I guess it is possible to extend membership criteria for foreign nationals as well youngsters below 18 years. I know NGO's from Bangalore which accept memberships from foreign delegates.
Can we expect - new Membership (April-2013 to March 2014) will be available to everyone by crossing age and nationality barrier? :)
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in To: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Cc: Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:02:34 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG? While the age restriction might be modifiable, I'm not too sure yet, will have to check with the Karnataka Registrar of Societies, the Nationality of members has to be Indian as set down by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Goverment of India.
On 2/7/13, Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks Arun for clarification.
I can understand difficulty in getting registration. As society registration is done, Hope so membership criteria will improve, so more
and
more people can become part of movement.
My query was just to make sure access is available to all irrespective of age and nationality barrier! :)
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Arun Ramarathnam arunram25@gmail.com To: Wikimedia India Community list <wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Cc: Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2013 19:53:50 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG?
On Feb 2, 2013 7:22 PM, "Abhishek Suryawanshi" < i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com> wrote:
Why there is 18 age limit to become member of Wikimedia India Chapter?
Dear Abhishek,
I can take that query as one of the folks involved in preparing and debating the original MOA clauses of the chapter.
The original intent was to keep membership criteria as open as possible - age, citizenship, etc. However the advise of the consultant who helped us with the society registration was to limit membership to adults and indian citizens based on their prior experience with getting these registrations through quickly. We were advised that we could later seek permissions for the above if the authorities so permitted.
Not with standing these limitations it took the lot of meetings with authorities to get the formal registration through. I have attended many of these meetings to get due clearance.
Hope that clarifies your query. Regards Arun
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com To: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in Cc: Wikimedia India Community list <wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2013 19:21:39 +0530 Subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG?
Dear Srikanth,
*When I mentioned it is easy to become a member, I meant for Indian
citizens.*
100 Rupee is membership fee and whether its small amount or large amount is different point of view.
Why there is 18 age limit to become member of Wikimedia India Chapter?
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
*Srikanth Ramakrishnan* srik.ramk at wikimedia.in <wikimediaindia-l%
40lists.wikimedia.org?Subject=Re%3A%20%5BWikimediaindia-l%5D%20How%20to%20set%20up%20a%20SIG%3F&In-Reply-To=%3CCAKZFZLu1coq2ts46VsaN4_JOuRtqUUXNU0TNx%2BdRXk_4zw81RA%40mail.gmail.com%3E
Due to legal restrictions only an Indian citizen can become a member of
the
Chapter. When I mentioned it is easy to become a member, I meant for Indian citizens.
On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 11:56 PM, Siebrand Mazeland (WMF) <smazeland at wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l> wrote:
- On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 6:45 PM, Srikanth Ramakrishnan <*>* srik.ramk at
wikimedia.in https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l> wrote:*>**>>* Becoming a member is pretty easy. It costs INR 100 to join and requires a*>>* single form to be filled and sent across.*>**>**>* Actually, it isn't. As Bence is not an Indian citizen over 18 or an Indian*>* institution, he cannot be a member.*>**>* Cheers!*>* --*>* Siebrand*>* _______________________________________________*>* Wikimediaindia-l mailing list*>* Wikimediaindia-l at
lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l*>* To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit*>* https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l*%3E**%3E**
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
Donate to the Wikimedia India Chapter today< http://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donations%3E
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yann Forget yannfo@gmail.com To: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Cc: Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:18:32 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG? Hello,
2013/2/8 Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in:
While the age restriction might be modifiable, I'm not too sure yet, will have to check with the Karnataka Registrar of Societies, the Nationality of members has to be Indian as set down by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Goverment of India.
Are you really sure about that? I am very surprised. Most NGO in India accepted membership from foreign residents / expatriates. I would register to Wikimedia India if possible.
Regards,
Yann
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com To: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in Cc: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:50:15 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Wikimedia India needs your support: Our First Fundraiser
Dear Srikanth,
It different than asset concept. Its about making process cashless. For example, Chapter needs xyz amount to manage Travel (For Board meetings,attending events etc),
This can be zeroed down by having 'in-kind' Airline or Travel/Hospitality partner. i.e instead of providing money to they will offer service/tickets directly, and this gives them tax exemption under Corporate Social Responsibility (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_corporate_social_responsibility_in...)
By providing cashless service - In return they get branding and exemption from Government of India.
For company - its easy to provide service as compared to money, If they provide money - then they have to pay tax.
