I think this might be a good idea but it would be pretty hard to implement and I think, unnecessary. Most of the functionaries got to where they are because they have a calm demeanor and generally are fair in how they treat others. Additionally, its not usually the functionaries who are the problem. So without requiring the editors to perform the diversity training, I'm not sure how much it would help.

On Fri, Dec 12, 2014 at 1:48 PM, Chris Keating <chriskeatingwiki@gmail.com> wrote:

Don't know if this has been floated before - apologies if so - but:

Part of the problem we have is the sheer depth of ignorance among otherwise well-intentioned community members.

This depth of ignorance is naturally shared by the people who play leadership roles in the community. So we end up with stewards, arbitrators and bureaucrats who potentially end up reinforcing the gender gap problem because they just have no clue how the structure they maintain can sometimes be a tool to exclude people.

How about offering some form of diversity training to functionaries to help broaden perspectives and raise understanding? Obviously, from the point of view of supporting them to do their difficult and fairly thankless roles better, rather than beating them with diversity sticks.

It could happen (indeed, WMF could make it happen with some volunteer input); could it help?

Chris

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