term come to
end at the same time: December 31, 2023. The number of seats available will
depend on how many existing members decide to carry on.
As having a committee formed entirely of new members is not sustainable,
there is an option for the current members to remain in their seats for a
transition period of 6 to 12 months (maximum until December 2024). Others
may choose to step down, before or after helping to onboard new members,
and pass on open tasks, and some may choose to join the volunteer process
to apply for another three year term as AffCom members.
With the goal of ensuring continuity, we, as the Board liaisons to AffCom,
have suggested to AffCom to convert two current AffCom advisors for a one
year term as AffCom members – as they have been a part of the AffCom work
for a while, they would need minimal onboarding, and would be able to
support the current workflows. Thus as of now, AffCom has two more members
joining it for a term ending 31 December 2024:
* Maor Malul, also known as user:Maor X
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Maor_X>, who has considerable
experience on this committee, having served even before his current role as
advisor as a member between 2013 and 2019, during which time he served
first as chair and then as co-chair;
* Aleksey Chalabyan, also known as user:Xelgen
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Xelgen>, who has already been
providing considerable value as an advisor since his appointment last year.
Speaking on behalf of the Board and reflecting the sentiments voiced by
AffCom itself, we are very happy that Maor and Aleksey have agreed to
support us in this way.
You can view more details about what this important committee does on Meta
in its “What we do
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee#what-we-do>”
section and also in their charter
<https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee_Charter>.
There will be a public comment period on applicants
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Affiliations_Committee/C…>
from 17 October to 17 November. Candidates will meet with AffCom, Board
liaisons and staff to discuss the role and their interest in it. The
Board’s Community Affairs Committee will also review the AffCom candidates,
to provide input. Per its Charter [2] the AffCom will appoint new members,
taking into account also the community feedback. The new members will be
announced in late December 2023, after individuals have been notified.
Thank you for reading this long letter, and thank you in advance for your
interest to join AffCom – or Ombuds commission and Case Review Committee!
And if you are not interested but know someone who might be, please share
this message with them, personal encouragement goes a long way in the
Wikimedia Movement. Also please let us know if you have any questions.
[1]
https://lists.wikimedia.org/hyperkitty/list/wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org…
[2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee_Charter
Best regards,
Nat & Shani & Lorenzo
Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees Liaisons to the Affiliations
Committee
------
antanana / Nataliia Tymkiv
Chair, Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees
*NOTICE: You may have received this message outside of your normal working
hours/days, as I usually can work more as a volunteer during weekend. You
should not feel obligated to answer it during your days off. Thank you in
advance!*
Dear all,
Thank you everyone for following the progress of the Universal Code of
Conduct. I am writing to you today to announce the outcome of the ratification
vote
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduc…>
on
the Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee Charter
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduc…>.
*1746* contributors voted in this ratification vote with *1249* voters
supporting the Charter and *420* voters not (*74.84%* in support). 69
voters did not choose an option. The ratification vote process allowed for
voters to provide comments about the Charter. A report of voting statistics
and a summary of voter comments will be published on Meta-wiki in the
coming weeks.
Please look forward to hearing about the next steps soon.
On behalf of the UCoC Project team,
Patrick
--
Patrick Earley
Lead Trust & Safety Policy Manager
Wikimedia Foundation
pearley(a)wikimedia.org
Dear Community Members,
I am delighted to announce that last week Wikimedia Community Ireland
launched our new podcast in tandem with the Wiki Loves Folklore 2024
Campaign
<https://wikimedia.ie/2024/02/08/join-wiki-loves-folklore-2024-international…>
.
The podcast’s premiere sees guest Orlagh Costello from the Irish Pagan
School, take us on a fascinating exploration of the legendary figure,
Brigid. Through Brigid's multifaceted identity, the podcast initiates a
nuanced conversation about the intersection of feminism, folklore, and
Irish history, providing listeners with an insightful glimpse into the rich
traditions and diverse stories that Wikimedia Community Ireland aims to
champion.
Moving forward we hope to use the podcast as a platform to explore all
things Wiki and the free knowledge movement, showcase the exciting projects
we are working on, and continue to elevate the Irish language in the
digital space.
You can find out more about the inaugural episode, and listen to it here
<https://wikimedia.ie/2024/02/12/wikimedia-community-ireland-launches-podcas…>
.
If you enjoy the episode please share it freely with friends or online! If
you have any ideas or any guests you would like to see WCI interview, don't
be afraid to reach out!
Keep an eye out for our next episode coming soon!
