Talk:Affiliations Committee

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Wikimedia in Catalan

Hello. I'm from the proposal of a Wikimedia in Catalan chapter. As the page is showing by now (version of February 26th, at 13'00h.), it includes some members that have been passed the deadline according to the Wikimedia Bylaws. According to it, a resolution adopted by the Chapters comitee, and published in February 19 changed some members of the comitee, and about the rest of the persons it's telling: "all other memberships and advisory positions automatically lapse". So Barcex, Andrew Whitworth and Anders Wennersten were deleted from the list, supposedly because of that. But they're again in the list now. Please, could anyone clarify us wich are the actually memberships of the Comitee? From our proposal we need to be sure wich are the speakers we should adress to in order to talk about our proposal. Thanks you very much. --montxovs 12:46, 28 February 2009 (UTC) PD: Sorry because of my bad English.

It's a little misleading. Barcex, Andrew, and Anders were not up for confirmation/reappointment, so they weren't discussed in the resolution but were still members. (That's what I was told when I asked this at the time.) Cbrown1023 talk 01:46, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Thanks Cbrown1023 but I don’t understand your explanation. The board resolution you are pointing to (December 2007) says their membership will finish on November 2008 the 30th and the only board resolution regarding chapters committee membership since December 2007 is the January 2009 one not reconfirming them. --Jordicollcosta 10:06, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Hmm, you're right, this is a messy situation. :-) Cbrown1023 talk 12:15, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Well, thanks to another resolution, they can fix this error themselves without consulting the board... Cbrown1023 talk 18:14, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Hi, I'm responding to this as a member of the Chapters Committee. It's a bit less messy than it seems: The ChapCom resolution referred to says only that all the terms that were at that time up for renewal and were not renewed by that resolution would lapse. Andrew, Anders and Barcex were not up for renewal at the time ChapCom passed that resolution (September 2008), but the board took its time to approve the resolution (January 2009). It is however true, that strictly speaking the terms expired on November 30th 2008. However, ChapCom is just now voting (and has been for the last days and, yes, before we saw this comment here...) on a membership resolution which also "reinstates" Andrew, Anders and Barcex. --Mbimmler 18:36, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Use of other versions of logo and name

I know that each chapter is allowed to use the Wikimedia logo with their country's name under it. But I was wondering whether it would be possible to also allow a chapter the use of the logo with a regional name to be used by regional wings within the chapter. For example, people in the Canadian province of Newfoundland would likely be more willing to support "Wikimedia Canada: Newfoundland" or "Wikimedia Newfoundland" than just "Wikimedia Canada". However, Newfoundland is likely too small to ever have its own chapter and would probably operate as a committee of Wikimedia Canada. Regional logos would be useful, but not useful enough to justify founding a whole new chapter. Thanks, --Arctic.gnome 02:27, 28 March 2009 (UTC)

We need approval from Chapters committee

A month ago at the WikiMeeting in Kyiv the process of creation of a Wikimedia Ukraine chapter was initiated. On March 9, 2009, the draft Bylaws were published and then discussed. There now exists a draft translated into English.

The draft Bylaws are already signed (electronically, to date) by 17 Ukrainian Wikipedians.

We plan to organize the next WikiMeeting in Kyiv to sign the bylaws and then submit these for state registration. Probably I need to read the Information for Future Chapters, but I have no access to this private article.

My contact details are: cell phone +380 67 505 1201, email: director at apitu dot org dot ua --Perohanych 18:57, 4 April 2009 (UTC)

From Wikimedia Macau

Ola (Hello in Portuguese), I am the Public Relationship and Liaison Officer of the Wikimedia Macau which is established legally on Apr 29, 2009. In here, As I wish to establish an association for Wikimedians in Macau, we did that by the Macau Government on Apr 29, 2009. In here, we wish our association approve by the Wikimedia Foundation with a day. However, we seems do not know the process in doing this, would anyone of the committee like to assist us for this? Please feel free to send a e-mail to cdsj75-wiki(a)yahoo.com.hk. --AG0ST1NH0 07:37, 28 May 2009 (UTC)

A question about Wkimedia España

Hi!, I'm working in the Spanish chapter. We are discusing some points in our bylaws and we wanted to know the Chapters Commitee position about a little question.

If you don't know it, in Spain there are many autonomías, they are regions with some administrative and legal competences. It could be that, in the future, some wikipedians try to create other chapters within Spain, and this make us same questions:

• How would be had to to organize with that chapters?.
• Would have they to coexist in the same territory or would have they exclusive territories within Spain?.
• Who would reply to communication media?

Thank you for all your responses and We wish you a Happy New Year!!.--Elisardojm 11:27, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

¡Hola Elisardojm! and sorry for not answering your question earlier!

As stated in the guidelines, Wikimedia Chapters to date are specifically organised around geographical and political borders. This means one of two things.

1. You can have a sub-national chapter in a given country, or several sub-national chapters, whose geographical and/or political reach do not overlap (they need to be very distinct). In Spain for example, this could be achieved by having one chapter per Autonomía. (You'd have Wikimedia Extremadura, Wikimedia Andalucia etc.). So to answer this question, these would have exclusive territories. Not so much in terms of membres (anyone coulsd probably be a member of one reional chapters if they want to) but in terms of radius of action. The Wikimedia Extremadura chapter would only work with the Extremadurians "governement" for example. The issue then is to find out who speaks to the "central" institutions. This, however can be agreed upon with all sub-national chapters who could elect/choose a representative body to talk to central institutions on behalf of Wikimedia.
2. You have one national chapter, which covers the entire territory. This means that a Wikimedia España chapter would be able to address both the central institutions, as well as the regional institutions. If you look at the bylaws of Wikimedia Argentina, they have already provided for the possibility of having "regional" delegations [1]. The idea here is to have a central piece, and then "regional" sections of the chapters, which would be given more or less autonomy (it's up to the chapter to decide) in their activities.

On a very personal point of view, and although I am a bit aware of political issues within Spain ;), I believe that Wikimedia España should probably go for the second solution, as you seem to be well aware of the questions and difficulties. I am not sure how other national organisations work in Spain, it might be interesting to look at organisations such as Greenpeace or SOS children villages to see how they are organized in Spain and maybe talk to them to see what are the advantages or drawbacks of doing one thing or another.

That's for my answer. I hope it makes sense to you and that the English is not too "technical". I can read Spanish without any problems, so don't hesitate to answer or ask more questions in Spanish, but my written Spanish is terrible ;). You can also contact me directly by email at delphine.menard AT wikimedia PUNTO fr or contact the chapters committee on the mailing list directly at: chaptercommittee-l lists.wikimedia.org notafish }<';> 09:23, 22 January 2010 (UTC)

[1] Artículo 3 - Delegaciones en el país

La Asociación podrá establecer delegaciones descentralizadas en cualquier lugar geográfico de la República Argentina. El establecimiento de una delegación deberá ser solicitado por socios activos residentes en el lugar donde se desea establecer la misma y dicha solicitud, conteniendo objetivos particulares y plan de trabajo, podrá ser autorizada de manera provisoria por la Comisión Directiva, que deberá informar de dicha circunstancia a la siguiente Asamblea Ordinaria para su aprobación definitiva.

Wikimedia España andd recurring issues with new chapters

If I remember correctly, Talk:Wikimedia España/Borrador de estatutos and Talk:Wikimedia España/Borrador de estatutos were mentioned by notafish as useful resources of recurring problems with new chapters and submitted mylaws. Maybe a link should be put somewhere. --Nemo 21:56, 12 July 2010 (UTC)

Wikimedia Venezuela (planned)

Can this committee shed any light at Proposals for closing projects/Closure of Venezuela Wikimedia? The landing page is unclear and provides no contact information, and the links at Wikimedia chapters#Planned chapters and Wikimedia Venezuela are not working. Thanks. ~ Ningauble 23:15, 14 September 2010 (UTC)

Actually, the email stated on the first link (mine) works. Also, believe it or not, right now there's some heavy discussion between venezuelans through email to launch the chapter.DamianFinol 12:15, 16 September 2010 (UTC)

I just thought that someone here might be knowledgeable about plans for the chapter, and could provide information to the discussion at the above linked proposal to close ve.wikimedia.org. That discussion seems to be taking place in a vacuum. ~ Ningauble 13:46, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

Regional Arabic Chapter

Are there any restrictions towards having a regional chapter rather than a local one in a specific country?? The team of the proposed Wikimedia Egypt has been working on a chapter proposal for more than two years now. There are other initiatives in KSA and Algeria but less progressive and inactive at the moment. An Arabic chapter will have acting members from across the Arab world and more importantly will have various funding resources from different private sectors in different countries, a thing that guarantees its freedom from governments and local legislation which could be complicated in certain countries than others. In addition, the number of Arabic Wikimedians is scattered in different Arab countries with no large base in the vast majority of them, while we all contribute to projects that share similar technical issues and political-social challenges. I am currently discussing with a few Wikimedians from Egypt, KSA and others.
Before we expand our discussion: Does the chapter committee have any consideration or reservations towards having a regional chapter?? Any hints of pieces of advice? Thanks --Moushira 13:50, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

