[Foundation-l] Improving links between chapters and the Foundation

[Jon Huggett]

On Sep 3, 2011, at 09:25 , WereSpielChequers wrote:

> Increasing the mutual overlap of boards is a tried and tested way of
> reducing such tension, it doesn't always work, (in wiki speak it isn't magic
> pixie dust) and we are in this situation despite having two WMF members
> nominated by the chapters. But it is an option and it is a governance model
> that lots of organisations find works for them.

+1

Many other organizations use mutual overlap of boards to help communication, foster collaboration, and share skills (e.g. fundraising): e.g Action Contre La Faim and Opportunity International.  There use a variety of ways of managing "conflict of interest", such as by defining whether overlapping members have a veto, vote or voice.  Wikimedia Foundation has two board members selected by chapters, without any pressing and immediate concerns about "conflict of interest".  If chapter boards want overlapping membership with WMF, or other chapters, there are many ways to make it work.