Kind regards,
--
Sophie Fitzpatrick
*Project and Communications Manager*
[image: Wikimedia Community Ireland Bi-Lingual Logo]
Pobal Wikimedia na hÉireann | Wikimedia Community Ireland
https://wikimedia.ie/
Dear community, the WLE photo contest has prepared some exciting news for
you!💚
The Wiki Loves Earth 2024
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Earth_2024> is on
its way!
Wiki Loves Earth is an annual international photographic competition.
Participants take pictures of local natural heritage in their countries and
upload them to Wikimedia Commons. For all participating countries, there
are separate competitions organized by local teams.
⏳When?
This year, WLE also will take place between the 1st of May and the 31st of
July. We have a flexible approach regarding local dates, and local
organizers decide when exactly to hold their contest within the
international timeframe.
🌞How can you join the contest this year as an organizer?
For that, you need the following:
-
Team of volunteers with clear roles and timelines;
-
Defining eligible natural sites (must be officially protected);
-
Preparing a landing page for the local contest;
-
Promotion for the contest in social networks;
-
Jury to evaluate the photos (select top-15 local winners for an
international contest);
-
Awards for your winners.
Find out more about the process in our detailed guidelines
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Earth_2024/Organise> for
the local teams.
This year, we also continue to raise awareness about environmental problems
so that we will launch our special nomination "Human Rights and
Environment" for
the 4th time.
And one more new special nomination, which can represent natural heritage
in a wider way!
Stay tuned for the announcements soon!
Follow our channels for local organizers to receive the most important
information:
-
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wlecommunity/
-
Telegram chat: https://t.me/+jtPfBWQVCGkzMmIy
-
A mailing list for local organizers: wikilovesearth(a)lists.wikimedia.org
Also, subscribe on our social media channels:
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wikilovesearth/
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interwle
-
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WikiLovesEarth
<https://mobile.twitter.com/WikiLovesEarth>
-
Website: https://wikilovesearth.org/
If you have any questions or need any help, please contact the
international team at wle-team(a)wikimedia.org.ua
Stay tuned for the Wiki Loves Earth 2024, and don’t hesitate to
participate!🌳
*Find translations here
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Earth_2024/Announceme…>
*
--
Best regards,
Olesia Lukaniuk
Project Manager for Wiki Loves Earth
Dear all,
I would like to share with you the outputs of the Wikimedia Foundation
Affiliate Strategy process [1], and to invite you to give feedback on the
proposed changes to requirements for all affiliates & to user groups
recognition process (more below).
The 2017 Strategic Direction
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Strategy/Wikimedia_movement/2017> says
that we, the Wikimedia Movement, would build “the services and structures
that enable others to … advance our world by collecting knowledge that
fully represents human diversity” while carrying on “our mission of
developing content”. As Wikimedia affiliates are a key and integral part of
the Wikimedia movement and have knowledge and expertise to share, the
movement’s success depends greatly on affiliates as they help people join
us in doing mission-aligned work. The Wikimedia Foundation Affiliates
Strategy report [2] identified a need to streamline the role of the
Affiliations Committee (AffCom) on recognition of Wikimedia Affiliates, and
identified issues with the current state of the process.
After conversations with AffCom, the Board liaisons to AffCom identified
two areas for improvement. These areas are about the relevant work and
mandate of the Board related to affiliate recognition:
1) requirements for affiliates; and
2) improving the workflows around the process for the creation and
recognition of a user group.
The proposal on Meta [3] is suggesting to change the requirements for all
existing Wikimedia affiliates, not just the legal entities. There are ten
proposed criteria for a healthy affiliate. Examples include focusing on
continuity by being an active group and welcoming new users, having good
governance, and actively delivering on mission goals. Compliance with these
requirements would be self-reported by the affiliates. The Board liaisons
will work with the Affiliations Committee to publish a resolution outlining
how affiliates would be expected to fulfill these requirements to remain in
good standing.
Throughout the Wikimedia Foundation Affiliate Strategy process, there was
also feedback about user groups. Initially, user groups were meant as a
first step toward creating chapters or thematic organizations. Over the
years, user groups have evolved and there are now legally incorporated user
groups, user groups with boards, etc. Getting started does need to be easy,
but also needs to make sense, and so there is a proposal for changes to the
current workflow. The recommendations [3] include an outline of the
sequential steps of a revised process.
The feedback can be given from today up till March 20, 2024 (Anywhere on
Earth). Hopefully a fairly long feedback period will allow affiliates to
consult with their membership, thinking it through practically.
To provide your feedback, please review the page here, on Meta, [3] and
leave comments on the talk page. Alternatively, you can join an open
call (February
14 and 28 at 14:00 to 14:30 UTC) or request a conversation as a part of
Talking:2024
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Comm…>.
