Dear "cultural partnerships" and "research" mailing lists, (cc-ing the other members of the taskforce)
As you know the WMF is undertaking a strategic review process. As part of this there is a specific taskforce to look into "Partnerships and Alliances". I'm writing to you to ask for your input on this issue. So far we have identified 6 areas in which the WMF could potentially engage in partnerships but I am writing to you to get feedback specifically about "Cultural partnerships" and "academic partnerships".
On a general level, I would appreciate it if anyone would like to add their thoughts to the taskforce-specific questions listed here: http://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Emerging_strategic_priorities/ESP_5_key_questions#Questions:_Alliances_and_partnerships
However, and more specifically, I would very much like to hear about what kind of *strategic level* plans the WMF should make - in your opinion - in the areas of Cultural partnerships and in Academic/Education partnerships. By strategic level I don't mean a specific project you would like to see, which is what the "call for proposals" was about, but the *kind* of project you would like to see in the next 5 years. So, rather than "have a masters of Wikipedia studies at Harvard university" instead you could say "creation of formal recognition of Wikimedia expertise in partnership with tertiary education sector". See what I mean?
So, if you would like to help out in this task, please write your points at the relevant sub-page of the "Industry Specific Suggestions" for partnerships. Doesn't matter about the formatting - just throw your strategic-level suggestions in there. If there's anyone who needs to have a say on these matters it is the self-selected groups that follow these mailing lists!
All the best,
Liam Wyatt [[user:witty lama]]
wittylama.com/blog
Peace, love & metadata