Affiliations Committee/Candidates/2023/Mothusi Sekhomba

Mothusi Sekhomba

• User: Mothusi Sekhomba (User account list / User page link)
• Primary Wikimedia projects: Wikidata; Wikiquote; Wiki-Commons; Wikipedia
• Language capabilities (language and level of proficiency): English (professional); TSWANA (native)
• Regional experiences: Middle East and North Africa; Northern America (US and Canada); Northern and Western Europe; Sub-Saharan Africa
• What experience do you have participating on committees, within or outside the Wikimedia movement?

  1. Team Collaboration: I am often involved working with diverse individuals, fostering teamwork and collaboration skills.

  2. Leadership Development: Taking on roles within a committee have provided me with opportunities to develop leadership and organizational skills.

  3. Decision-Making Skills: As a member I’m often tasked with making decisions, honing my ability to weigh options and contribute to the decision-making process.

  4. Problem-Solving: In addressing issues or challenges, committee participation can enhance my problem-solving abilities through discussion and analysis.

  5. Communication Skills: Engaging in committee discussions, presenting ideas, and contributing to debates have improved my verbal and written communication skills.

  6. Networking: Committees offered me a chance to connect with people who share similar interests or professional goals and expanded my network.

  7. Project Management: Committees often work on projects or initiatives, allowing me to gain experience in planning, organizing, and executing tasks.

  8. Conflict Resolution: Dealing with differing opinions within a committee setting have enhanced my conflict resolution skills.

  9. Professional Development: Participation in committees related to my field has contribute to my professional development and demonstrated my commitment to the community.

• What skills, experience, or perspective would you bring or contribute to the committee, if appointed?

  (As above)

• Is there any other pertinent information that you would like us to take into account when reviewing your application?

  I am a critical thinker and I'm eager to learn.

• Which sub-committee are you interested in working with (Conflict Intervention, Recognitions)? Recognitions sub-committee
• What do you think are the benefits and responsibilities of functioning as formal affiliates, and when is a group of Wikimedians ready to form an affiliate?

  Forming formal affiliates within the Wikimedia movement can offer several benefits, such as enhanced collaboration, resource sharing, and a structured platform for community engagement. Affiliates, like user groups or chapters, can help amplify the impact of individual contributors.

  However, with these benefits come responsibilities. Affiliates should actively contribute to the Wikimedia projects, adhere to community standards, and promote the movement's values. They are also expected to maintain transparency, manage funds responsibly, and participate in broader discussions about the Wikimedia ecosystem.

  As for when a group of Wikimedians is ready to form an affiliate, key indicators include a demonstrated commitment to Wikimedia projects, a clear mission and goals, an active and engaged community, and the ability to fulfill the obligations associated with formal affiliation.

  The decision to form an affiliate should be based on the group's maturity, its ability to contribute meaningfully, and a genuine desire to advance the Wikimedia mission collaboratively.

• Please describe your experience working with conflict resolution, and how you have helped build consensus and support diversity.

  Resolving conflicts within a Wikimedia committee involves a combination of communication, empathy, and a commitment to the shared goals of the committee. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Open Communication:

  I encourage open and honest communication, create a safe space for committee members to express their concerns and opinions.

  Schedule a meeting specifically to address the conflict, allowing everyone involved to participate.

  2. Active Listening:

  I ensure that each committee member feels heard and understood. Active listening involves paraphrasing and summarizing others’ points to show understanding.

  Encourage committee members to listen actively to each other, promoting a better understanding of different perspectives.

  3. Identify Root Causes:

  Work together to identify the underlying issues causing the conflict. Sometimes conflicts are symptoms of deeper problems that need to be addressed.

  4. Mediation:

  Consider involving a neutral third party, such as a mediator, to facilitate the discussion and guide the committee toward resolution.

  5. Establish Common Ground:

  Find common goals and values that all committee members can agree on. Focusing on shared objectives can help build unity.

  6. Conflict Resolution Techniques:

  Explore conflict resolution techniques, such as compromise, collaboration, or consensus-building. The choice of technique depends on the nature of the conflict and the preferences of the committee.

  7. Define Roles and Responsibilities:

  Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the committee. A lack of clarity can contribute to conflicts, so ensuring everyone understands their roles can be beneficial.

  8. Implement Changes:

  If necessary, implement changes to address the root causes of the conflict. This could involve adjusting workflows, communication methods, or committee structures.

  9. Follow Up:

  Regularly follow up to assess progress and ensure that the resolution is working. Address any emerging issues promptly.

Endorsements (Mothusi Sekhomba)

1.  Oppose For now sorry, but I am not going to endorse anyone who applies for any role in WMF until they explicitly declare their commitment to the Wikimedia Foundation Guiding Principles (even if implicit commitment may be clear) or present a clear critique of them based on reasonable arguments and at least a basic proposal to improve the situation about the principles. If you answer my questions, I may change my endorsement. Thanks for understanding ;-) --KuboF Hromoslav (talk) 22:23, 13 November 2023 (UTC)