So could you please provide Chapters requirements for next one year? So we can find donors easily? What are Chapters plans after receiving donations? If this is crystal clear - then its easy to attract more
corporates and individuals to donate.
This is real glitch - There is separate WMF Fundraiser every year, where Jimmy Wales makes appeal for donation. People might get confused, Many Indians donate directly to WMF. Is it fair to ask them to do same again?
From third person, it looks like - WMF runs donation campaign, then asks regional chapters to raise money on their own instead of supporting them. Is there any kind of rejection from WMF to support Chapter activities
financially? or Chapters proposed budget is beyond WMF approval?
Already we have few volunteers to spread Wikimedia mission in India. Instead of spending volunteers precious energy on raising donations, Its better to devote same energy to fulfill Wikimedia mission?
Just curiosity question : Before announcement - Was there any public discussion about having 'separate' donation campaign? Who proposed and approved idea?
Clarification about Chapters expected budget and 'exact' financial requirements will enable easy donations.
Regards,
Abhishek Suryawanshi,
On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
*On 2/7/13, Srikanth Ramakrishnan* < srik.ramk at wikimedia.in <wikimediaindia-l%40lists.wikimedia.org?Subject=Re%3A%20%5BWikimediaindia-l%5D%20Wikimedia%20India%20needs%20your%20support%3A%20Our%0A%09First%20Fundraiser&In-Reply-To=%3CCAKZFZLvZcF12UFJxgut5K9Tw5x%3DV_CG5bqdQ_KzUMTbtpPkjfA%40mail.gmail.com%3E> > wrote :
Hello Abhishek, thank you for your suggestion. The 'in-kind' donation idea, while good actually has a small glitch. Anything that comes to the Chapter would be considered an asset and be kept in a certain place physically. Moving it out to a different place becomes a problem. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion. Do spread the word about our fundraiser though.
On 2/7/13, Abhishek Suryawanshi <i.abhishek.suryawanshi at gmail.com https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l> wrote:
- Nice initiative.*>**>* It would be great to have 'in-kind' donations option along with monetary*>* option.*>**>* i.e If someone wants to donate projector,room,laptop etc in-kind, It may be*>* easy for donor also as well as Chapter to receive it. This will also make*>* sure Tax money is saved from both ends.*>**>**>**>* Just two cents from my side.*>**>**>**>* Regards,*>* Abhishek Suryawanshi,*>**>* On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune*>**>**>**>**>**>**>**>* ---------- Forwarded message ----------*>* From: Karthik Nadar <karthikndr at wikimedia.in https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l>*>* To: Wikimedia India Community list <wikimediaindia-l at lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l>*>* Cc:*>* Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2013 21:19:57 +0530*>* Subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Wikimedia India needs your support: Our First*>* Fundraiser*>* *Dear all,**>* **>* **>* *On the second anniversary of the Chapter, we made public our intention of*>* running our first fundraiser. Going ahead with the first phase of this*>* plan, we will be running a central site notice on the chapter website for a*>* period of two calendar months starting 1 February, 2013. In the second*>* phase of this plan, we aim to approach high networth individuals and*>* corporates in the month of March 2013. This will be done using personal and*>* professional networks of current and past EC members, staff, volunteers*>* among others.**>* **>* Suggestions, help and support from the community on what we can do to*>* ensure success of this fundraiser are welcome. Every drop counts :)*>**>* Donations can be made by Online Bank Transfer (NEFT/RTGS) or by sending us*>* a Cheque through snail mail. We are unable to accept card payments at this*>* current time. Link to the donation page on our website:*>* http://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donate*%3E**%3E* Thanking you,*>* Executive Committee,*>* Wikimedia India.*>**>* *Reasoning* (From our public statement on 4 January, 2013)*>**>* A lot of people may ask why the chapter needs a fundraiser when it has*>* access to WMF funding. The answer is, we are still ineligible for FDC of*>* WMF (we hope to be eligible for the second round of funding in 2013) and*>* would need to rely on grants, spending of which is restricted by the WMF.*>* Since formation, the chapter has relied heavily on the Executive Committee*>* to take on the burden of running the show. In an ideal world, the EC would*>* like to take on the role of guiding the chapter rather than actually be*>* responsible for operations after two years of incorporation, which should*>* be best done by professionals rather than volunteers in their spare time.*>**>* The chapter has hired an employee (Sowmyan Tirumurti, our Executive*>* Manager) as well as plans to lease its own office premises in Bangalore. We*>* will need the help of those volunteers who are in a position to support us.*>* It could be a small individual donation or in the form of a corporate*>* donation from an institution. A small token of support from you could go a*>* long way in helping us achieving our goals of furthering the movement in*>* India.**>* **>* **>* **>* **>**>* --*>* Thanks and regards,*>* Karthik Nadar,*>* Secretary, Wikimedia India Chapter.*>**
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
Donate to the Wikimedia India Chapter todayhttp://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donations
Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l
On 09-Feb-2013, at 1:37 AM, Abhishek Suryawanshi wrote:
I guess it is possible to extend membership criteria for foreign nationals as well youngsters below 18 years. I know NGO's from Bangalore which accept memberships from foreign delegates.
