Affiliations Committee/Thematic Organisation Criteria

Wikimedia thematic organisations (and user groups that apply for recognition as thematic organisations) are expected to demonstrate a history of effective programmatic work. The Affiliations Committee will evaluate groups' history using three main criteria:

1

Diversity of Activities. Thematic organisations are expected to plan and conduct a variety of different programs and events; to balance online and offline projects; to strive for continuous activity; and to conduct programs and events at least once every two months.

2

Planning and Evaluation. Thematic organisations are expected to set specific goals and targets for programs, projects, and events before executing them; to measure the results of programs, projects, and events against those targets; and to report on those results to the Wikimedia Foundation and the wider Wikimedia movement.

3

External Partnerships. Thematic organisations are expected to engage in programmatic partnerships with external groups and organizations (for example, cultural, academic, or government institutions, and so on) to promote the Wikimedia movement and to add and improve content on Wikimedia projects.

All thematic organisations and potential thematic organisations will continue to be evaluated against the existing legal, governance, and viability criteria:

4

Aligned Mission. Thematic organisations are expected to have a mission similar to the mission and vision of the Wikimedia Foundation; and to adhere to the guiding principles of the Wikimedia Foundation and the Wikimedia movement.

5

Thematic Focus. Thematic organisations must have a clearly defined cultural, linguistic, or thematic focus; and are expected to structure their activities around that focus.

6

Legal Structure. Thematic organisations must be legally incorporated entities; must be non-profit organizations (or have an equivalent legal status in their home jurisdiction); must be legally independent from the Wikimedia Foundation; and must follow all applicable laws and regulations.

7

Open Governance. Thematic organisations are expected to operate under a set of governing documents (such as bylaws) which have been approved by the Affiliations Committee; to allow new members to join; and to have a governing body that is elected by and responsible to their members.

8

Active Contributor Involvement. Thematic organisations are expected to involve at least 20 active Wikimedia contributors (individuals with at least 300 contributions to a Wikimedia project under a registered account that has existed for at least 6 months and is in good community standing).

9

Capacity. Thematic organisations are expected to demonstrate capacity to meet future responsibilities and expectations (such as organizing programs and activities; recruiting volunteers and obtaining funding; maintaining compliance with legal obligations, chapter and grant agreements, and movement best practices; and so on).