As a rule, we like chapters to be constrained to politically established boundaries—usually a nation-state, sometimes a smaller area with special circumstances, but always an area in which there is a clear political boundary. This has been the case from day one. I'm eager to see an Arab chapter, because I personally know several dedicated people in a region that's historically underrepresented in the movement, but I don't think a pan-Arab chapter is the best way to go about that. Austin

11:22, 1 October 2010 (UTC)

Thank you for responding Austin. I totally understand the necessity of associating chapters with clear political and geographical boundaries due to its relationship with laws, regulations and the real on-ground activities of the chapter, but in fact, a main reason for this suggestion is providing help to a small number of users (3 or 2) who are active enough to expand the base of contributors in their local communities, yet they need help and guidance on the ground (And this is the case of most Arabic users) . I assume belonging to a regional chapter could be effective and supportive.

I totally understand that it could be not possible, but, do you have an alternative suggestion for providing regional help to users who share Wikimedia projects in similar language?

At the moment, we -scattered users of Arabic Wikimedia- are still discussing the possibilities of having this proposed chapter under the umbrella of the Arab League (AL); meaning having a Chapter headquarter in Egypt in one of the (AL) affiliated institutes while having representatives in Arab country. Would you find to be reasonable, anyway? --Moushira 14:37, 1 October 2010 (UTC)

Hi moushira, thank you for your active approach. I agree with Austin that clear political boundaries are important - partially for legal reasons (you want to be clearly situated in one single legal system, to avoid conflicts of law which you have to abide to), second also because of political reasons (We dont want to give the impression we are supporting one or the other side in a conflict). Having a chapter that covers multiple countries has of course numerous practical objections (tax statuses, privacy issues, traveling to board- and membership meetings etc) probably many of those already crossed your minds. The Arab League might be something to explore, but I expect lots of practical problems there because the league is actually pretty loose, and therefore has little overlap in legislation. Considering the high participation at Wikimania 2008 I would however expect that if you put enough effort into it, it should be possible to find 20-30 people active enough in Egypt to found an Egyptian chapter - the odds would be much better there! Wikimedia Egypt could then function as a catalyst and help other chapters-to-be. So what I would see as the most fruitful path is to look at what can be done to help Wikimedia Egypt to get founded or at least get an informal group organize activities - of course of a somewhat smaller scale than Wikimania :) Effeietsanders 15:27, 5 October 2010 (UTC)

Thank you so much Effeietsanders for your reply. I understand your concerns, but the dilemma is that with the presence of a sole Egyptian Chapter it will also have the same boundary and law concerns when it comes to acting as a catalyst on the ground, while it will lack the advantage of multi-national funding and support options of the Arabic Chapter. If we assumed that proposed chapters are going to be founded: Tunisian, Moroccan, Saudi, Algerian and Egyptian and more, while they all participate to the same Wikimedia projects, then they also will eventually have to meet up to discuss their issues--pretty much the same concerns if it is one chapter. It might also be a waste of resources to construct different chapters for the same projects where their target of outreach is also the same. I am afraid am not clear on what you mean by how loose the Arabic League is. Politics aside -in our conflict region- the League is trust worthy in education movements; for instance its Academyin Egypt hosts students from different nations and it doesn't follow the rules of Egyptian national universities, even though it is in Egypt. The model also repeats itself with other acting NGOs. Point is: The suggestion is about complicating things, just that at some point we find it selfish to establish a chapter in Egypt (which only needs finalizing serious steps as people and resources are not its problem) while other users contributing to the same Wikimedia projects will not benefit from our backup or support. Now I have two questions:

1. Will it make a difference if the Arab League has got interest and strategy to help in the issue?
2. What is the valid option for providing a chapter for scattered users who participate to the same projects while they are almost the sole participants to their projects -since Arabic is not a common second language like English, French or Spanish. IMHO this is what makes this Arabic Chapter different from a suggestion of a Southern American Chapter for instance.

Thanks again for your reply Effeietsanders :) --Moushira 22:09, 5 October 2010 (UTC)

We are trying to activate and expand user groups in Egypt, north Africa and KSA. Will see how they will work and if we can create a virtual council. Depending on results we can act accordingly! Thanks.--Moushira 17:22, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

Wikimedia CAT / Wikimedia ES

We would like to clarify a couple of e-mail exchanges on the WM ES mailing list. First Florian pointed out that somebody there was claiming that WM CAT misused WMF trademarks and also that WM CAT opposed the WM ES proposal. Then Martorell replied saying that the WM CAT proposal only used WMF trademarks to promote the proposal like any other one does; and that it has supported WM-ES and expected the same support from WM ES, which has not been granted, blaming Delphine's behaviour for this situation. And finally Delphine apologised for her behaviour in Wikimania.

