[Foundation-l] Movement roles letter, Feb 2012

[Ting Chen]

The Board approves the following letter to be sent to the community:
----

The organizational structure of the Wikimedia movement is growing 
rapidly: since 2010, the number of chapters has grown by 50%, and the 
size of the Foundation has doubled.  Over the past 18 months, the 
movement roles group has worked to clarify the roles and 
responsibilities of different groups working within our international 
movement, and the Board thanks those who have participated in this process.

We want to make it easier for a wider variety of groups to be recognized 
as part of the movement.  Below are draft resolutions to recognize new 
models of affiliation, based on input received to date.  They are posted 
on Meta for feedback, to encourage discussion and improvement.  We 
encourage everyone to participate on the talk pages between now and 10 
March.  We aim to finalize, approve, and publish the resolutions by 28 
March.

Thanks,
Ting.


Posted on Meta at: 
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Movement_roles/affiliations

== Expansion of movement affiliation models ==

In acknowledgement of the diversity of groups contributing to our 
movement, the Board recognizes an expanded framework for affiliation of 
Wikimedia groups furthering our movement:

*: '''Chapters''': legal entities with bylaws and mission aligned with 
Wikimedia's, focused on supporting related work within a geography. 
Chapters must reach agreement with the Foundation for use of the 
Wikimedia trademarks for their work, publicity, and fundraising; and 
would be allowed to use a name clearly linking them to Wikimedia.

*: '''Partner Organizations''': legal entities with bylaws and mission 
aligned with Wikimedia's, focused on a cultural, linguistic, or other 
topic; not be exclusive to any geography. Partner organizations must 
reach agreement with the Foundation for use of the Wikimedia trademarks 
for their work, publicity, and fundraising; and would be allowed to use 
a name clearly linking them to Wikimedia.

*: '''Associations''': open-membership groups with an established 
contact person and stated purpose, which need basic use of the Wikimedia 
trademarks for promotion and organization of projects and events. A new 
association can be formed by listing its information in a public place, 
and confirming their contact information. An association contact can 
sign an optional agreement to use Wikimedia marks in a limited way in 
the scope of their work. Small projects can be supported through 
individual reimbursement.

*: '''Affiliates''': like-minded organizations that actively support the 
movement's work. They are listed publicly and granted limited use of the 
marks on websites and posters indicating their support of and 
collaboration with Wikimedia.

== Recognizing new affiliation models ==

In connection with its decision to expand the framework of affiliated 
groups, the Board expands the mandate of the Chapters Committee to 
include all affiliations, and asks it to update its scope and rules of 
procedure to cover:

* recognizing all group models
* mentoring chapters and partner organiations
* reviewing and summarizing the status of all groups

The committee should also indicate what resources it will need to be 
effective, including staff support and resources from the Foundation.

This proposed charter and plan should be shared with the Board by 15 
June, for approval by its July 2012 meeting.


;References:
* [[wmf:Audit charter]]
* [[wmf:Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope]]
* [[wmf:Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]

-- 
Ting Chen
Member of the Board of Trustees
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
E-Mail: tchen at wikimedia.org