WikiIndaba 2024/Proposal/Governance Models in the Wikimedia Movement

ID :	Governance Models in the Africa's Wikimedia Movement
Author(s): Isla Haddow-Flood, Florence Devouard, tba, tba		Username(s): Islahaddow	Session type: roundtable
		Affiliation: Wiki In Africa	Session track(s): Movement Governance
Abstract: The Wikimedia movement, like its larger family the open movement is constantly evolving, and innovating while it does so, pushing at the boundaries openness and transparency. The Wikimedia movement across Africa has grown fast and furiously over the last 10 years, from groups of friends to volunteer groups to usergroups, and now, in some cases to nationally registered, legal entities. These structures that support the work of its volunteers are in constant tension between the legal requirements of their national regulator, the expectations and needs of their local members, the open expectations of the global movement, and the pressured of funders demands. As a result a few different models have sprung up, some more traditional than others. This roundtable will discuss the various structures that support Wikimedia in Africa. It will talk about the models they have chosen and the challenges they face; it will also talk about alternative or unexpected models.			Audience : Medium, Advanced
			Mode: In-person
			Special requirements: HDMI
How will this session be beneficial for the communities in the region? The roundtable is to provide a snapshot into existing governance models, and provide opportunities for alternative models or approaches to be considered. Many volunteer groups are on the cusp of formalising their structures. This roundtable is to nudge volunteer groups towards proactive preparation, rather than just going with the norm.

Interested participants

(register below and ask your questions now to the session organiser)