Dear community members,
My name is Julia and I work for the Wikimedia Foundation's Advancement
team. I am reaching out to you today to inform you of the upcoming
fundraising campaign in South Africa. The fundraising banners will be shown
on Wikipedia in South Africa from the 23rd of May to the 20th of June.
Prior to the start of the banner campaign, we are planning to run some
tests in April and May, so you might see banners for 3-5 hours a couple of
times before the campaign starts. This activity will ensure that our
technical infrastructure works. We are currently working on the messages
for the banners and I will share examples with you later.
Please feel free to share this information widely within your communities
and encourage anyone who is interested to engage on the fundraising talk
page <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Fundraising> or via email with
me directly.
Generally, before and during the campaign, you can contact us:
-
On the talk page of the fundraising team
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Fundraising>
-
If you need to report a bug or technical issue, please create a
phabricator ticket
<https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/maniphest/task/edit/form/1/?template=1188…>
-
If you see a donor on a talk page, VRT
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Volunteer_Response_Team> or
social media having difficulties in donating, please refer them to
donate[image:
@]wikimedia.org
Thanks you and regards,
Julia
--
*Julia Brungs*
Senior Community Relations Specialist
Wikimedia Foundation <https://wikimediafoundation.org/>
Hello everyone
Hello everyone
This email serves as a quick reminder for our upcoming meetup for the South
African community that will be happening on Saturday the 26th of March
2022. Below are the details for joining the 16th online South African
community meetup. If you have any questions about Wikipedia, the community,
what is going on generally, or you just want to hang out you are welcome to
join and participate.
Date: Saturday, 26 March 2022
Start time:10:00 AM SAST
End Time: 12:00 PM SAST
Location: Online Meeting
We will still be using our new Discord channel as our meeting location this
time (see link below). If that does not work for you then don't worry, you
can still join via Zulip at the link below for a more text-based experience.
Link to join
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Meetup/South_Africa/South_Africa_16>
Zulip
<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwikimediaza.zulipchat.com%2F%3…>
for a more text-based experience.
Kind regards
Shupai Mchuchu
Chapter Administrator
Wikimedia South Africa NPC.
6 Spin Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Office +27 (021) 565 0143
Reg. No. 2012/038827/08
Hello everyone, just want to keep everyone informed of the Wiki situation
in Belarus.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Gregory Varnum <gvarnum(a)wikimedia.org>
Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2022 at 01:21
Subject: [MoveCom] New developments in Belarus
To: <movecom(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Hello all,
As you may have heard, there are reports of an arrest of a community member
in Belarus and other potential risks to volunteers in the area (see below
email for more info). We are deeply concerned about the safety of our
volunteers and are doing all we can to provide support.
The Wikimedia Foundation has a cross-department group which has come
together and is actively looking into this matter. We are in touch with
affiliate leaders in the area, and will continue to work with them on how
to best proceed to protect the safety of volunteers.
At this time, we ask that you forward any media inquiries that you receive
about this to press(a)wikimedia.org. Given the human safety factor, it is
more important than usual that we have a unified message and response.
This situation is incredibly fast moving and also high risk in terms of
safety. We have a group of approximately 30 experts across the Foundation
coordinating our response. Sharing the active tasks of this group would
potentially put some of our fellow Wikimedia contributors in further
danger. For these reasons, we cannot share more information about our
response at this time.
We will keep this group updated, as we are able, on this issue and our
ongoing monitoring of the threat of a block by the Russian government (no
updates at this time). We will also share information on how the wider
movement may be able to support any responses or proactive steps.
Thank you - and please stay safe and well,
-greg
-------
Gregory Varnum
Senior Strategist, Communications
Wikimedia Foundation <https://wikimediafoundation.org>
gvarnum(a)wikimedia.org
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Begin forwarded message:
*From: *Maggie Dennis <mdennis(a)wikimedia.org>
*Subject: **[Wikimedia-l] Emerging human rights concern related to invasion
of Ukraine*
*Date: *March 11, 2022 at 1:45:34 PM PST
*To: *Wikimedia Mailing List <wikimedia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
*Reply-To: *Wikimedia Mailing List <wikimedia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Hello, all.
I’m writing to update you all on an emerging human rights concern related
to the invasion of Ukraine. We are concerned that an effort is being made
to identify Wikipedia editors whose activities are seen as opposing the
Russian narrative of the war.
I wanted to let you know that we are aware, we are monitoring, and we are
acting in various ways already. While we cannot discuss the details for the
safety of all involved, over a year ago, we hired a Human Rights Lead
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Team> with experience in
individual safety to help us with such situations. This includes
partnerships with allied organizations experienced in human rights
interventions as well as connecting with appropriate community groups and
functionaries to provide safety support. We care about the safety of
Wikimedians, and I know that you do, too. We have heard as much from many
of you directly.
