Dear all

Wikimedia UK is recruiting new members for our Community Development Committee. Please see below for more information. The closing date for expressions of interest is 5th December.

It would be great to be able to appoint two new members from outside of our trustee body, so please consider standing for this if you want to have a voice in how Wikimedia UK works with and supports volunteers and communities.

Best wishes Lucy

*Background*

The Community Development Committee, known as ComDev for short, was set up as a subcommittee of the Wikimedia UK board in late 2022, with the first meeting taking place in January 2023. Caroline Ball, Kelly Foster and Rod Ward were appointed to the Committee from the Board of Trustees, with Caroline becoming Chair of ComDev as of June. Kelly stepped down from the full Board in July, but was thereafter appointed as a non trustee member of the Committee.

Committee Charter

The Committee is governed by a Charter https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1ZGk3s7DFXPuauAuIVRjLN651s8RGe_wWMEpQLDvltqU/edit which sets out the remit, composition and powers of the Committee. The Committee's purpose is to advise the board on community and volunteer issues generally, and to consider any community-related matters that may be delegated to the Committee by the board.

Recruitment

ComDev is now seeking to appoint up to two additional members from outwith the Board of Trustees, and invites expressions of interest from all interested parties. The Committee is keen to hear from people who meet at least one of the following criteria:

-

An active member of Wikimedia UK’s volunteer community. This could be as a contributor, community organiser or trainer, or in another capacity; -

Experience in community organising and/or volunteer management; -

Experience of engaging with the Wikimedia projects as a member of any community which is underrepresented on those projects.

Responsibilities and Requirements

ComDev meets quarterly, usually online. Members are encouraged to attend Wikimedia UK’s Annual General Meeting plus other relevant events, for example Community Days.

All Committee members are expected to sign and adhere to Wikimedia UK’s Committee Member Code of Conduct https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Committee_Member_Code_of_Conduct.

Membership of the Committee is unremunerated but expenses are reimbursed, for example travel and accommodation costs for an in person meeting, or childcare costs/data packages if this would otherwise present a barrier to participation.

Process and Timeline

If you are interested in joining the Community Development Committee, please email c.ogbonna@wikimedia.org.uk with a short statement (no more than around 300 words) outlining your interest and background by Monday 5th December.