We accept her apologies and also wish to apologise on behalf of the members and supporters of our proposal who made inappropriate comments. They did it due to the frustration they felt seeing the way our proposal was dealt with, without getting advice on how to reshape it in order to be approved and without any mediation between the WM-ES proposal and ours to foster a good relationship and define the rules for mutual cooperation. Nonetheless, those comments were inappropriate and we assure you we will do our best to prevent them from happening again; otherwise our association will apply the disciplinary measures laid out in our regulations.

So, from now on, we hope to enter a new stage where we can start a constructive dialogue with the members of the board to address the recognition of both chapters, in the best way to serve the projects in their respective territories. A stage where we start an open, fair and constructive dialogue between both proposals in order to define the rules of the game with regards to overlap and cooperation.

We would like to be able to count on your help in this dialogue and mediation.--Gomà 22:37, 17 November 2010 (UTC)

Apologies accepted. Best,notafish }<';> 14:17, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

1.- We belive that Florian’s message intended to show how several people were bothered that WM_CAT supporters tried to misrepresented themselves as an official Chapter. 2.- It’s true that some chapter proposals have used WMF’s logos, but always cleraly iindicating their non-offcial status. Beside, we belive that supporters of WM_CAT should have made known the overlapping problem with WM_ES, which WM_ES has make known.. 3.-Neither ChapCom nor the Board have aks us our side of this spate of event; we have absolutely no problem with providing such information to them. We also haven’t recieve any mediation proposals, nor its content. 4.-Sadly , in the lasts days, the open maling list of WM_ES has been used by supporters of WM_CAT to revile a member of the ChapCom . Due to the severity of the situation we warned them to cease immediately we would take the appropriate legal actions. Frustation cannot be an excuse for poor manners or defamation. We are pleased to hear that you’re going to take the appropriate disciplinary measures. 5.- There’re many pending questions that need to be answer regarding WM_CAT. Such as the matter of potential overlap. There is no such thing as “respective territories”: WM-ES will be working in Valencia, Cataluña and Balearic Islands too, as well as in the rest of Spain. So you see this a complex matter. Best. --Marctaltor 15:37, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

Marctaltor. On the subject of the recent happenings on the Spanish mailing list, I wish the subject to be closed, once and for all. Apologies have been offered and accepted by all parties involved, this is past and we should keep it behind us. OK? :) Gracias! notafish }<';> 15:47, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

Of course. As you wants. I promise you we never use this, and our desires to forgot all this sad incident. Best.--Marctaltor 16:04, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

I'm the reviler (excuse my poor english): As Marctaltor said I had a wrong election when I used Wikimedia España list I've have send my apologizes for it to the same list a few days ago.

I don't know why Marctaltor doesn't say it too... perhaps he is reviling WM-CAT supporters?--Mafoso 18:11, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

Yes, you do. But after we warned you. And your insinuation about I reviling WM-CAT's supporters it's not offensive because it's rídiculous.--Marctaltor 23:36, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

Accountability

I noticed this edit, apparently made by someone present at the ongoing Wikimedia Conference 2011. Does it mean that the Chapters committee no longer reports directly to the Wikimedia Board of Trustees? Whom is it accountable to currently? Regards, HaeB 14:52, 25 March 2011 (UTC)

Hi, thanks for spotting that. I am not sure who made the edit, but I'll ask around. Waiting to have an answer, I reverted the edit. notafish }<';> 16:19, 26 March 2011 (UTC)

About the Wikimedia logo

Use me, please :D

Hi.

We at the Wikimedia Colombia project workgroup have a quick question: does every Wikimedia chapter has to use the original Wikimedia Logo, or can a different one be used?

Some time ago, User:Chlewey drew a logo proposal. It uses the country's map and its flag's colors, and we would like to use it (maybe after some retouching work, but keeping the main idea).

Thanks! --Racso ^¿¿¿??? 22:00, 22 May 2011 (UTC)

Hi Racso,

The idea is indeed that all chapters use the same logo (except the text under it of course) to create a common identity. That way people can easily recognize that you are an official chapter. I'm afraid that if every chapter would start using its own logo, things would quickly become messy. Effeietsanders 22:09, 22 May 2011 (UTC)