I am starting a new thread because I disagree with the idea that the WMF should be a high-tech organization as the other thread by Brion seemed to suggest. Yes, technology is a tool that we use in our mission to gather and process all forms of human knowledge, but in the end the driving force is volunteership.
Without volunteers there wouldn't be any movement and there wouldn't be any need for tools, or any donations whatsoever. It is the concept of working for free for the common good that allows us to exist and fulfill our mission. The WMF is instrumental in providing the tools for it to happen, but those tools are not only technological, they are also legal, educational, and social, however when talking through computer screens we seem to forget that.
A hi-tech tool can work for a given task or not, but there are more important topics like trust, commitment, empowerment, motivation, and joy that cannot be assessed so easily, and that are at least as crucial as any software. What is the point of having a perfect tool Z if I don't enjoy working with my fellows on a common mission?
The role of nurturing volunteers is not exclusive of affiliate organizations, the WMF offer grants to volunteers and organizes several gatherings. Is that enough to strengthen the volunteer community? Then I look at organizations like WOOF or workaway that thrive with full-time volunteers and I wonder if more opportunities could be opened for our volunteers. Is there anything holding us back to try new things besides old patterns of participation?
It is a challenge to do more for the volunteer community without resorting to grants or payment, but that is the key to succeed as a volunteer organization, to provide an ecosystem where personal growth is possible.
I am interested in hearing what others have to say about it. Maybe it is possible to gather ideas or even a team of people who wants to research more information about the topic.
Cheers, Micru