Is there anything special associated with it? I was a wikipedian first and then became a chapter member, could not renew my membership and renewed membership recently and still a wikipedian. Chapter is to support the communities and not to create members. I'd like to ask what are the benefits for a foreign national to be part of Wikimedia India (which is a country specific chapter) where he/she can be a member of his/her own country?
Can we expect - new Membership (April-2013 to March 2014) will be available to everyone by crossing age and nationality barrier? :)
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in To: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Cc: Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:02:34 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG? While the age restriction might be modifiable, I'm not too sure yet, will have to check with the Karnataka Registrar of Societies, the Nationality of members has to be Indian as set down by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Goverment of India.
On 2/7/13, Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks Arun for clarification.
I can understand difficulty in getting registration. As society registration is done, Hope so membership criteria will improve, so more and more people can become part of movement.
My query was just to make sure access is available to all irrespective of age and nationality barrier! :)
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Arun Ramarathnam arunram25@gmail.com To: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Cc: Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2013 19:53:50 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG?
On Feb 2, 2013 7:22 PM, "Abhishek Suryawanshi" < i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com> wrote:
Why there is 18 age limit to become member of Wikimedia India Chapter?
Dear Abhishek,
I can take that query as one of the folks involved in preparing and debating the original MOA clauses of the chapter.
The original intent was to keep membership criteria as open as possible - age, citizenship, etc. However the advise of the consultant who helped us with the society registration was to limit membership to adults and indian citizens based on their prior experience with getting these registrations through quickly. We were advised that we could later seek permissions for the above if the authorities so permitted.
Not with standing these limitations it took the lot of meetings with authorities to get the formal registration through. I have attended many of these meetings to get due clearance.
Hope that clarifies your query. Regards Arun
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com To: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in Cc: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2013 19:21:39 +0530 Subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG?
Dear Srikanth,
*When I mentioned it is easy to become a member, I meant for Indian
citizens.*
100 Rupee is membership fee and whether its small amount or large amount is different point of view.
Why there is 18 age limit to become member of Wikimedia India Chapter?
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
*Srikanth Ramakrishnan* srik.ramk at wikimedia.in <wikimediaindia-l%40lists.wikimedia.org?Subject=Re%3A%20%5BWikimediaindia-l%5D%20How%20to%20set%20up%20a%20SIG%3F&In-Reply-To=%3CCAKZFZLu1coq2ts46VsaN4_JOuRtqUUXNU0TNx%2BdRXk_4zw81RA%40mail.gmail.com%3E>
Due to legal restrictions only an Indian citizen can become a member of the Chapter. When I mentioned it is easy to become a member, I meant for Indian citizens.
On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 11:56 PM, Siebrand Mazeland (WMF) <smazeland at wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l> wrote:
- On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 6:45 PM, Srikanth Ramakrishnan <*>* srik.ramk at
wikimedia.in https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l> wrote:*>**>>* Becoming a member is pretty easy. It costs INR 100 to join and requires a*>>* single form to be filled and sent across.*>**>**>* Actually, it isn't. As Bence is not an Indian citizen over 18 or an Indian*>* institution, he cannot be a member.*>**>* Cheers!*>* --*>* Siebrand*>* _______________________________________________*>* Wikimediaindia-l mailing list*>* Wikimediaindia-l at lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l*>* To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit*>* https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l*%3E**%3E**
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
Donate to the Wikimedia India Chapter todayhttp://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donations
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yann Forget yannfo@gmail.com To: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Cc: Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:18:32 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG? Hello,
2013/2/8 Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in:
While the age restriction might be modifiable, I'm not too sure yet, will have to check with the Karnataka Registrar of Societies, the Nationality of members has to be Indian as set down by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Goverment of India.
Are you really sure about that? I am very surprised. Most NGO in India accepted membership from foreign residents / expatriates. I would register to Wikimedia India if possible.
