Universal Code of Conduct/Coordinating Committee/Election/2024/Candidates/WepngongMaureen

WepngongMaureen ([[Universal Code of Conduct/Coordinating Committee/Election/{{{year}}}/Questions#WepngongMaureen|Questions]])

Account WepngongMaureen (talk meta edits global user summary CA)
Candidate details
  • Languages: English, French (conversational)
  • Region: West Africa, Cameroon
  • Active wikis: Wikipedia:en, Wikimedia Commons
  • Wikimedian since: 2021
Selected home wiki {{{home wiki}}}
Type of seat (regional; community-at-large; or both) (division of regional seats) Community-at-large
Candidate Introduction
Introductory statement / Application summary (maximum 200 words): Why are you running for the Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee? What would you contribute? I'm Maureen Wepngong, a web developer and Wikimedian passionate about fostering a safe and inclusive online environment. I'm running for the U4C to contribute my skills in conflict resolution, policy analysis, and community engagement.

As a Wikimedian, I actively contribute to Wikipedia:en and Wikimedia Commons. Witnessing the power of diverse voices has solidified my belief in creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to participate.

Please describe your Wikimedia experience (such as contributions to the Wikimedia projects, memberships in Wikimedia organizations or affiliates, experience working on conduct issues in your community, activities as a Wikimedia movement organizer, or participation in building Wikimedia policies). I actively participate in discussions on Wikipedia:en's Village Pump, offering solutions to navigate disagreements respectfully.
I'm a member of the Wikimedia User Group Cameroon, promoting inclusivity and conflict resolution within the local community.
Professional Experience, Skills and Education
Please briefly describe 3 situations that show how you worked on, or advised others on, a complex conduct or policy issue. How did you work with others to address the situations? 1. Addressing Bias: I facilitated discussions on identifying and mitigating unconscious bias in article edits. Through collaborative editing and open communication, we developed a community-driven guide for editors.

2. Navigating Harassment: I supported a targeted user by connecting them with resources and advocating for a respectful, solution-oriented approach from the community. 3. Policy Disagreements: During a heated policy discussion, I ensured all voices were heard. This involved summarizing arguments, facilitating respectful debate, and ultimately finding common ground for a revised policy.

Leadership Experience
Can you describe a policy, on wiki or off, that you helped to create or change? What did you learn from this experience? I actively participated in the revision of the Wikimedia Commons' image deletion policy. By analyzing feedback and proposing compromises, I helped create a policy that balanced user rights with image quality standards.
How have you been able to empower people to make their voices heard? -I mentor new Wikipedians, guiding them through content creation and conflict resolution processes.

-I organize online workshops on effective communication and collaborative editing, empowering users to contribute constructively.

Sometimes in professional situations, there are personality conflicts. Explain how you remain productive even with personality conflicts. During a project disagreement, I focused on common goals and the bigger picture. By actively listening to concerns and proposing solutions with flexibility, I maintained a productive working relationship.
Strategic Thinking
In your opinion, how can the U4C be a positive influence in the Wikimedia movement? The U4C can be a positive force by:

Promoting Consistent Enforcement: Ensuring fair and consistent application of the UCoC across all Wikimedia projects. Facilitating Open Communication: Fostering dialogue between communities and the U4C to address concerns and build trust. Developing Educational Resources: Creating accessible resources and workshops for users to understand the UCoC and best practices for respectful online interaction.

How would you help the Universal Code of Conduct develop and improve over time? I envision the U4C continuously evolving:

Engaging with New Communities: Expanding outreach to include diverse voices from underrepresented regions. Adapting to Change: Regularly reviewing policies to ensure they remain relevant and address emerging online challenges. Promoting Restorative Justice: Encouraging conflict resolution processes that focus on repair and rebuilding trust.

I believe my commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive online environment for all Wikimedians makes me a strong candidate for the U4C. Thank you for considering my application.