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 identifiedhttp://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Task_force/Alliances_and_Partnerships/Weekly_Report_016 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_...

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 proposalshttp://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/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 Suggestionshttp://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Task_force/Alliances_and_Partnerships#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