Regards,
Yann
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com To: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in Cc: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:50:15 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Wikimedia India needs your support: Our First Fundraiser Dear Srikanth,
It different than asset concept. Its about making process cashless. For example, Chapter needs xyz amount to manage Travel (For Board meetings,attending events etc),
This can be zeroed down by having 'in-kind' Airline or Travel/Hospitality partner. i.e instead of providing money to they will offer service/tickets directly, and this gives them tax exemption under Corporate Social Responsibility (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_corporate_social_responsibility_in...)
By providing cashless service - In return they get branding and exemption from Government of India. For company - its easy to provide service as compared to money, If they provide money - then they have to pay tax.
So could you please provide Chapters requirements for next one year? So we can find donors easily? What are Chapters plans after receiving donations? If this is crystal clear - then its easy to attract more
corporates and individuals to donate. This is real glitch - There is separate WMF Fundraiser every year, where Jimmy Wales makes appeal for donation. People might get confused, Many Indians donate directly to WMF. Is it fair to ask them to do same again?
From third person, it looks like - WMF runs donation campaign, then asks regional chapters to raise money on their own instead of supporting them. Is there any kind of rejection from WMF to support Chapter activities
financially? or Chapters proposed budget is beyond WMF approval?
Already we have few volunteers to spread Wikimedia mission in India. Instead of spending volunteers precious energy on raising donations, Its better to devote same energy to fulfill Wikimedia mission?
Just curiosity question : Before announcement - Was there any public discussion about having 'separate' donation campaign? Who proposed and approved idea?
Clarification about Chapters expected budget and 'exact' financial requirements will enable easy donations.
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi,
On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
On 2/7/13, Srikanth Ramakrishnan < srik.ramk at wikimedia.in > wrote :
Hello Abhishek, thank you for your suggestion. The 'in-kind' donation idea, while good actually has a small glitch. Anything that comes to the Chapter would be considered an asset and be kept in a certain place physically. Moving it out to a different place becomes a problem. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion. Do spread the word about our fundraiser though.
On 2/7/13, Abhishek Suryawanshi <i.abhishek.suryawanshi at gmail.com> wrote:
Nice initiative.
It would be great to have 'in-kind' donations option along with monetary option.
i.e If someone wants to donate projector,room,laptop etc in-kind, It may be easy for donor also as well as Chapter to receive it. This will also make sure Tax money is saved from both ends.
Just two cents from my side.
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi,
On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Karthik Nadar <karthikndr at wikimedia.in> To: Wikimedia India Community list <wikimediaindia-l at lists.wikimedia.org> Cc: Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2013 21:19:57 +0530 Subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Wikimedia India needs your support: Our First Fundraiser *Dear all,*
*On the second anniversary of the Chapter, we made public our intention of running our first fundraiser. Going ahead with the first phase of this plan, we will be running a central site notice on the chapter website for a period of two calendar months starting 1 February, 2013. In the second phase of this plan, we aim to approach high networth individuals and corporates in the month of March 2013. This will be done using personal and professional networks of current and past EC members, staff, volunteers among others.*
Suggestions, help and support from the community on what we can do to ensure success of this fundraiser are welcome. Every drop counts :)
Donations can be made by Online Bank Transfer (NEFT/RTGS) or by sending us a Cheque through snail mail. We are unable to accept card payments at this current time. Link to the donation page on our website: http://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donate
Thanking you, Executive Committee, Wikimedia India.
*Reasoning* (From our public statement on 4 January, 2013)
A lot of people may ask why the chapter needs a fundraiser when it has access to WMF funding. The answer is, we are still ineligible for FDC of WMF (we hope to be eligible for the second round of funding in 2013) and would need to rely on grants, spending of which is restricted by the WMF. Since formation, the chapter has relied heavily on the Executive Committee to take on the burden of running the show. In an ideal world, the EC would like to take on the role of guiding the chapter rather than actually be responsible for operations after two years of incorporation, which should be best done by professionals rather than volunteers in their spare time.
The chapter has hired an employee (Sowmyan Tirumurti, our Executive Manager) as well as plans to lease its own office premises in Bangalore. We will need the help of those volunteers who are in a position to support us. It could be a small individual donation or in the form of a corporate donation from an institution. A small token of support from you could go a long way in helping us achieving our goals of furthering the movement in India.*
-- Thanks and regards, Karthik Nadar, Secretary, Wikimedia India Chapter.
