Hello everyone,
Recognition as a Wikimedia movement affiliate — a chapter, thematic
organization, or user group — is a privilege that allows an independent
group to officially use the Wikimedia trademarks to further the Wikimedia
mission. To receive and maintain their status as recognized Wikimedia
affiliates, groups are required to comply with certain requirements, which
are identified in each group's individual chapter, thematic organization,
or user group agreement. In particular, the terms of the Wikimedia User
Group Agreement and Code of Conduct prohibit user groups from engaging in
activity that poses significant risk to other Wikimedia organizations or
Wikimedia projects.
As many of you doubtlessly know, the two Wikimedia user groups based in
Brazil — Wikimedia Community User Group Brasil and Wiki Education Brazil —
have been engaged in a severe and protracted conflict, which has resulted
in significant harm to past, ongoing, and planned Wikimedia movement
activities in Brazil. As all reasonable attempts to resolve the conflict
have failed, the Affiliations Committee is left with no choice but to
withdraw the groups' recognition as Wikimedia affiliates.
Consequently, the recognition of Wikimedia Community User Group Brasil and
Wiki Education Brazil as Wikimedia user groups has been revoked, and the
Wikimedia Foundation's legal department has been requested to formally
terminate their respective user group agreements as soon as practicable.
Further, the specific individuals who served as the primary contacts for
these user groups will be prohibited from serving as primary contacts for
any user group application or existing user group for a period of one year.
The Affiliations Committee recognizes that this is an unprecedented and
unfortunate development. However, we hope that this step will allow the
Wikimedia community in Brazil to work towards a new organizational
structure and model that will better serve the needs of movement
participants and stakeholders in the country.
Any questions regarding this matter should be addressed directly to the
Affiliations Committee.
Regards,
Kirill Lokshin
Chair, Affiliations Committee