I want to take this opportunity to raise your awareness of the need to
protect yourselves and each other online. It’s such a cliche that I’m
almost hesitant to write it, but in this world, sharing information is
sometimes a radical act. Because of this, we ask you all to please be aware
of what information you share about yourself on Wikimedia platforms and how
your Wikimedia activities can be connected to your personal identity. Some
Wikimedians have chosen to operate transparently. Others have chosen to
operate under pseudonyms. Whatever path you’ve chosen, there are best
practices for your personal protection. Some guidance has been gathered
here: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Voices_under_Threat
At the same time as I share these recommendations, I want to firmly assert
that all who try to get people vital information in times of crisis -
whether Wikimedian or otherwise - should be celebrated. At the core of our
movement is the belief that knowledge belongs to everyone, and the
Foundation is firmly against efforts by anyone to stand in the way of the
flow of verifiable information in whatever forum it is shared. I believe,
as is the way with all Wikimedians, that the path to a better world is to
ensure people everywhere have access to knowledge, and that we, as
collective societies, should provide them the tools to assess the accuracy
of the information they encounter. Censorship is not the solution.
If you have information to share about this situation or about other
potential threats of persecution to the safety of Wikimedia volunteers due
to their good faith contributions to the projects, please share with
talktohumanrights(a)wikimedia.org. The team is quite busy and may not be able
to respond to all communications because of that, but they do read them,
and your emails do matter.
I wish the best for all of you who read this and for all seekers of
information and sharers of information in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and
beyond. We will share updates of the situation here as we are able within
the framework of prioritizing people’s safety. In the meantime, I’d like to
take the opportunity to highlight the efforts of some Wikimedians related
to the invasion of Ukraine
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/2022_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine>.
Warm regards,
Maggie
--
Maggie Dennis
She/her/hers
Vice President, Community Resilience & Sustainability
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
_______________________________________________
Wikimedia-l mailing list -- wikimedia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org, guidelines at:
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
Public archives at
https://lists.wikimedia.org/hyperkitty/list/wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org…
To unsubscribe send an email to wikimedia-l-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
_______________________________________________
Movement communications group mailing list -- movecom(a)lists.wikimedia.org
To unsubscribe send an email to movecom-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
--
Douglas Ian Scott
司道格
Skype: douglas0scott
South African mobile number: +27 (0)79 515 8727
Hello everyone
We have an upcoming meetup for the South African community that will be
happening on Saturday the 26th of February 2022. Below are the details for
joining the 15th online South African community meetup. If you have any
questions about Wikipedia, the community, what is going on generally, or
you just want to hang out you are welcome to join and participate.
Date: Saturday, 26 March 2022
Start time:10:00 AM SAST
End Time: 12:00 PM SAST
Location: Online Meeting
We will still be using our new Discord channel as our meeting location this
time (see link below). If that does not work for you then don't worry, you
can still join via Zulip at the link below for a more text-based experience.
Link to join
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Meetup/South_Africa/South_Africa_16>
Zulip
<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwikimediaza.zulipchat.com%2F%3…>
for a more text-based experience.
(note registration is necessary)
Kind regards
Shupai Mchuchu
Chapter Administrator
Wikimedia South Africa NPC.
6 Spin Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Office +27 (021) 565 0143
Reg. No. 2012/038827/08
Hello Wikimedians in South Africa,
Since some of you have communicated your concern/interest in the recent
invasion of Ukraine I have decided to share the following announcement by
the Cape Town Press club. If you are interested in attending and you are in
Cape Town then please feel free to contact them to book a seat. It is not
cheap at R350 a seat for members of the public but it is very interesting
and the Press Club is always interested in Wikipedians joining their events.
