Movement Charter/Supplementary Document/Independent Dispute Resolution function

These supplementary documents are provided by the Movement Charter Drafting Committee for information purposes, and to provide further context on the Wikimedia Movement Charter’s content. They are not part of the Charter, and therefore are not included in the ratification vote, but they have been developed during the course of the MCDC’s research and consultation process. They include several types of documents:

Information on topics related to the Charter.
Suggestions for policy or process development or consideration by the Global Council after the Charter is ratified.
Processes related to the Charter ratification vote.

A function for independent dispute resolution will be created to arbitrate if decisions and disputes remain inconclusive even after reasonable efforts are made using generally accepted decision-making processes. The method to escalate a decision to the dispute resolution function can be included as part of any predetermined ratification process, or adopted from generally available policies prescribed by the Global Council and the Wikimedia Foundation.^[1] Recognizing that complex conflicts are context-dependent, this mechanism will provide procedural guidance while maintaining flexibility. If needed, independent advisors with expertise in mediation and arbitration can also be asked to participate in this process.

Notes

↑ The Independent Dispute Resolution function will become available to Wikimedia Movement Bodies. Conflicts should always be handled at the lowest possible level. The Independent Dispute Resolution function would, however, shape policies that inform how to approach lower-level conflict—for instance, conflicts between Wikimedia communities and affiliates.

[1] The Independent Dispute Resolution function will become available to Wikimedia Movement Bodies. Conflicts should always be handled at the lowest possible level. The Independent Dispute Resolution function would, however, shape policies that inform how to approach lower-level conflict—for instance, conflicts between Wikimedia communities and affiliates.

[1]