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
Donate to the Wikimedia India Chapter todayhttp://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donations
Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l
Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l
I want to clarify background about age query :
Regarding age limit - There were many queries from college students (around 15 to 17 years old) about joining Chapter - after inspiring talk by His Highness Sudhanwa Joglekar (President, Wikimedia India Chapter). It was decent talk at Club event about ''why someone should join Wikimedia India Chapter'' .. It would add impact if Chapter talks/presentations end up with distribution of membership forms. Thanks to him for inspiring below 18 years kids to join Wikimedia India Chapter.
When we told them it is only for 18+, first question they asked - 'Is it adult censored organization?'
I was a wikipedian first and then became a chapter member, could not renew
my membership and renewed membership recently and still a wikipedian.
I love your passion, Good to know irrespective membership you 'are' and will be always a Wikipedian...Apart from this - Lets overcome problems which you had, why you were unable to renew your membership? I hope problem was different than submitting birth-certificate to prove you are 18+
*Chapter is to support the communities and not to create members.
* * *Chapter is there is support to community *is controversial part - lets keep that aside. Members are essential to make sure Chapter is there to support community. Chapter is facilitated by members. So if Chapter is putting up efforts to 'create' members - its justifiable. Hope so they do it better by having smooth membership registration/renewal process.
*I'd like to ask what are the benefits for a foreign national to be part of
Wikimedia India (which is a country specific chapter) where he/she can be a member of his/her own country?
Along with uninvited foreign money transfer problems - it might give Chapter new direction and new perspective. And whats harm in having foreign national as member?
and Congrats on Membership renewal. Now you are 'certified (18+) Member' as well as (Indian) Wikipedian. ;)
Regards,
Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
On Sat, Feb 9, 2013 at 1:44 AM, Subhashish Panigrahi < subhashish@cis-india.org> wrote:
On 09-Feb-2013, at 1:37 AM, Abhishek Suryawanshi wrote:
I guess it is possible to extend membership criteria for foreign nationals as well youngsters below 18 years. I know NGO's from Bangalore which accept memberships from foreign delegates.
Is there anything special associated with it? I was a wikipedian first and then became a chapter member, could not renew my membership and renewed membership recently and still a wikipedian. Chapter is to support the communities and not to create members. I'd like to ask what are the benefits for a foreign national to be part of Wikimedia India (which is a country specific chapter) where he/she can be a member of his/her own country?
Can we expect - new Membership (April-2013 to March 2014) will be available to everyone by crossing age and nationality barrier? :)
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in To: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Cc: Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:02:34 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG? While the age restriction might be modifiable, I'm not too sure yet, will have to check with the Karnataka Registrar of Societies, the Nationality of members has to be Indian as set down by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Goverment of India.
On 2/7/13, Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks Arun for clarification.
I can understand difficulty in getting registration. As society registration is done, Hope so membership criteria will improve, so more
and
more people can become part of movement.
My query was just to make sure access is available to all irrespective
of
age and nationality barrier! :)
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Arun Ramarathnam arunram25@gmail.com To: Wikimedia India Community list <
wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org>
Cc: Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2013 19:53:50 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG?
On Feb 2, 2013 7:22 PM, "Abhishek Suryawanshi" < i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com> wrote:
Why there is 18 age limit to become member of Wikimedia India Chapter?
Dear Abhishek,
I can take that query as one of the folks involved in preparing and debating the original MOA clauses of the chapter.
The original intent was to keep membership criteria as open as possible
age, citizenship, etc. However the advise of the consultant who helped us with the society registration was to limit membership to adults and indian citizens
based
on their prior experience with getting these registrations through quickly. We were advised that we could later seek permissions for the above if the authorities so permitted.
Not with standing these limitations it took the lot of meetings with authorities to get the formal registration through. I have attended
many
of these meetings to get due clearance.
Hope that clarifies your query. Regards Arun
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com To: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in Cc: Wikimedia India Community list <
wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org>
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2013 19:21:39 +0530 Subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG?
Dear Srikanth,
*When I mentioned it is easy to become a member, I meant for Indian
citizens.*
100 Rupee is membership fee and whether its small amount or large amount is different point of view.
Why there is 18 age limit to become member of Wikimedia India Chapter?
Regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
*Srikanth Ramakrishnan* srik.ramk at wikimedia.in <wikimediaindia-l%
40lists.wikimedia.org?Subject=Re%3A%20%5BWikimediaindia-l%5D%20How%20to%20set%20up%20a%20SIG%3F&In-Reply-To=%3CCAKZFZLu1coq2ts46VsaN4_JOuRtqUUXNU0TNx%2BdRXk_4zw81RA%40mail.gmail.com%3Ehttp://40lists.wikimedia.org/?Subject=Re%3A%20%5BWikimediaindia-l%5D%20How%20to%20set%20up%20a%20SIG%3F&In-Reply-To=%3CCAKZFZLu1coq2ts46VsaN4_JOuRtqUUXNU0TNx%2BdRXk_4zw81RA%40mail.gmail.com%3E
Due to legal restrictions only an Indian citizen can become a member of
the
Chapter. When I mentioned it is easy to become a member, I meant for Indian citizens.
On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 11:56 PM, Siebrand Mazeland (WMF) <smazeland at wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l> wrote:
- On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 6:45 PM, Srikanth Ramakrishnan <*>* srik.ramk
at
wikimedia.in https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l> wrote:*>**>>* Becoming a member is pretty easy. It costs INR 100 to
join
and requires a*>>* single form to be filled and sent across.*>**>**>* Actually, it isn't. As Bence is not an Indian citizen over 18 or an Indian*>* institution, he cannot be a member.*>**>* Cheers!*>* --*>* Siebrand*>* _______________________________________________*>* Wikimediaindia-l mailing list*>* Wikimediaindia-l at
lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l*>* To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit*>* https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l*%3E**%3E**
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
Donate to the Wikimedia India Chapter today< http://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donations%3E
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yann Forget yannfo@gmail.com To: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Cc: Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:18:32 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] How to set up a SIG? Hello,
2013/2/8 Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in:
While the age restriction might be modifiable, I'm not too sure yet, will have to check with the Karnataka Registrar of Societies, the Nationality of members has to be Indian as set down by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Goverment of India.
Are you really sure about that? I am very surprised. Most NGO in India accepted membership from foreign residents / expatriates. I would register to Wikimedia India if possible.
Regards,
Yann
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com To: Srikanth Ramakrishnan srik.ramk@wikimedia.in Cc: Wikimedia India Community list wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:50:15 +0530 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Wikimedia India needs your support: Our First Fundraiser
Dear Srikanth,
It different than asset concept. Its about making process cashless. For example, Chapter needs xyz amount to manage Travel (For Board meetings,attending events etc),
This can be zeroed down by having 'in-kind' Airline or Travel/Hospitality partner. i.e instead of providing money to they will offer service/tickets directly, and this gives them tax exemption under Corporate Social Responsibility (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_corporate_social_responsibility_in...)
By providing cashless service - In return they get branding and exemption from Government of India.
For company - its easy to provide service as compared to money, If they provide money - then they have to pay tax.
So could you please provide Chapters requirements for next one year? So we can find donors easily? What are Chapters plans after receiving donations? If this is crystal clear - then its easy to attract more
corporates and individuals to donate.
This is real glitch - There is separate WMF Fundraiser every year, where Jimmy Wales makes appeal for donation. People might get confused, Many Indians donate directly to WMF. Is it fair to ask them to do same again?
From third person, it looks like - WMF runs donation campaign, then asks regional chapters to raise money on their own instead of supporting them. Is there any kind of rejection from WMF to support Chapter activities
financially? or Chapters proposed budget is beyond WMF approval?
Already we have few volunteers to spread Wikimedia mission in India. Instead of spending volunteers precious energy on raising donations, Its better to devote same energy to fulfill Wikimedia mission?
Just curiosity question : Before announcement - Was there any public discussion about having 'separate' donation campaign? Who proposed and approved idea?
Clarification about Chapters expected budget and 'exact' financial requirements will enable easy donations.
Regards,
Abhishek Suryawanshi,
On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
*On 2/7/13, Srikanth Ramakrishnan* < srik.ramk at wikimedia.in <wikimediaindia-l%40lists.wikimedia.org?Subject=Re%3A%20%5BWikimediaindia-l%5D%20Wikimedia%20India%20needs%20your%20support%3A%20Our%0A%09First%20Fundraiser&In-Reply-To=%3CCAKZFZLvZcF12UFJxgut5K9Tw5x%3DV_CG5bqdQ_KzUMTbtpPkjfA%40mail.gmail.com%3E> > wrote :
Hello Abhishek, thank you for your suggestion. The 'in-kind' donation idea, while good actually has a small glitch. Anything that comes to the Chapter would be considered an asset and be kept in a certain place physically. Moving it out to a different place becomes a problem. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion. Do spread the word about our fundraiser though.
