Wikimedia affiliation models/Summary
This page builds on Movement Roles discussions from 2011 and on the New Models of Affiliations working group's discussions of February and March 2012. It summarizes the current thinking and consensus on New Models of Affiliation, identifies principles and parameters. Outstanding issues needing further discussion are noted on the talk page. Please contribute to this through edits or suggestions on the talk page.
Resolutions for the Board
edit- Reference
- Wikimedia affiliation models
Principles
editExpand our network: Groups supporting our movement - informal and formal - who meet the criteria for recognition should be included within our organizational meta-structure in a way that reinforces our global network.
Flexibility: Leave the door open for organizations or groups to move from one status to another, to allow for change and not force people into a model that might not fit.
Pull, don't push: Make information available about the principles, parameters, and process to affiliate with the Wikimedia movement. Note the advantages, disadvantages, rights, and obligations of each model. Help groups choose the best option that suits their work, but let them decide.
No hierarchies; cooperation: Prioritize cooperation among affiliates. Multiple affiliates that co-exist in an area are not in a hierarchy, but need to agree on how to coexist in their areas, to cooperate and to avoid duplicate work.
Communication is key: Consultation, information flow and communication are critical, particularly in geographical or thematic areas of overlap, both to work collaboratively and to avoid collision or conflict. Share information about potentially overlapping projects among all affected groups. Ensure public reports uphold our accountability standards.
Avoid needless bureaucracy: Contributors should try to work with existing groups where possible. New entities should not be formed just because of personal disagreements.
Empower contributors: The primary reason for recognizing affiliates is to empower them to get further recognition and support within their communities, and to identify their work with the projects.
Parameters
edit- For comparison, rights and duties should be presented in a similar way for
- The Wikimedia Foundation
- National outreach offices (such as those developing in India and Brazil)
The notes about should be considered initial guidelines; the Affiliations Committee is empowered to update and revise these guidelines over time. The WMF Board could choose to give further guidance in the future, or the Committee could ask the Board for input on any significant changes they make.