Good morning

I truly appreciate your mail with the apologies and explanations. 

I wanted to say that I undertand your frustration. I was one who often spoke her mind very candidly in the past, and ended up sometimes being too blunt and regretted it. I know how challenging it is sometimes to refrain speaking one's mind when part of a collective such as a board, whilst also being a member in a community that values transparency. Several years down the line, I exercise massive caution, in particular on mailing lists and social media, or signing petitions ;) - the chilling effect is real.

That being said, I think you did the right thing to suspend yourself for a while.  

Best

Anthere


Le 21/10/2025 à 09:33, Victoria Doronina a écrit :

Dear Wikimedians 


I have been thinking more about my message to this mailing list and the reactions it caused, and I want to offer my apologies. People who know me know that I always speak my mind and I am a direct person. I think this is one of the reasons people voted for me on the Board. 


When we had the Movement Charter vote last year and people were questioning the Board’s decision, I wrote a message to explain my personal reasons for my vote, especially since this was one of the campaign issues in my election to the Board. I felt it was important to keep my promise. 


So I did that again here. But my mistake was that this board decision is about people, not about a document, and people don’t deserve to be drawn attention to in ways that can cause harm. I also understand that the Board’s code of conduct requires Trustees to coordinate their public communications on collective decisions, which I did not do this time. 


I am frustrated by what I see as inaccurate information about some aspects of the election but understand that sometimes not all forms of official communications can satisfy everyone.  


First and foremost, I would like to apologise to Ravan and Lane for any harm I may have caused them as people. In hindsight, it sounds naive that I did not intend it. I will tell them more personally but a public apology is essential. I would also like to apologise to any Wikimedian who experienced any negative emotions as a result of my letter. And I apologise to the Board and staff as well for breaking the agreed commnucation strategy.


I have decided to immediately suspend myself from most of the board activities until the end of the year, in coordination with Board officers. I will continue my Wikimedia activities such as editing, uploading photos etc.


Thank you for reading this letter. 


--
         Kind regards, Victoria   
          Victoria Doronina (she/her)
           Trustee
             Sister Projects Taskforce Lead

Wikimedia Foundation 

"Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. Please help us make it a reality." 


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