Hello all,
I have been following with interest in the past two years, but especially in the past few weeks, the different threads on the development of Wiki Educational Resources / Wikimedia UK.
I must say that as we watch all other chapters develop, all at their own pace, but definitely towards active and fruitful organisations, the Wikimedia Foundation is growing a bit concerned about the lack of development of Wikimedia UK.
Although no-one in the Foundation is versed in UK law, and although we are sympathetic to all the problems that have been strewn on Wikimedia UK's way, we believe that it is time to really make things happen and push Wikimedia UK forward.
Lately, we have received a follow-up by Paul Sinclair telling us another would be forthcoming, which gave us a pretty clear vision of the situation and of the problems that WER faces (bank, charity status etc.), this following the help Cary proposed from the Wikimedia Foundation earlier on this list. We have answered Paul with questions and considerations, about two weeks ago. Our questions and proposals have not been answered or commented upon since.
In the light of our experience with other chapters, and although we are aware of the minimal legal requirements for an AGM in the UK, we strongly believe that the community of Wikimedia UK contributors has a right, and even a duty, to make sure that they bring all the help they can to Wikimedia UK.
As such, I strongly urge the existing board to hold the next AGM as soon as possible (apparently it should happen before the 23rd of September) and with as many interested people as possible (potential members), in order to draw an accurate picture of the support that WIkimedia UK can count on in its further developments. as well as to make sure that all interested people have had a chance to voice their opinion and propose their help.
At this stage, not having a functional Chapter in the UK is a fact that deprives the Wikimedia projects from a very important potential source of support, both financial and in various activities and partnerships. It is not a situation that we can allow to go on for another two years. We therefore need to have this AGM happen, and happen quickly. As Cary pointed out, the Wikimedia Foundation is ready to help Wikimedia UK get started, as long as the requests are reasonable and make sense, of course :-). We believe an AGM with as many people as possible will provide the necessary feedback for us to give our support where it is needed.
Note that in the case that this "extended" AGM does not happen and/or does not come up with real proposals for solutions, the Wikimedia Foundation will have to reassess the status of WER in its current state as official Wikimedia Chapter, notably to be consistent with the chapters requirements and guidelines, which demand that chapters are supported by a group of active members of the community and not just 4 or 5,
The Foundation staff and myself are of course at your disposal for any question or concerns, both on this list and privately (dmenardATwikimediaPUNTOorg).
Best,
Delphine