So while this thread has highlighted many sensible comments and questions, I also want to recognise the value in the approach the WMF is taking to this.

A consistent piece of feedback within the Movement is that support in the form of grants and capacity-building feels remote from most affiliates (and individuals). The regional grants committees should be better networked with the groups they work with, as well as more likely to understand the cultural/social/political contexts and speak the same languages, and so do a better job.

Regional committees will also be able to identify needs for non-financial support e.g. training.

This is also the first concrete step from towards making several of the Movement Strategy recommendations a reality. Simply by involving more people from more backgrounds the committees progress "equity in decision making".  The existence of the regional grants committees will also be an important piece of infrastructure which will support the development of regional hubs.

At least that is if it works- all the more reason in my view not to ban affiliate board members from taking part.

Thanks,

Chris



On Fri, 21 May 2021, 07:07 Julia Brungs, <jbrungs@wikimedia.org> wrote:
Dear all,

We hope this email finds you well and safe. The COVID 19 situation continues to affect many of us across the globe and our thoughts are with everyone affected. We are also aware that there are several processes currently in progress that demand volunteer time and we do not want to add more work to anyone's plate.

We do want to draw your attention to our new Regional Committees for Grants though as they are an opportunity for you to have an active say in the future of our Movement!

📣 So today, we invite you to join our new Regional Committees for Grants! 📣

We encourage Wikimedians and Free Knowledge advocates to be part of the new Regional Committees that the WMF Community Resources team is setting up as part of the grants strategy relaunch [1]. You will be a key strategic thought partner to help understand the complexities of any region, provide knowledge and expertise to applicants, to support successful movement activities, and make funding decisions for grant applications in the region.

👉Find out more on meta [2].

Regional Committees will be established for the following regions:
  • Middle East and Africa
  • SAARC [3] region (Includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka)
  • East, Southeast Asia, and Pacific (ESEAP) region
  • Latin America (LATAM) and The Caribbean
  • United States and Canada
  • Northern and Western Europe
  • Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)
👉All details about the Committees and how to apply can be found on meta [4]. Applications have to be submitted by June 4, 2021!  

If you have any questions or comments, please use the meta discussion page [5].

Please do share this announcement widely with your Network.
Best wishes,
Julia on behalf of the Community Resources Team

[1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Community_Resources/Grants_Strategy_Relaunch_2020-2021
[2] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Community_Resources/Grants_Strategy_Relaunch_2020-2021/Regional_Committees
[3] https://www.saarc-sec.org/index.php/about-saarc/about-saarc
[4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Community_Resources/Grants_Strategy_Relaunch_2020-2021/Regional_Committees#How_to_apply
[5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Community_Resources/Grants_Strategy_Relaunch_2020-2021

--
Julia Brungs
Senior Community Relations Specialist 
Wikimedia Foundation
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