Dear all,
Greetings from Berlin! This is another update on the movement strategy process, this week coming from Wikimedia Conference. I’ve already had the chance to see so many old friends, and am looking forward to meeting with many more of you in person. The movement strategy track of the conference is an important milestone in the strategy process overall -- it provides an excellent opportunity to engage diverse voices from affiliates representing many of our communities from around the world.
During the strategy track we will look at the possibilities for envisioning our future against the strategic direction, and challenges we may face in making progress. We will discuss our ways forward, with the goal of forming a more concrete 3-5 year perspective, getting us further toward 2030. During these discussions we will map out thematic areas that need our attention, and where we need to take action and make changes, if we are to fully address our challenges and seize our opportunities.
At the same time, we know that only a fraction of our diverse global movement will be present at the Wikimedia Conference. Therefore, the conference is only a starting point. The process following the conference will be designed to include different perspectives and voices, and we hope that you feel encouraged to participate in ongoing discussions on wiki, at Wikimania, and at regional or thematic events.
As I mentioned in my last email, all these discussions will be supported by the Core Strategy Team. As I also mentioned, we’ve made some progress in building that team! I am happy to announce that we have filled some of the important roles:
*Strategy Process Architect *- Responsible for framing, designing and maintaining the process in consultation with the international Wikimedia community. *I’m thrilled to announce that Kaarel Vaidla, former Executive Director of Wikimedia Eesti, has agreed to fill this role.* Kaarel has been involved with our movement in various ways over the years, and has proven his strategic abilities through his contributions to Phase 1 in various volunteer roles.
*Strategy Process Support Lead* - An external partner to the Process Lead and Process Architect. This person will participate in process design and will help us find experience from outside Wikimedia when needed. *I’m delighted to announce that Bhavesh Patel has agreed to fill this role. *Bhav is a “conversational architect” who works with many different movement organizations around the globe. You may know Bhav his outstanding facilitation at WMCON 2017 and Wikimania Montreal. We’re fortunate to have him back with us.
We have also appointed a *Project Assistant*, *Anne Kierkegaard*, to help the core team to manage the administrative side of the process. Anne currently works with WMDE and will be supporting Nicole directly in her capacity as process lead. We've also recruited our *Thought and Process Facilitator*, *Anna Lena Schiller*. Anna Lena will support the Process Lead in shaping a high-performing team and be responsible for designing and supporting facilitation at meetings and events throughout the strategy process. Many of you may know Anna Lena as one of the wonderful facilitators of WMCON between 2011 and 2016. *I am so happy both Anne and Anna Lena have agreed to join the team!*
I would also like to remind you that there is still an open call for applications for the positions of the *Information & Knowledge Manager* and the *Project Manager* in the strategy team. We’re getting great applications, and I continue to encourage people from across the movement to apply!
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Wikimedia Conference -- and many more of you in meetings and events to come. Thank you for your ongoing engagement in the strategy process!
Tschüssi, Katherine