Dear Arabic Wikimedians, Hi everyone, as you all may know Wikimedia is in the midst of its strategic planning process (see http://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page http://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page for more information). As part of this process a task force has been created to help develop strategies to support the development of Arabic Wikipedia. (see http://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Task_force/Arabic_Task_Force). I am writing to all of you to encourage you to participate in the strategy process. Right now a list of questions has been posted on the strategy wiki relating to Arabic Wikipedia and community members have been asked to post their thoughts. These include critical questions such as

* How can Wikipedia increase participation in Arabic Wikipedia? * How can Wikipedia increase awareness of Arabic Wikipedia? * What tools and support are necessary to further build the contributor base for Arabic Wikipedia? * What lessons can be learned from other successful on line Arabic language communities?

So far no contributors to Arabic Wikipedia have posted any of their thoughts. It is really important to make sure the people who understand the issues faced by Arabic Wikipedia contribute to this process. Therefore, I'm encouraging you all to visit the website and make your voices heard. http://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Emerging_strategic_priorities/ES P_2_key_questions#Questions_related_to_Arabic_language_Wikimedia_project s

I am very sorry that I do not speak Arabic and am unable to to write this post in Arabic. If anyone on this group has the energy to translate this message into Arabic and repost it that would be fantastic! Best, Sarah

Sarah Sable Consultant The Bridgespan Group 465 California Street 11th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104 tel:415.627.4524 fax:415.627.4575

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