[Foundation-l] Movement roles letter, Feb 2012

[Thomas Dalton]

Thank you for sharing this, Ting. I think this is an excellent set of
proposals with which to start a more structured discussion than we've
currently had on this topic.

I fail to see the attack on chapters that other people are talking
about. There is a distinct difference between Chapters and Partner
Organisations in that Chapters are non-overlapping (with each other -
they will overlap with Partner Organisations). This makes them unique
among Wikimedia organisations in that there will usually be a specific
Chapter that is unambiguously responsible for a given activity, while
there often won't be a single Partner Organisation that have
undisputed "jurisdiction" (for want of a better word) over it. I don't
see anything in this proposal to suggest that this unique nature of
chapters will be degraded.

There has been considerable discussion about whether non-chapter
groups will be able to participate in things like the Chapter-selected
WMF board seat selection process. There is nothing in the proposal
regarding that, so I would be interested in hearing the thoughts from
the board regarding that question.

I am concerned that trying to include them in that kind of process
wouldn't work due to the very flexible nature of such organisations.
"One Chapter - One Vote" is problematic as it is (eg. chapters
represent geographies of very different sizes, have very different
numbers of members, very different budgets, very different levels of
activity, some represent countries while others represent small
geographies [is it right that the US should get two votes just because
they can't get their acts together and form a national chapter?]).
Those problems would be even greater for Partner Organisations (would
an organisation set up to work on a very general topic like "History"
be entitled to equal representation with one set up to work on a very
specific topic like "Submarines"?). It might make sense to let them
participate in discussions, but trying to give them votes just isn't
going to work.

On 13 February 2012 07:09, Ting Chen <tchen at wikimedia.org> wrote:
> The Board approves the following letter to be sent to the community:
> ----
>
> The organizational structure of the Wikimedia movement is growing rapidly:
> since 2010, the number of chapters has grown by 50%, and the size of the
> Foundation has doubled.  Over the past 18 months, the movement roles group
> has worked to clarify the roles and responsibilities of different groups
> working within our international movement, and the Board thanks those who
> have participated in this process.
>
> We want to make it easier for a wider variety of groups to be recognized as
> part of the movement.  Below are draft resolutions to recognize new models
> of affiliation, based on input received to date.  They are posted on Meta
> for feedback, to encourage discussion and improvement.  We encourage
> everyone to participate on the talk pages between now and 10 March.  We aim
> to finalize, approve, and publish the resolutions by 28 March.
>
> Thanks,
> Ting.
>
>
> Posted on Meta at:
> http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Movement_roles/affiliations
>
> == Expansion of movement affiliation models ==
>
> In acknowledgement of the diversity of groups contributing to our movement,
> the Board recognizes an expanded framework for affiliation of Wikimedia
> groups furthering our movement:
>
> *: '''Chapters''': legal entities with bylaws and mission aligned with
> Wikimedia's, focused on supporting related work within a geography. Chapters
> must reach agreement with the Foundation for use of the Wikimedia trademarks
> for their work, publicity, and fundraising; and would be allowed to use a
> name clearly linking them to Wikimedia.
>
> *: '''Partner Organizations''': legal entities with bylaws and mission
> aligned with Wikimedia's, focused on a cultural, linguistic, or other topic;
> not be exclusive to any geography. Partner organizations must reach
> agreement with the Foundation for use of the Wikimedia trademarks for their
> work, publicity, and fundraising; and would be allowed to use a name clearly
> linking them to Wikimedia.
>
> *: '''Associations''': open-membership groups with an established contact
> person and stated purpose, which need basic use of the Wikimedia trademarks
> for promotion and organization of projects and events. A new association can
> be formed by listing its information in a public place, and confirming their
> contact information. An association contact can sign an optional agreement
> to use Wikimedia marks in a limited way in the scope of their work. Small
> projects can be supported through individual reimbursement.
>
> *: '''Affiliates''': like-minded organizations that actively support the
> movement's work. They are listed publicly and granted limited use of the
> marks on websites and posters indicating their support of and collaboration
> with Wikimedia.
>
> == Recognizing new affiliation models ==
>
> In connection with its decision to expand the framework of affiliated
> groups, the Board expands the mandate of the Chapters Committee to include
> all affiliations, and asks it to update its scope and rules of procedure to
> cover:
>
> * recognizing all group models
> * mentoring chapters and partner organiations
> * reviewing and summarizing the status of all groups
>
> The committee should also indicate what resources it will need to be
> effective, including staff support and resources from the Foundation.
>
> This proposed charter and plan should be shared with the Board by 15 June,
> for approval by its July 2012 meeting.
>
>
> ;References:
> * [[wmf:Audit charter]]
> * [[wmf:Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope]]
> * [[wmf:Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]
>
> --
> Ting Chen
> Member of the Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
> E-Mail: tchen at wikimedia.org
>
>
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