Affiliations Committee/Candidates/2023/Mwintirew

Harriet Henry Bayel

• User: Mwintirew (User account list / User page link)
• Primary Wikimedia projects: Wikipedia Wikidata Wikimedia  commons
• Language capabilities (language and level of proficiency): English (5)
• Regional experiences: Sub Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa
• What experience do you have participating on committees, within or outside the Wikimedia movement?

  Regional Grants Committee Member (Within the Movement): For two years, I have served as a Regional Grants Committee Member for the then Middle East and Africa Region, now Sub-Saharan Africa. My tenure on this committee has deepened my understanding of communities in Sub-Saharan Africa through the review of proposals. More importantly, it has equipped me with the expertise to make funding decisions and recommendations without bias. During the review process, I can objectively provide feedback and support based on the project's goals and the overall well-being of the movement. Scholarship Committee Member (Within the Movement): In addition to the above, I have also served as a Scholarship Committee Member for WikiIndaba 2017. In this role, I contributed to selecting scholarship recipients based on their applications and the stipulated criteria for selection. I was part of the session facilitating committee, LD4 Linked Data Conference, 2023. Member, Screening Committee, Wikipedia Sound Logo Member, Communication Experts Committee for Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Nigeria

• What skills, experience, or perspective would you bring or contribute to the committee, if appointed?

  If appointed to the Affiliations Committee, I would bring a wealth of experience from my two-year service as a Regional Grants Committee Member for the Middle East and Africa Region (now Sub-Saharan Africa). This role has significantly enhanced my knowledge of communities in Sub-Saharan Africa through the rigorous review of proposals. It has honed my ability to make funding decisions and recommendations without bias, ensuring a fair and objective approach. Additionally, my tenure as a Scholarship Committee Member for WikiIndaba 2017 has equipped me with valuable skills in selecting recipients based on applications and specified criteria. This experience has sharpened my judgment and decision-making abilities, which are crucial when evaluating affiliate applications and facilitating the creation of Wikimedia movement affiliates. My growth within the Wikimedia community has given me a clear and deeper understanding of how online communities collaborate. I have come to understand what it takes for communities to grow. As a committee member, I will bring my administrative and communications skills to the planning committee.  To make decision-making more participatory, I will ensure that stakeholders are well-informed through constant communication across appropriate platforms and languages. I would also be a good committee member by being approachable, maintaining good relations, and being as objective as possible.

• Is there any other pertinent information that you would like us to take into account when reviewing your application?

• Which sub-committee are you interested in working with (Conflict Intervention, Recognitions)?: Either - wherever there's a need for more sub-committee members
• What do you think are the benefits and responsibilities of functioning as formal affiliates, and when is a group of Wikimedians ready to form an affiliate?

  Becoming a formal affiliate within the Wikimedia movement offers several benefits and responsibilities. First, it grants formal recognition and enhances credibility, enabling affiliates to undertake wiki projects, secure funds, utilize official logos, and access resources. Additionally, it provides visibility within the movement through official announcements. However, with recognition comes responsibility. Affiliates are accountable for adhering to Wikimedia policies, including the friendly space policy and reporting guidelines. They play an active role in the decision-making process and contribute to movement-wide discussions. Moreover, fostering good community care is crucial for volunteer retention, and affiliates are encouraged to share their learnings and collaborate with other communities. Determining when a group of Wikimedians is ready to form an affiliate involves several factors. Firstly, a credible track record of good standing, efficient resource utilization, and well-documented use is essential. The group should also demonstrate a well-structured team capable of achieving its goals and managing the community effectively. Evidence of community existence and engagement is another vital criterion. Lastly, the absence of overlap in activities within the country or region further signifies readiness for formal affiliation.

• Please describe your experience working with conflict resolution, and how you have helped build consensus and support diversity.

  I have practical experience in conflict resolution, particularly during an incident where a community expressed dissatisfaction with our funding decision, resorting to various insinuations via email. As a community member, I actively engaged in addressing the concerns through a Zoom call, providing a platform to listen to the participants' grievances. During the call, we clarified the proposal review process and articulated the rationale behind the funding decision, fostering transparency and understanding. In terms of building consensus, I proactively seek community input through surveys, community calls, ensuring their views are considered and addressing how their needs align with the movement's policies. I facilitate a constructive dialogue to demonstrate the viability of meeting their requirements within the established framework. Moreover, in supporting diversity, I create an inclusive environment by encouraging broad participation. I strive to establish a safe space for open dialogue and provide the necessary resources to enable diverse participation within the community.

Endorsements (Harriet Henry Bayel)

1.  Oppose For now sorry, but I am not going to endorse anyone who applies for any role in WMF until they explicitly declare their commitment to the Wikimedia Foundation Guiding Principles (even if implicit commitment may be clear) or present a clear critique of them based on reasonable arguments and at least a basic proposal to improve the situation about the principles. If you answer my questions, I may change my endorsement. Thanks for understanding ;-) --KuboF Hromoslav (talk) 22:19, 13 November 2023 (UTC)
2.  Support Anthere (talk) 18:18, 14 November 2023 (UTC)
3.  Strong support Harriet Bayel stands out as a dynamic and influential Wikimedian, leaving an indelible mark across the Sub-Saharan region. Her commitment to advancing the principles of free and open knowledge has significantly enriched various projects, paving the way for accessibility to information on a global scale. She is a key figure in the Wikimedia movement and has dedicated herself to the mentorship of countless individuals in the region, nurturing and empowering them to actively engage in the movement. Her impact extends far beyond numerical measures; she has played a pivotal role in shaping the ethos of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inclusivity within the community. Having had the privilege of collaborating with Harriet on numerous projects, I have personally experienced the transformative influence of her mentorship. Her guidance has been invaluable, providing not only expertise but also fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth. Her passion for cultivating a culture of openness and learning has made her an indispensable asset to the Wikimedia community. Her tireless efforts have not only amplified the voices of underrepresented communities but have also ignited a flame of enthusiasm and dedication in those fortunate enough to be mentored by her. —Sunkanmi12^✉️
4.  Support I wholeheartedly endorse Harriet as a candidate for the Wikimedia Affiliates Committee. Her experience as a Regional Grants Committee member for the Middle East and Africa, now Sub-Saharan Africa, along with her deep understanding of the needs of Wikimedia affiliates, particularly in the developing world, makes her a valuable asset to the committee. Her expertise, communication skills, and collaborative spirit will make her an effective advocate for Wikimedia affiliates.Joris Darlington Quarshie (talk) 17:31, 16 November 2023 (UTC)