On 2/7/13, Abhishek Suryawanshi <i.abhishek.suryawanshi at gmail.com https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l> wrote:
- Nice initiative.*>**>* It would be great to have 'in-kind' donations option along with monetary*>* option.*>**>* i.e If someone wants to donate projector,room,laptop etc in-kind, It may be*>* easy for donor also as well as Chapter to receive it. This will also make*>* sure Tax money is saved from both ends.*>**>**>**>* Just two cents from my side.*>**>**>**>* Regards,*>* Abhishek Suryawanshi,*>**>* On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune*>**>**>**>**>**>**>**>* ---------- Forwarded message ----------*>* From: Karthik Nadar <karthikndr at wikimedia.in https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l>*>* To: Wikimedia India Community list <wikimediaindia-l at lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l>*>* Cc:*>* Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2013 21:19:57 +0530*>* Subject: [Wikimediaindia-l] Wikimedia India needs your support: Our First*>* Fundraiser*>* *Dear all,**>* **>* **>* *On the second anniversary of the Chapter, we made public our intention of*>* running our first fundraiser. Going ahead with the first phase of this*>* plan, we will be running a central site notice on the chapter website for a*>* period of two calendar months starting 1 February, 2013. In the second*>* phase of this plan, we aim to approach high networth individuals and*>* corporates in the month of March 2013. This will be done using personal and*>* professional networks of current and past EC members, staff, volunteers*>* among others.**>* **>* Suggestions, help and support from the community on what we can do to*>* ensure success of this fundraiser are welcome. Every drop counts :)*>**>* Donations can be made by Online Bank Transfer (NEFT/RTGS) or by sending us*>* a Cheque through snail mail. We are unable to accept card payments at this*>* current time. Link to the donation page on our website:*>* http://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donate*%3E**%3E* Thanking you,*>* Executive Committee,*>* Wikimedia India.*>**>* *Reasoning* (From our public statement on 4 January, 2013)*>**>* A lot of people may ask why the chapter needs a fundraiser when it has*>* access to WMF funding. The answer is, we are still ineligible for FDC of*>* WMF (we hope to be eligible for the second round of funding in 2013) and*>* would need to rely on grants, spending of which is restricted by the WMF.*>* Since formation, the chapter has relied heavily on the Executive Committee*>* to take on the burden of running the show. In an ideal world, the EC would*>* like to take on the role of guiding the chapter rather than actually be*>* responsible for operations after two years of incorporation, which should*>* be best done by professionals rather than volunteers in their spare time.*>**>* The chapter has hired an employee (Sowmyan Tirumurti, our Executive*>* Manager) as well as plans to lease its own office premises in Bangalore. We*>* will need the help of those volunteers who are in a position to support us.*>* It could be a small individual donation or in the form of a corporate*>* donation from an institution. A small token of support from you could go a*>* long way in helping us achieving our goals of furthering the movement in*>* India.**>* **>* **>* **>* **>**>* --*>* Thanks and regards,*>* Karthik Nadar,*>* Secretary, Wikimedia India Chapter.*>**
-- Srikanth Ramakrishnan Member of the Executive Committee Wikimedia Chapter [India]
Donate to the Wikimedia India Chapter todayhttp://wiki.wikimedia.in/Donations
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On 9 February 2013 01:37, Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com wrote:
I guess it is possible to extend membership criteria for foreign nationals as well youngsters below 18 years. I know NGO's from Bangalore which accept memberships from foreign delegates.
Abhishek - could you please let us know which NGOs in Bangalore, registered as Societies in the last couple of years, have membership for those below 18 and for foreign nationals, please? It will be very useful for WMIN when they decide to make their case to the Registrar? Having been part of the team that registered the Society, I can clarify that these restrictions were not WMIN's but the Registrar of Society's.
As for your latter point on "'Is it adult censored organization?' - one could ask whether voting in this country is an 'Is it adult censored organization?'
Lastly, The Wikipedia Club Pune isn't, AFAIK, an organisation as much as it is a collective of individuals and a Facebook page. There is a difference, in law, between that and a Society - such as WMIN.
Can we expect - new Membership (April-2013 to March 2014) will be available to everyone by crossing age and nationality barrier? :)
It is highly unlikely that the Registrar, should he give his approval, will be able to take a decision on this in such a compressed time frame.
