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(a)lists.wikimedia.org> on behalf of Rogol
Domedonfors <domedonfors(a)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.
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