Movement Charter/Supplementary Document/Hubs: definition and scope of work

These supplementary documents are provided by the Movement Charter Drafting Committee for information purposes, and to provide further context on the Wikimedia Movement Charter’s content. They are not part of the Charter, and therefore are not included in the ratification vote, but they have been developed during the course of the MCDC’s research and consultation process. They include several types of documents:

Information on topics related to the Charter.
Suggestions for policy or process development or consideration by the Global Council after the Charter is ratified.
Processes related to the Charter ratification vote.

Alongside the publication of the final Movement Charter version on June 10, 2024, these supplementary documents were updated on June 18, 2024.

Wikimedia Hubs are collaboration or coordination structures and networks across the Wikimedia Movement that have a specific regional or thematic^[1] focus. Regional and Thematic Hub pilots are set up only after thorough research and scoping with the communities they will serve. A Hub fills a need in these communities that has previously been unaddressed. It is an instance of implementation of the subsidiarity principle. More criteria for pilot Hubs are outlined in the Hubs Guidelines.

Scope

Wikimedia Hubs are made up of Wikimedia Movement Organizations who are pooling resources that enable the growth and strengthening of each member of the Hub. They are formed on the basis of shared interest and fair representation.

The concrete scope and functionality of the Hubs will be decided by the involved communities and organizations based on their contexts and needs. Hubs must have a clearly described purpose that does not duplicate the work of another organization in the Wikimedia Movement. These might include, but are not limited to: skills, capacity and leadership development; partnership building; resource generation; conflict mediation; support for organizational growth; and creation of region-wide or subject-wide adaptable tools, frameworks, policies, and others, which aim to strengthen and improve the overall health of the members and individuals the Hub serves.

Set up

Hubs must be initiated by a minimum of two existing Wikimedia affiliates. The Wikimedia affiliates must have met all standard requirements for an affiliate of its type over the previous two years. Wikimedia affiliates can be members of more than one Hub. The Hub’s membership can be composed of other affiliates and non-Wikimedia entities who are vision-aligned.

Furthermore:

A Hub may legally incorporate if it wishes so, but it is not required to do so for its operation.
The Wikimedia Foundation, Global Council, or an already existing Hub cannot set up or become a member of a new Hub.
Individuals and informal groups cannot become members of a Hub, but can receive support from a Hub.

Hubs receive their recognition and mandate from a committee appointed by the Global Council, with the final approval being granted by the Global Council. In the absence of the Global Council, the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees, or its appointed committee, can recognize and derecognize Hubs. Hubs will execute a trademark agreement with the Wikimedia Foundation and make sure to use the trademarks in compliance with this agreement.

Governance structure

A Hub will determine and publish its decision-making and membership model. It should set up its decision-making in accordance with the Principles of Decision-Making, the Wikimedia Movement Charter values, and the standards established by the Global Council. The governance model and structure of a Hub should reflect these values as appropriate to the context in which the Hub exists.

Responsibilities

Care responsibility: Hubs are focused on coordination and support within their regional or thematic focus, and have a Care Responsibility towards the members, communities, and individuals they support.
Revenue generation: Hubs can participate in revenue generation after signing the fundraising agreement with the Global Council,^[2] and redistribute or use these funds within their focus.
Empower communities: Hubs empower and resource communities to make and implement decisions to meet their own needs.
Connection in movement communication: Hubs are a communication channel between the Global Council, the Wikimedia Foundation, and all other Wikimedia Movement Organizations, and contribute to reach participants in the Wikimedia Movement. They support communities in translating high-level communications and decisions into their own contexts.
Level of expertise: Hubs develop and maintain a high level of knowledge about the needs of the Wikimedia Movement in their region or within the topic of focus. Hubs are responsible for working and collaborating with stakeholders who seek their advice or ask for their support.

Hubs have the right to have cases and disputes with other stakeholders reviewed according to the policy defined in the Independent Dispute Resolution.

Notes

↑ This Charter sees Language Hubs as a form of Thematic Hub.
↑ The funds accountability – or “fundraising” – policy is forthcoming and will be created by the Global Council. Among other things it will outline how accountability towards donors is implemented and how fundraising efforts should be coordinated amongst the different Wikimedia Movement Bodies to mitigate overlapping or conflicting efforts.

[1] This Charter sees Language Hubs as a form of Thematic Hub.

[2] The funds accountability – or “fundraising” – policy is forthcoming and will be created by the Global Council. Among other things it will outline how accountability towards donors is implemented and how fundraising efforts should be coordinated amongst the different Wikimedia Movement Bodies to mitigate overlapping or conflicting efforts.

[1]

[2]