On Sat, Feb 9, 2013 at 8:44 AM, Gautam John gautam@akshara.org.in wrote:
Abhishek - could you please let us know which NGOs in Bangalore, registered as Societies in the last couple of years, have membership for those below 18 and for foreign nationals, please? It will be very useful for WMIN when they decide to make their case to the Registrar? Having been part of the team that registered the Society, I can clarify that these restrictions were not WMIN's but the Registrar of Society's.
It wasn't clear from this thread as to why these two issues are very important to be solved *right now* ?
*It wasn't clear from this thread as to why these two issues are very
important to be solved *right now** ?
Recently, There was talk/presentation by Chapter President encouraging people to become member of Wikimedia India Chapter. There is nice response to appeal and people are highly interested in being member of Chapter, at same time few people have limitations like age and nationality. They want to be associated with Chapter.
Regarding timing of query - as per information provided in presentation, Membership will be counted from April-2013 to March-2014. So it makes more sense to give our best to enroll every interested person to become member by overcoming possible barriers.
This thread's name and content might be different - Will start new thread with possible improvements so all suggestions will be on same thread and execution might be easy.
Best Regards,
Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
On Sat, Feb 9, 2013 at 3:14 PM, sankarshan foss.mailinglists@gmail.comwrote:
On Sat, Feb 9, 2013 at 8:44 AM, Gautam John gautam@akshara.org.in wrote:
Abhishek - could you please let us know which NGOs in Bangalore, registered as Societies in the last couple of years, have membership for those below 18 and for foreign nationals, please? It will be very useful for WMIN when they decide to make their case to the Registrar? Having been part of the team that registered the Society, I can clarify that these restrictions were not WMIN's but the Registrar of Society's.
It wasn't clear from this thread as to why these two issues are very important to be solved *right now* ?
-- sankarshan mukhopadhyay https://twitter.com/#!/sankarshan
Wikimediaindia-l mailing list Wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org To unsubscribe from the list / change mailing preferences visit https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaindia-l
*could you please let us know which NGOs in Bangalore,
registered as Societies in the last couple of years, have membership for those below 18 and for foreign nationals, please? It will be very useful for WMIN when they decide to make their case to the Registrar? Having been part of the team that registered the Society, I can clarify that these restrictions were not WMIN's but the Registrar of Society's.
Bangalore - One example could be Art of Living. And am clueless about Karnataka Society Law's. In Pune Osho provides membership access to foreign nationals, it might be registered differently (other than society.)
*As for your latter point on "'Is it adult censored organization?' -
one could ask whether voting in this country is an 'Is it adult censored organization*?'
That was comment from someone who had query., Other than voting, minors do have access to health, education and other facilities. Govt provides service/'citizenship' to citizens irrespective of age.. Like I suggested [possible solution] in another thread [[1]] - There can be minimal/virtual membership. Its just to include every interested person into Chapter. People may feel bad if we keep them away. If possible - lets try to include as many people as we can??..
*> Can we expect - new Membership (April-2013 to March 2014) will be
available
to everyone by crossing age and nationality barrier? :)
It is highly unlikely that the Registrar, should he give his approval, will be able to take a decision on this in such a compressed time frame.
Hope so at-least process will start soon. :)
Keep Exploring, Keep Inspiring!
Best Regards,
Abhishek Suryawanshi, On Behalf of Wikipedia Club Pune
[[1]] Possible Solution - http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimediaindia-l/2013-February/009287.h...
On Sat, Feb 9, 2013 at 8:44 AM, Gautam John gautam@akshara.org.in wrote:
On 9 February 2013 01:37, Abhishek Suryawanshi i.abhishek.suryawanshi@gmail.com wrote:
I guess it is possible to extend membership criteria for foreign
nationals
as well youngsters below 18 years. I know NGO's from Bangalore which
accept
memberships from foreign delegates.
Abhishek - could you please let us know which NGOs in Bangalore, registered as Societies in the last couple of years, have membership for those below 18 and for foreign nationals, please? It will be very useful for WMIN when they decide to make their case to the Registrar? Having been part of the team that registered the Society, I can clarify that these restrictions were not WMIN's but the Registrar of Society's.
As for your latter point on "'Is it adult censored organization?' - one could ask whether voting in this country is an 'Is it adult censored organization?'
Lastly, The Wikipedia Club Pune isn't, AFAIK, an organisation as much as it is a collective of individuals and a Facebook page. There is a difference, in law, between that and a Society - such as WMIN.
Can we expect - new Membership (April-2013 to March 2014) will be
available
to everyone by crossing age and nationality barrier? :)
It is highly unlikely that the Registrar, should he give his approval, will be able to take a decision on this in such a compressed time frame.
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