Regards,
Douglas.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Cape Town Press Club <capetownpressclub(a)gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2022 at 10:24
Subject: Cape Town Press Club : Ukranian Ambassador to South Africa Liubov
Abravitova at Kelvin Grove Friday 11 March 12.30 for 1.00
To: Cape Town Press Club <capetownpressclub(a)gmail.com>
*APOLOGIES FOR SHORT NOTICE OF THIS IMPORTANT EVENT : THIS WILL BE THE ONLY
INVITE SENT*
[image: Ukrainian Ambassador Says It Is a Struggle to Get South Africans
to Rally Behind Ukraine Amid Russian Invasion - Briefly.co.za]
*Her Excellency Liubov Abravitova*
*Ukrainian Ambassador to South Africa*
*Her Excellency Liubov Abravitova is the Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary, and Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine to South
Africa.Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the war it has started in Europe
has set the world on edge. Ambassador Abravitova has described South
Africa's explanation
<https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/russias-invasion-of-ukraine-…>
to
abstain from the United Nations General Assembly vote condemning Russia's
invasion of Ukraine as alarming. The ambassador will update the press club
on the latest developments and the diplomatic response from South Africa
and the continent.She will take questions.*
*Where: Ball Room Kelvin GroveWhen: Friday 11 March
2022Time : 12.30 for 1.00Cost: R300 for members
(Lunch/Wine included) R350 for guests *
*Click here to RSVP
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfT9w6guY3KX3Nd7tkEYIdbWQgQTuOTQX5…>orContact
Lalage on capetownpressclub(a)gmail.com <capetownpressclub(a)gmail.com> or
0828200190*
*Payment by EFT to:Account name: Cape Town Press Club NPCBank:
FNB Cape TownBranch Code 250655Account Number
62893422479Payment reference: Ukranian Amb and your SURNAME(Please note
new banking details)*
*NB: If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice we will try to fill your
place, but if not successful, you will be liable to pay.STRICT COVID
PROTOCOLS WILL BE IN PLACE AT THE VENUE*
*Sponsored by :The Ben and Shirley Rabinowitz Foundation*
--
Douglas Ian Scott
司道格
Skype: douglas0scott
South African mobile number: +27 (0)79 515 8727
Just a heads up on what the Wikimedia Foundation is currently doing
regarding the crisis in Ukraine. I would like to draw everyone's attention
to one paragraph in the below forwarded email:
"The Wikimedia Foundation has also received a letter from Roskomnadzor
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Service_for_Supervision_of_Communicat…>,
the Russian government regulator for media, asking for the removal of an
article on Russian Wikipedia about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Some of
you may have seen this notice
<https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikimedia/ru/a/a9/493650-%D0%9D%D0%92-%D1%83%D…>
online as it was also shared by Russian Wikipedia."
I seriously doubt that the community will take down the article but it is
worth noting.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Gregory Varnum <gvarnum(a)wikimedia.org>
Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2022 at 22:11
Subject: [MoveCom]Information sharing on the situation in Ukraine
To: Movement communications group mailing list <movecom(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
OVERVIEW: Below is an update on what the Foundation has been doing in
response to the crisis in Ukraine. Please let us know what you are up to as
well.
Hi everyone,
As you may have already seen, the Foundation issued a statement
<https://wikimediafoundation.org/news/2022/03/01/wikimedia-foundation-calls-…>
yesterday on the crisis in Ukraine. We share the movement’s concern for the
ongoing danger for our community members in Ukraine and Russia. We are
actively investigating and developing methods for supporting our
communities as this crisis continues to unfold. The Foundation's staff also
recognizes the immediate impact and long-term threat this situation
presents to our global mission to share free and open knowledge. We will
continue to monitor for any cyber attacks or threats of disinformation.
The Wikimedia Foundation has also received a letter from Roskomnadzor
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Service_for_Supervision_of_Communicat…>,
the Russian government regulator for media, asking for the removal of an
article on Russian Wikipedia about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Some of
you may have seen this notice
<https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikimedia/ru/a/a9/493650-%D0%9D%D0%92-%D1%83%D…>
online as it was also shared by Russian Wikipedia.
As of now, we do not know if access to Wikipedia in Russia will be
restricted, but we are actively monitoring the situation. The Foundation is
working on a response plan. This is still in development given how quickly
things have happened over the last couple of days. We will share messaging
and draft social media posts as they become ready with all of you so that
we can amplify our calls for Wikipedia to be unblocked should Russia
proceed with a block.
While many of us had rough plans in place to respond to situations like
this, I know personally that putting these plans into action has been
frightening and challenging. Within the Foundation we have been focused on
the immediate threats to our staff, Board, affiliates, and of course
volunteers in the regions impacted. We have also been actively monitoring
the cyber and disinformation attacks occurring all across the internet.
I recognize that many people have been doing a lot to engage on this issue.
Thank you all for the work underway around the world supporting our
communities and collective mission. We would greatly appreciate hearing
more about what you all may be working on or hearing from the media
regarding this crisis. Please utilize this list to help stay coordinated on
any responses, media inquiries, or important questions you may be getting.
Remember that you can invite others to join
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:Contact/movecomsignup> - we have
just processed a batch of new members and are adding some support to the
process to help bring more movement communications folks on during this
effort. In addition to this list, you can also reach out to our press team
directly at press(a)wikimedia.org.
Again, thank you all for the important work you are doing. I find great
comfort in the sense of community we find within our movement at times like
these, and hope you are all taking the actions you need to stay well.
-greg
--
Gregory Varnum (pronouns - he/his/him)
Senior Strategist, Communications
Wikimedia Foundation <https://wikimediafoundation.org/>
_______________________________________________
MoveCom mailing list -- movecom(a)lists.wikimedia.org
To unsubscribe send an email to movecom-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
--
Douglas Ian Scott
司道格
Skype: douglas0scott
South African mobile number: +27 (0)79 515 8727