Movement roles project/Charter issues

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Based on discussions at Wikimania 2010 and subsequently in various forums within the community, the charter could include:

  • Define shared principles for all entities in movement
    • common statements of mission and intended impact
    • shared values, including shared values of Wikimedia reputation
    • operating rules for transparency, etc.
    • minimum standards to join, stay, or be asked to leave
    • minimum standards for legitimacy or “representativeness”
  • Define roles and responsibilities for each type of entity in Wikimedia movement including
    • Wikimedia Foundation
    • chapters: national, sub-national
    • other groups, new types of entities
    • future governing bodies (chapter committee, chapter/volunteer council, etc.)
  • Define scope of activities for each entity
    • at a minimum, what must each entity do - what is negligence of duty
    • at a maximum, what must each entity not do - what is over-reach
    • which activities are its choice but not obligation
  • Specify roles and responsibilities for entities with regards to:
    • fundraising (e.g. 50:50 split between foundation and chapters, etc.)
    • reporting, transparency, accountability
    • contractual: license fees, trademarks, use of brand
    • mutual support among Wikimedia movement entities: how is each responsible for enabling others
    • life cycle of chapters: where is the responsibility for potential, new, nascent, dormant, moribund or defunct chapters
    • relations with volunteers otherwise unaffiliated within the Wikimedia movement
    • relations with entities beyond Wikimedia movement
    • oversight: who is responsible for monitoring, auditing and ensuring compliance
  • Define where key decisions for the movement are made (e.g. for money, resources, use of name, new initiatives):
    • by the Wikimedia Foundation
    • by the Wikimedia Foundation with other entities
    • by other Wikimedia entities: chapters, committees, etc