Postponement of Volunteer Strategy Gathering

Wikimedia UK has reluctantly decided to postpone the volunteer strategy day which was scheduled for Saturday 28 February. This will now happen later in the year. The primary reason for this postponement is that there is more value to the charity and its volunteers in holding the event later in the year when a budget will be in place, when the charity has a new CEO and any pending structural or other changes to the staff team have taken effect.

The event represents a significant investment of volunteer time and effort and so it is appropriate that we value that time respectfully. Like all other resources, volunteer time is limited and we do not wish to leave anyone feeling that their time was wasted because the event took place too soon.

Please do be assured that conversations that may have happened at the gathering will still take place. The charity is still very keen to consult with the volunteers and members on the proposed topics (and any others, of course) but for the time being these will be focused online rather than in person. We are looking at hosting regular group conversations online, either by Google Hangout, Skype or conference call. More information about the practical details will be made available presently.

Q: Why was the event postponed when it is only three weeks away?

A: We feel that the event will be more helpful later in the year. There will be more substantial matters upon which volunteers can have a meaningful influence.Furthermore, the new chief executive will be in post and they will welcome the chance to engage with as many members of the community as possible.

Q: When will the new event take place?

A: We are working on the basis that the next volunteer strategy gathering https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Volunteer_Strategy_Gathering/2015 will take place in September. This will give the new CEO plenty of time to establish themself in the new role and have an understanding of our community and the charity's needs.

Q: What about the topics up for discussion?

A: The postponement will allow these conversations to be developed, with the Wikimedia UK Wiki, being the primary channel for this. We are also piloting using the Education Program Extension https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Education_Program_extension at the Cinema Museum editathon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Program:Wikimedia_UK/Cinema_Museum_2015_%28Spring_2015%29, Saturday 7th March and are looking at other opportunities to gain some experience. If you would like to participate piloting the Education Program Extension, or have some other innovation that you would like to see tested please contact: fabian.tompsett@wikimedia.org.uk

Q: I have already booked my travel. What happens to my ticket?

A: If you are able to get a refund, please do so. However if a full refund is not possible, please send us the documentation and we will ensure that you are not out of pocket.

For all inquiries regarding the ongoing development of our volunteer strategy, including the future gathering, please contact fabian.tompsett@wikimedia.org.uk

all the best

Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746

Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects).

Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk