Dear all,
Greetings from Berlin! This is another update on the movement strategy
process, this week coming from Wikimedia Conference. I’ve already had the
chance to see so many old friends, and am looking forward to meeting with
many more of you in person. The movement strategy track of the conference
is an important milestone in the strategy process overall -- it provides an
excellent opportunity to engage diverse voices from affiliates representing
many of our communities from around the world.
During the strategy track we will look at the possibilities for envisioning
our future against the strategic direction, and challenges we may face in
making progress. We will discuss our ways forward, with the goal of forming
a more concrete 3-5 year perspective, getting us further toward 2030.
During these discussions we will map out thematic areas that need our
attention, and where we need to take action and make changes, if we are to
fully address our challenges and seize our opportunities.
At the same time, we know that only a fraction of our diverse global
movement will be present at the Wikimedia Conference. Therefore, the
conference is only a starting point. The process following the conference
will be designed to include different perspectives and voices, and we hope
that you feel encouraged to participate in ongoing discussions on wiki, at
Wikimania, and at regional or thematic events.
As I mentioned in my last email, all these discussions will be supported by
the Core Strategy Team. As I also mentioned, we’ve made some progress in
building that team! I am happy to announce that we have filled some of the
important roles:
*Strategy Process Architect *- Responsible for framing, designing and
maintaining the process in consultation with the international Wikimedia
community. *I’m thrilled to announce that Kaarel Vaidla, former Executive
Director of Wikimedia Eesti, has agreed to fill this role.* Kaarel has been
involved with our movement in various ways over the years, and has proven
his strategic abilities through his contributions to Phase 1 in various
volunteer roles.
*Strategy Process Support Lead* - An external partner to the Process Lead
and Process Architect. This person will participate in process design and
will help us find experience from outside Wikimedia when needed. *I’m
delighted to announce that Bhavesh Patel has agreed to fill this role. *Bhav
is a “conversational architect” who works with many different movement
organizations around the globe. You may know Bhav his outstanding
facilitation at WMCON 2017 and Wikimania Montreal. We’re fortunate to have
him back with us.
We have also appointed a *Project Assistant*, *Anne Kierkegaard*, to help
the core team to manage the administrative side of the process. Anne
currently works with WMDE and will be supporting Nicole directly in her
capacity as process lead. We've also recruited our *Thought and Process
Facilitator*, *Anna Lena Schiller*. Anna Lena will support the Process Lead
in shaping a high-performing team and be responsible for designing and
supporting facilitation at meetings and events throughout the strategy
process. Many of you may know Anna Lena as one of the wonderful
facilitators of WMCON between 2011 and 2016. *I am so happy both Anne and
Anna Lena have agreed to join the team!*
I would also like to remind you that there is still an open call for
applications for the positions of the *Information & Knowledge Manager* and
the *Project Manager* in the strategy team. We’re getting great
applications, and I continue to encourage people from across the movement
to apply!
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Wikimedia Conference -- and
many more of you in meetings and events to come. Thank you for your ongoing
engagement in the strategy process!
Tschüssi,
Katherine
--
Katherine Maher
Executive Director
Wikimedia Foundation
1 Montgomery Street, Suite 1600
San Francisco, CA 94104
+1 (415) 839-6885 ext. 6635
+1 (415) 712 4873
kmaher(a)wikimedia.org
https://annual.wikimedia.org