ESEAP Preparatory Council/Proposed theory of change/en

ESEAP Hub: Theory of change

ESEAP Preparatory Council is presenting the following proposed Theory of Change document which will guide the ESEAP Hub in our activities and support the grant application. We would like feedback from the community on the Theory of Change so as to finalise the documents. We understand that everybody has their own wishes and will consider the feedback as much as possible when we finalise the document.

Discussion period: September 18, 2024 – October 31, 2024

Accompanying documents:

The problem we are solving is…

The problem being solved by the ESEAP Hub is the limited access, representation and inclusivity of communities in the region to freely share and access knowledge, hindering the realisation of the sum of all human knowledge.

The ESEAP Hub’s mission is to empower and enable communities across ESEAP to freely share and access knowledge.

The Goals are:

  1. Reducing the communication barriers caused by language differences, times zones, culture and distance
  2. Empowering community capacity through knowledge, experience and resources sharing.
  3. Building trustworthy, transparent and equitable regional community decision making mechanisms.
  4. Advocating the representation of ESEAP points of view in the global movement.
Inputs Processes Outputs Outcomes Impact
Goal: What we need to deliver our activities. What are the key activities we will need to conduct to reach the goal How will we measure the initial success of the project/initiative? How will we see signs that the project has been effective after the initial launch, etc What is the ultimate strategic impact of the work we want to achieve? Be bold and visionary!
Communications (translation) People
  • Translators
  • Project manager

Communication Plan for the ESEAP Hub/region, which will address two types of communication:

1) notice announcements and 2) information requiring feedback from stakeholder/s

Develop a Communications Strategy and Plan that supports translation for the multiple languages across the region.

Translations available on the Movement Strategy Forum (auto-translation) through an ESEAP Centre forum, supported by a staff member.

Form a Wikimedian based translation group (paid?) for content that goes to meta pages or global.

Re-assess the translation services at 6 months and 1 year.

Survey to measure success of translations in supporting people and attracting new participants.

Translated content increasingly available with 80% of materials translated into 5-6 main ESEAP languages (aiming for 8 ESEAP languages long term).

Translation available at the 10 ESEAP community meetings across a 12 month period with 80% of sessions offering interpretation. Also, bi-annual ESEAP community conference and bi-annual Summit with translations.

Growing library of knowledge in multiple languages.

Language inclusivity through accessible communications and knowledge resources, with 80% of those serviced by the Hub feel they have greater access to content and are more empowered to engage with it.

Facilitation (x number of shared/joint projects) of cross-cultural collaboration and exchange, and strengthened relationships across the region.

Empowered communities who have access to the tools, information, and networks they need in their preferred language, so they are better equipped to make informed decisions, solve problems and drive change.

Increased knowledge reach (through translations), leading to enhanced accessibility and inclusion of diverse voices.

Communications (other) People
  • Translators
  • Project manager

Communication Strategy and Plan for the ESEAP Hub/region.

Facilitating and organising ESEAP community meetings, Help desk office hours, annual ESEAP Conference, Hub community meetings, and potentially meetups, regional contests and partnerships:
  1. Monthly community meetings (10 in a year)
  2. The ESEAP Conference or Strategy Summit (1 in a year)
  3. Weekly Help Desk office hour
  4. ESEAP Highlight Session ( 3 per year)
  5. Monthly activity calendar announcements.

---Could be longer term in Year 2-3----

  1. Local meet up with ESEAP Boards. (2-3 in a year?)
  2. Sister Hubs meet up session (1-2 in a year)
  3. Launch a new regional campaign.
  4. Provide regional rewards for global campaigns.
Strengthened individual chapters and affiliates, with x% of the community involved in monthly meetings, x% attending the annual community conference, and x% of communities feeling mentored/supported because of these spaces.

Growing communities of engaged volunteers and contributors through affiliate/geographic representation at the annual conference by 5%.

(In the first year) measure with a survey and feedback whether meetings and training spaces support communities to access financial support for key operational/ programmatic costs, in a way that is easy/not burdensome.

Empowered communities, affiliates and User Groups have resources in their preferred language, and capacity to drive positive change and expand their reach.

Communities attract and grow their own local membership, and increase their representation at regional ESEAP meet-ups and conferences.

Expansion in engagement across the ESEAP region, through sharing knowledge, joint projects and shared resources.

An inclusive network that responds to and reflects community voices, adapts to change, addresses challenges, and supports the diverse needs of users and contributors.

Strengthened communication and engagement across the ESEAP region from sharing of knowledge and projects.

