Hi Ilario,
We're certainly very aware of the broader context of conflict between overlapping local groups, and the potential for individuals to misuse the user group model as a vehicle for attacking existing affiliates or furthering personal disputes among affiliate leaders or members; there have been several similar incidents in the past -- if, perhaps, none as severe as what we saw in this case -- and it's something we've taken into account when reviewing user group applications in recent months.
One of the main items on the agenda for our annual meeting in Berlin is a discussion about overlapping affiliates -- both in the obvious geographic sense, and in the broader sense of programmatic overlap between traditional geographically-oriented groups and groups that focus on particular topics, themes, or types of partners. Our eventual goal, within the context of the movement strategy discussions, is to evolve our current affiliate model to better serve the needs of the (often overlapping) communities that form the basis of movement affiliates, while preventing the sorts of inter-affiliate conflicts that we've seen develop over the past few years. I don't know, at this point, what this evolved model might look like, but we anticipate involving the community more closely in our discussions as the process moves forward.
Regards, Kirill
On Mon, Apr 9, 2018 at 2:54 AM, Ilario Valdelli valdelli@gmail.com wrote:
Hi Kirill It makes sense to explain a little bit about the conflict management and the position of both sides to define why both groups have been derecognized.
At the opposite this decision will give the feeling that, to attack a local Group, it will be sufficient to create another local Group and to be recognized and to open a conflict and to drive all parties to unresolute it to reach the primary and original goal.
Kind regards
On Sun, 8 Apr 2018, 20:20 Kirill Lokshin, kirill.lokshin@gmail.com wrote:
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 _______________________________________________ Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: https://meta.wikimedia.org/ wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and https://meta.wikimedia.org/ wiki/Wikimedia-l New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, mailto:wikimedia-l-request@lists.wikimedia.org?subject=unsubscribe
Affiliates mailing list Affiliates@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/affiliates