Forwarding from Wikimedia-l in case someone not watching there...

- Sent from my mobile device. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Jan Engelmann" jan.engelmann@wikimedia.de Date: Feb 19, 2013 7:06 PM Subject: [Wikimedia-l] Big Fat Brussels Gathering To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org

tl;dr Issues like copyright are crucial for us. So let’s join forces in Brussels to make a difference. All we need is a bunch of smart people.

Dear fellow Wikimedians,

it’s been quite some time since we have talked on various occasions about the need for the European Wikimedia chapters to join their forces in the political arena. Regarding the threats for Free Knowledge which derive from harmful legislation, it just might be the right moment to reassess our current practices and take a huge step forward, as a loose combination of chapter representatives and volunteers.

An according EU policy project is already being prepared. User:Dimi z [1], a Wikimedian currently based in Brussels, versed and active in political affairs, did the hard job to gather the required amount of information to finally get started. He created a document on Meta [2] which might serve as a starting point to exchange and develop ideas.

== What’s at stake? ==

Concerning European regulations, we have to develop a clear and unified position on major legislative and political changes affecting our mission, which is to create a better environment for Free Knowledge. Building upon the tremendous efforts of Brussels-based NGOs like EDRI [3] and La Quadrature Du Net [4], we should take the job to speak for the Wikimedia movement and its particular role in, let’s say, the ongoing Copyright Wars.

To build a sustainable model for advocacy it is necessary to

* monitor EU policy proceedings and initiatives * comprehensively inform the participating chapters and communities about EU dossiers * initiate discussions about what is desirable or might be risky for Wikimedia * take action where necessary * reach out to like-minded projects and communities

== OK, point taken. But HOW shall we do this? ==

Firstly, we are dedicated to a culture of sharing and a significant level of transparency. So we need to work in Brussels in accordance to our principles which differ remarkably from the “black box” approach usually applied by industry representatives.

Secondly, we are searching for an organizational basis that follows our capacities. So let’s come up with a smart, inclusive structure that ensures easy access and leaves enough space for latecomers or people that engage only occasionally.

Thirdly, we need someone on site. Since we have to give established institutions and public officials a face, a name, and a direct way to contact us, a specific contact person in Brussels would be more than useful. S/he needs to know everything about the drafting process of relevant directives and regulations, find access to political parties and hangs out in the preferred bars of staff members working for Neelie Kroes, Michael Barnier or Androulla Vassiliou.

== In a nutshell: Imagine a working group, which ==

* does lobbying - but in full disclosure, on the open stage * seeks strategic alliances, but not only with affiliated organizations * partly consists of full-time-employees, but heavily relies on volunteer-engagement

== Interested in being a part of it? ==

Let’s get started and talk about this challenge! Your input and ideas on the aforementioned Meta page are highly appreciated. To discuss the working methods of an EU Policy Group and develop a project plan together, we suggest to meet face-to-face in Brussels for one day and a half. Wikimedia Deutschland would be happy to organize this kick-off-gathering in March/April. We’d like to ask interested Wikimedians to join us there. Please use the doodle below to identify the most suitable date:

http://doodle.com/ntiz6gup7z49e7p5

(Please choose either a friday/saturday or saturday/sunday option.)

Looking forward to seeing you all in Brussels,

Jan Engelmann

[1] http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dimi_z [2] http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/EU_Policy [3] http://www.edri.org/ [4] http://www.laquadrature.net/

-- Jan Engelmann Leiter Politik & Gesellschaft ------------------------------------- Wikimedia Deutschland e.V. Obentrautstr. 72 10963 Berlin

Telefon 030 - 219 158 26-0 www.wikimedia.de

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