[Foundation-l] Movement roles letter, Feb 2012

[Florence Devouard]

On 2/13/12 8:45 AM, Mathias Damour wrote:
> Why would both "Associations" and "Affiliates" both need to use
> Wikimedia marks ?
> Does OpenStreetMap need it if it gets some grants from the WMF ?
>
> I hope that these models won't be used to softly downgrade (or threaten
> to downgrade) chapters that would be said not having their "bylaws and
> mission aligned with Wikimedia's".

Very likely. But it is does not really matter actually because this 
decision is a clear sign that Chapters do not really exist anymore 
except on the paper. Chance is that the concept will disappear within 
the next couple of year, simply because it will become a concept 
redondant with partner organizations.



But my immediate concern is that.... hummm.... I fail to really see the 
difference between the 4 cases. Could we have some examples of each to 
better see what the difference is ?

For example, since you mention OpenStreetMap.... would that rather be a 
partner or an affiliate ?

Or, Amical, would that rather be a partner or an affiliate ?

And if there is a chapter-to-be somewhere, already a legal entity but 
not yet approved by a chapter, would that be a partner or an affiliate ?



One benefit I can identify from this decision is that we could push 
forward that
* partner organizations are ONLY recognized by Wikimedia Foundation
* whilst chapters could finally push forward the idea that a new chapter 
has to be recognized by the network of chapter + WMF rather than WMF 
only. In short, a chapter could be an element of a network whilst a 
partner will be only a WMF partner and not necessarily accepted by the 
network of chapters.

But well

Florence


>
> Le 13/02/2012 08:09, Ting Chen a écrit :
>> 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]]
>>
>
>