Many people on this list are involved in the lengthy discussion on Meta
about fundraising and fund dissemination.
The Board recently passed this resolution which sets out principles which
we believe are important as this conversation continues.
Regards,
Chris
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The Board of Wikimedia UK believes;
1) Decentralization, empowerment, and effective teamwork are core values of the
Wikimedia movement
2) The future Wikimedia movement depends on the growth and empowerment
of individuals,
groups, and formal bodies. Therefore, the development of any organisation
within the Wikimedia movement, whether a geographical chapter or not,
should be based on granting the maximum independence and responsibility at
the lowest level (i.e., the principle of subsidiarity), taking into
account our fiduciary duties and agreed movement objectives.
3) There are advantages to decentralisation of fundraising operations, which
will become even more important as the movement develops. These advantages
can outweigh any risks in fundraising decentralisation if there is a strong
framework for responsibility and accountability of entities conducting
fundraising.
4) It is important for the health of the movement as a whole that there is a
long-term settlement regarding funds which will enable movement bodies to plan
for growth on horizons of longer than one year.
5) There is considerable scope for future co-operation between the Foundation,
chapters, and other organisations and all parties should actively identify
and resource such opportunities.
6) Such co-operation should include setting out a clear path towards meeting
the requirements of participation in decentralised fundraising.
7) All parties to this discussion should prioritise the wellbeing of
the Wikimedia
movement as a whole over their own interests or viewpoints.
We urge the Wikimedia Foundation Board and the entire movement to find
a resolution
to the ongoing discussions about fundraising in line with these principles,
which we consider to be core to the values of the Wikimedia movement.