The current situation (further) demonstrates a huge weakness in the current system of the governance of local communities. The problems being discussed here are far from unique to Wikimedia France and can be seen not only in other affiliates, but also in the long-festering problems of the administration of Wikimedia projects. As Rogol and others note... the Foundation has it hands tied to a large degree because of both legal and ideological concerns. But this means that individuals and small groups of people are able to work the system to their advantage, with little to no accountability to either their local communities or to the overall movement.
As for the idea of forming alternate organizations, that is easier said than done. I speak from my experience with Wiki Learning Tec de Monterrey. It took us almost 2 years to get approval from AffCom as a user group among other struggles. The privileges that chapters have in particular allow for marginalization of alternatives.
________________________________ From: Wikimedia-l wikimedia-l-bounces@lists.wikimedia.org on behalf of Rogol Domedonfors domedonfors@gmail.com Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2017 11:38:01 PM To: Wikimedia Mailing List Subject: Re: [Wikimedia-l] Update on Wikimédia France
If the Foundation is seen to be directing the activities of a chapter at the proposed level of micro-management then it would jeopardise the legal status both of the Foundation (in terms of their safe harbour status) and of the chapter (as an independent and charitable body). The Foundation is free to fund or not fund, to recognise or derecognise. But not to control. _______________________________________________ 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