Movement roles project/Groupsdefinitions

Definitions of groups for Wikimedia movement charter as drafted 2011-8

• The Wikimedia Foundation:
  • hosts Wikimedia project websites and content with a core responsibility of keeping the projects running and protecting them from threats (legal or otherwise)
  • convenes the global movement
  • works alongside other Wikimedian movement groups and entities to achieve the goals of the movement
  • owns trademarks, which it can license to other Wikimedian groups and entities and other external partners
  • coordinates global projects, public relations and fundraising
  • manages global flows of funds among groups and entities
  • creates decision-making processes for the Wikimedia movement, e.g. which groups and entities to recognize, which movement goals to adopt
  • creates effective, efficient, transparent, responsive and legitimate decision-making bodies for the Wikimedia movement

• National and sub-national chapters:
  • are legally registered within their jurisdiction as a nonprofit (or equivalent) and recognized as a charity
    • Charity as a different legal meaning in every country, this should be removed
  • authorized to use the Wikimedia name for non-commercial purposes by the Wikimedia Foundation via a Board resolution and a chapter agreement
  • organize volunteer action and administer funds to support movement goals globally and locally, as agreed with the worldwide movement
  • lead programs within their jurisdiction in harmony with movement goals
  • collaborate with other Wikimedia movement groups and entities that act in their jurisdiction
  • may seek grants from the Wikimedia Foundation to support their program activities
  • may seek donations from individuals and foundations using the Wikimedia name within their jurisdiction once a chapter agreement is in place.

• Wikimedia Partner Organizations
  • are legally registered, preferably as a nonprofit (or equivalent), recognized as a charity
  • bring together Wikimedians with a specific interest, such as a language, culture, or field
  • need not operate within geographical boundaries
  • seek grants from WMF and chapters to complete programs
  • support and work in harmony with movement goals
  • are authorized to use the Wikimedia name by the Wikimedia Foundation under a contractual agreement

• Other geographic groups, and possibly preparing to become Chapters or Partner Organizations:
  • can raise money in their territory, but not directly via site-wide fundraisers
  • lead programs locally which support movement goals locally
  • seek grants from WMF and chapters to complete programs
  • may engage in an agreement to use the Wikimedia name
  • work closely with any chapters or other group or entity active in an overlapping region

• Wikimedia Associations:
  • form with minimal overhead, by maintaining a wiki or webpage with their goals, and publishing their contact information.
  • support and work in harmony with movement goals
  • are recognized by a Wikimedia-wide group tracking associations
  • may seek grants from WMF or other recognized groups for their programs
  • may engage in an agreement to use the Wikimedia name