Hi all,
Please have a look at the timeline for the Wikimedia Conference 2016[1], which already incorporates the feedback from last year: This year, we will work closer with the participants when we create the programme. In the registration, we will ask for concrete needs for capacity building support, and possible contributions to the programme. This is why the registration process will start earlier than in the years before.
We are now in the process of finalising the grant proposal and publish it by the end of the week. Of course, we have calculated with a higher number of User Groups than this year. In the proposal, we will give more details on the the program design process.
To ensure an impact oriented conference, we need different formats and target group specific sessions. We have identified four cornerstones that complete the program:
* One overarching movement theme. WMCON brings together movement stakeholders to discuss the future of the movement. We have to make the most of the this unique opportunity where this group of affiliate and WMF representatives is gathering in one place and have them work, think, talk, listen, and learn together. For inspiration, we will also consider to invite external key note speakers. * Capacity building. The culture of shared learning is slowly increasing among movement entities. We are getting better at learning from each other’s mistakes and successes, but there is a lot of room for improvement. Working and learning sessions will be built according to the participants needs; speakers will come from within and outside of the movement. * Facilitated social activities. Only a safe space in a creative, trustful atmosphere will enable a good, effective working environment that includes newbies and old hands alike. We will create more moments of sharing, of social exchange and provide guidance for side events and evening sessions. * Wildcard and must-have topics. Since the agenda design process starts early, we will leave some space in the schedule for urgent movement issues that might come up in the time between January and April.
Further information will follow in the next weeks. We are looking forward to your contributions. Nicole
[1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Conference_2016
On 20 October 2015 at 02:18, Kacie Harold kharold@wikimedia.org wrote:
Hi Pine,
I recall that several representatives at the User Group meetup at the WMCON last spring noted that they would like to see more sessions that focused on the needs of smaller affiliates, and I am glad that you brought it up. It would be great to start a list of the kinds of session topics or training that smaller affiliates would like to see, as well as ways in which the WMF can provide the attention or support you felt was lacking in previous years.
Cheers,
Kacie
On Sun, Oct 18, 2015 at 3:00 AM, Pine W wiki.pine@gmail.com wrote:
It's nice to see the recent momentum in the formation of user groups. Can Affcom shed some light on what may be causing the burst of announced formations?
Relatedly, I'm wondering if the number of UGs is now so high that the budget and/or programmatic capacity of WMCON will be a bit stretched to accomodate all of the UGs in addition to the larger affiliates. I was thinking that it would be good to have a track at WMCON devoted to small affiliates, but now I'm starting to wonder if there are so many of us, with interests and concerns hopefully now more visible on WMF's radar due to our increased numbers, that it would make sense to have separate conferences for the large and small affiliates so that undivided attention from WMF can be given more evenly to both size classes of affiliates for the duration of a conference. Any thoughts about those options, from Affcom, WMF, WMDE, or others?
Pine
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Kacie Harold Interim Program Officer - Project and Event Grants Wikimedia Foundation