You can use the Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Talking:
2024#Let’s Talk|Let’s Talk
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Comm…'s_talk>
feature to sign up for a time to speak with me and other trustees about
this conversation or any other topic regarding the Wikimedia Foundation
Board, Movement Strategy, and more.
Note: New user group applications will be placed on hold for the duration
of this conversation – but the ones received before will be reviewed
according to the current process.
Best regards,
Nat & Mike & Lorenzo
Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees Liaisons to the Affiliations
Committee
[1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Affiliates_Strategy
[2]
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_noticeboard/Wiki…
[3]
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Affiliates_Strategy/Re…
Best regards,
antanana / Nataliia Tymkiv
Chair, Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees
*NOTICE: You may have received this message outside of your normal working
hours/days, as I usually can work more as a volunteer during weekend. You
should not feel obligated to answer it during your days off. Thank you in
advance!*
Hello everyone,
I am writing to share with you the evaluation report for Wikimania 2023,
Wikimedia movement's largest activity, which took place virtually and in
person in Singapore, in August 2023. The report covers results from the
attendee and scholar surveys, as well as the impact of our communication,
social media and media strategies.
The report was written by a team of colleagues from the Wikimedia
Foundation Communications department, and you can find it here:
https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2023:Evaluation
Here is a brief summary of the main findings:
- Wikimania 2023 was the largest Wikimania to date, with 2866 Wikimedians
from 142 countries attending - 761 in person and 2105 remotely.
- The theme for the 18th Wikimania edition was Diversity. Collaboration.
Future., reflecting the goals and challenges of the Wikimedia movement in
the next decade, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Survey respondents were highly satisfied with the event (over 90%), and
felt that it contributed to their learning and sense of belonging (over
90%).
- Scholarship recipients felt that the experience would encourage them to
share lessons learnt with their communities and continue to improve their
overall contributions to the movement.
- Communications strategies were utilized to raise awareness about
Wikimedia amongst youth in ESEAP, as well as the general public in the
region and beyond.
- Wikimania 2023 featured a rich and diverse program, with over 300 main
program sessions, the first ever WikiWomen Summit, a 5-day hackathon,
Wikimedia Basic workshops for beginners, and more.
I hope you enjoy reading the report and learning more about the outcomes
and impact of Wikimania 2023. Please feel free to share your feedback,
comments, and questions on the report's talk page:
https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=2023_talk:Evaluation
Thank you for being part of this amazing event and community!
Kind regards,
*Butch Bustria*
ESEAP Wikimania 2023 Organizing Team
Hello everyone,
Wikimedia is gearing up to apply as a mentoring organization for Google
Summer of Code 2024 <
https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Google_Summer_of_Code/2024>[1] and Outreachy
Round 28 <https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Outreachy/Round_28> [2].
Currently, we're crafting a list of exciting project ideas for the
application. If you have any suggestions for projects, whether coding or
non-coding (design, documentation, translation, outreach, research), please
share them by February 5th via this Phabricator task: <
https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T354734> [3]. Note that for non-coding
projects eligible for Outreachy, slots are limited and will be allocated to
mentors on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Timeline
In your role as a mentor, your involvement spans the application period for
both programs, taking place from March to April. During this time, you'll
guide candidates in making small contributions to your project and address
any project-related queries they may have. As the application period
concludes, you'll further intensify your collaboration with accepted
candidates throughout the coding period, which extends from May to August.
Your support and guidance are crucial to their success in the program.
Guidelines for Crafting Project Proposals:
-
Follow this task description template when you propose a project in
Phabricator: <
https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/tag/outreach-programs-projects> [4].
You can also use this workboard to pick an idea if you don't have one
already. Add #Google- Summer-of-Code (2024) or #Outreachy (Round 28) tag.
-
Project should require an experienced developer ~15 days and a newcomer
~3 months to complete.
-
Each project should have at least two mentors, including one with a
technical background.
-
Ideally, the project has no tight deadlines, a moderate learning curve,
and fewer dependencies on Wikimedia's core infrastructure. Projects
addressing the needs of a language community are most welcome.
* Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of Mentors for both
programs:*
-
Outreachy: <https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Outreachy/Mentors> [5]
-
Google Summer of Code: <
https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Google_Summer_of_Code/Mentors> [6]
Thank you,
Links:
[1] https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Google_Summer_of_Code/2024
[2] https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Outreachy/Round_28
[3] https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T354734
[4] https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/tag/outreach-programs-projects
[5] https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Outreachy/Mentors
[6] https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Google_Summer_of_Code/Mentors
--
*Onyinyechi Onifade *
Technical Community Program Manager
Wikimedia Foundation <https://wikimediafoundation.org/>