Dear All:
Tele conference of Wikimedia India (Wikimedia chapter) and Wikimedia Foundation took
place on 28 Sep 2011. Here is an update
Chapter Update
General:
Naveen, Sudhanwa, Tinu who are elected in the recent EC elections introduced themselves.
Naveen has rich experience on several India focussed wikiprojects, Sudhanwa is a well
known name among FOSS projects in India and Tinu has done a lot to promote wikimedia
communities across India. Detailed profile at
http://wiki.wikimedia.in/Wikimedia_India_Chapter_Executive_Committee_Members
Asaf gave a brief introduction of his role. He works on supporting communities and
chapters in emerging countries such as India and heads up the Wikimedia Grants program
globally.
Asaf and Hisham welcomed the new members. They thanked Gautam, outgoing Chapter Secretary
for his excellent contributions to the movement.
Arjun explained that FCRA application will be initiated now that the AGM is done and EC
elections are completed.
He said that Chapter is in close touch with Wiki Conf India team and is extended the best
possible support.
Initiatives/Projects Update
1st WikiAcademy with the Department of Public Libraries, Karnataka for their senior
Library professionals was held on 12 Sep 2011. Over 30 people attended the event. Report
of the event
Some leads have been generated as a result of the sharing of the report of first wiki
academy. EC team is planning to conduct more such events and requested for the support of
Wikimedians across India and India Program office staff.
Foundation Update
Hisham gave an update on Education Program. He talked about the increase in number of
Campus Ambassadors and enrolling Online Ambassadors to extend support to the students to
produce quality articles and to help them understand Wikimedia content guidelines.
He mentioned that Shiju has started work and will soon be sharing an update to the
community on how he will be developing an Indic languages plan. There are plans for
workshops to understand indic language wikipedia learnings, challenges &
opportunities. The objective is to identify potential project pilots. Arjun suggested to
include wiki academies as part of the workshops with the support of Wikimedia members or
senior Wikipedians from the community as the same can be beneficial for the objectives.
Independent public trust setup is in progress
Collaboration on projects
Wiki Conference India. Team reviewed the status of the planning for conference and agreed
to extend additional help to the conference team. Hisham said that he has been mentoring
Pranav and Pradeep on several conference planning topics and also wanted the EC to
provide additional timely help on priority areas like payment process and program. Arjun
clarified that Gautam and Arun, Chapter representatives on Conf organising committee have
been participating fully in various discussions and extending timely help. Chapter also
had a call with Conf OC to understand the priorities and provide additional support as
required.
Thank You.
hisham