[Wikimedia-l] Grant Advisory Committee Expanded

[Anirudh Bhati]

Hi Asaf,

Thank you for posting this and a grand welcome to all the new arrivals in
the GAC. ;)

I see that some of the folks have chosen to remain anonymous (many of whom
I identify as prolific contributors to our projects) but I would like to
know whether the Wikimedia Foundation has independently verified their
identity prior to induction into the body?

I understand that the body plays only an advisory role into the process
with the final decision resting on the staff, however, the GAC voice
carries a fair amount of weight as well (as far as I'm aware).  Therefore,
I believe, it would serve the interest of all the stakeholders, specially
the community, to know and be assured that the WMF has already taken steps
to identify those who would be responsible for advising the WMF on the
dissemination of funds to grant applications from individuals and chapters
(non-FDC).

My personal opinion is that though anonymity is great motivator for our
volunteer contributors on projects, but at the same time it can lead to
reduced accountability and moral responsibility for work that has direct
implications in the real world.  I apologize in advance if I have made any
mistake in fact, and would be happy to hear any differing views on the
subject.

Sincerely,

Anirudh Bhati

On Tue, Jul 24, 2012 at 6:50 AM, Asaf Bartov <abartov at wikimedia.org> wrote:

> Hello, everyone.
>
> I'm pleased to announce that we have significantly expanded the Grant
> Advisory Committee (GAC)[1] as of today, and it now numbers 30 volunteers,
> following an open process and public calls for volunteers.  The updated
> list of members is here[2].  With this expansion, we hope to achieve a
> higher degree of community participation in the Foundation's evaluation of
> grant proposals for its Wikimedia Grants program[3], as well as more
> diverse feedback and advice for grant applicants on how to refine their
> proposals for best impact.
>
> The GAC was set up almost exactly one year ago, and has been quietly doing
> what is frankly a thankless job.  I applaud and thank the volunteers who
> have done this work so far, and look forward to easing their load a little
> now that the GAC is larger, considering an expected rise in the number of
> grant proposals they would be called upon to review.
>
> Welcome to the new volunteers, and may we all have much success in
> fostering innovation and impactful mission-aligned activities through the
> grants program.
>
>    Asaf
>
> [1] http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grant_Advisory_Committee
> [2] http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grant_Advisory_Committee#Membership
> [3] http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Index
> --
>     Asaf Bartov
>     Wikimedia Foundation <http://www.wikimediafoundation.org>
>
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