Community capacity Training and learning opportunities

Establish a baseline of the current level or status of the following, then select two key areas to focus on during first year:

  • Help desk
  • Human resource sharing
  • Mentorship training
  • Technical support (eg, tech incident reporting, tech guidance)
  • Dispute resolution
  • Documentation inclusiveness processes
  • Support for outreach and community extension services
Provide community building support through Weekly “Help desk office hour” in English +1 or 2 different languages, facilitated by paid staff (and who report back on these sessions to the ESEAP Hub/Board) on topics including: Tech, Grant writing, HR, Mentorship, Leadership, etc.

Increase community representation and diversity in ESEAP Hub through outreach and active recruitment to communities that do not yet have an affiliate.

Community Skill mapping across ESEAP region by linking into WMF’s Capacity Exchange program and Let’s Connect program.

Identify and compile key information into a booklet for new people and User Groups to support ongoing engagement

Provide a platform (Zoom or Google Meet?) to support regular office hours, and/or training using Wiki.Learn (or other training platforms) with x number of people from the ESEAP region participating.

Improve awareness by 10% (measured in a survey) for accessing support and capacity building, including key contacts and where to find member resources.

X number of sessions to develop skills and capacity in Grant writing, mentorship and leadership support provided to communities, with 10-20 people at each session.

Outreach to x number of communities without affiliates to support community growth, access to grants and participation in training with a view to setting up a new User Group.

Develop a “Newbies handbook” for the ESEAP Hub and region.

Strengthened community engagement through regular in-person support and effective practical network support.

Skilled community leaders effectively guiding and supporting local areas and the ESEAP region

Expanding community network that fosters growth and diversity, including underrepresented communities (any specific communities?)

ESEAP Directory of skills and knowledge holders reflecting a broad range of cultures, languages and backgrounds

Sustainable community growth through long-term community building efforts

Active and empowered marginalised communities through increased representation, access to resources and opportunities, and stronger knowledge equity

Increased access to knowledge as a result of community led outreach initiatives

Community decision-making Decision-making processes

Governance

ESEAP Charter?

Provide transparency in the Hub governance body decision-making process, and use meta as the primary form of communication for decisions and discussions. Clear, structured plans and timelines with clearly identified channels to share information and key decisions/messaging using meta, in at least 5-6 targeted ESEAP languages (aiming for 8 ESEAP languages long term).

ESEAP communities are more aware of decision-making processes and reporting (criteria, timelines and factors considered) and there is a 5% increase in contribution through clearly defined processes.

Feedback mechanisms including surveys, community conference workshop and on-wiki discussion with x% of people responding with their views on the methods allowing community members to contribute to decision-making through appropriate platforms or channels

Increased transparency in governance decision-making processes, increasing trust and accountability.

Community involvement and engagement in the decision making process

Improved decision making with diverse viewpoints informing and shaping directions and decisions

Enhanced community engagement in the Hub’s decision-making processes, building trust and confidence within the Hub community

Inclusive governance culture that values transparency, inclusion, open dialogue and respect.

Effective decision implementation from increased support of inclusive and open decision-making processes.

Advocating the representation of ESEAP ESEAP members active in the Global Movement bodies.

WMF to facilitate introductions, partnerships and networking for ESEAP members at a global level.

Mapping the ESEAP perspective on wider issues critical in our region (eg, minority representation, internet access, data governance issues, etc)

Advocacy and representation of ESEAP in global discussions, acknowledging that time zones are a key factor.

Articulation of the region’s needs, challenges and opportunities at the global level

WMF and other affiliates and initiatives, are invited to present and participate regularly at ESEAP events.

Increased presence of ESEAP members from current 3% participation in global forums and conferences to 10% (15% long term?).

In the first year, an increase of 5% in the number of partnerships and networks between ESEAP and other affiliates/User groups from across the world to amplify the impact and reach of ESEAP issues and initiatives.

Amplified regional voice providing increased recognition and visibility of the ESEAP region in global discussion and decision-making.

Knowledge exchange and expertise around local and regional issues, and insights for regional strategies and approaches.

Increased collaboration opportunities and partnerships that may leverage resources and support to enhance ESEAP initiatives

Advocacy and policy influence creating an environment that supports ESEAP’s long term engagement in the Global Movement

Regional empowerment and sustainable active participation

International collaboration and collective action advancing both ESEAP and open access to knowledge

Assumptions:

  • Collaboration and collective efforts enhance knowledge sharing
  • Digital platforms facilitate and support the dissemination of knowledge
  • People are interested in the services the ESEAP Hub will offer and have time to access them
  • Accessing ESEAP Hub services will lead to more participation and empowerment

Other:

  • Regional Needs Survey at mid-term (6 month?) and end (12 months?)
    • Budget for travel to talk in person with affiliate staff, or bring affiliate staff to one place for talks. - WMID, WMTW, WMAU, etc
    • Budget for research to establish baselines, environmental scan and current priorities