Movement roles project/Groupsdefinitions

From Meta, a Wikimedia project coordination wiki

Definitions of groups for Wikimedia movement charter as drafted 2011-8

  • The Wikimedia Foundation:
    • hosts Wikimedia project websites and content with a core responsibility of keeping the projects running and protecting them from threats (legal or otherwise)
    • convenes the global movement
    • works alongside other Wikimedian movement groups and entities to achieve the goals of the movement
    • owns trademarks, which it can license to other Wikimedian groups and entities and other external partners
    • coordinates global projects, public relations and fundraising
    • manages global flows of funds among groups and entities
    • creates decision-making processes for the Wikimedia movement, e.g. which groups and entities to recognize, which movement goals to adopt
    • creates effective, efficient, transparent, responsive and legitimate decision-making bodies for the Wikimedia movement
  • National and sub-national chapters:
    • are legally registered within their jurisdiction as a nonprofit (or equivalent) and recognized as a charity
      • Charity as a different legal meaning in every country, this should be removed
    • authorized to use the Wikimedia name for non-commercial purposes by the Wikimedia Foundation via a Board resolution and a chapter agreement
    • organize volunteer action and administer funds to support movement goals globally and locally, as agreed with the worldwide movement
    • lead programs within their jurisdiction in harmony with movement goals
    • collaborate with other Wikimedia movement groups and entities that act in their jurisdiction
    • may seek grants from the Wikimedia Foundation to support their program activities
    • may seek donations from individuals and foundations using the Wikimedia name within their jurisdiction once a chapter agreement is in place.
  • Wikimedia Partner Organizations
    • are legally registered, preferably as a nonprofit (or equivalent), recognized as a charity
    • bring together Wikimedians with a specific interest, such as a language, culture, or field
    • need not operate within geographical boundaries
    • seek grants from WMF and chapters to complete programs
    • support and work in harmony with movement goals
    • are authorized to use the Wikimedia name by the Wikimedia Foundation under a contractual agreement
  • Other geographic groups, and possibly preparing to become Chapters or Partner Organizations:
    • can raise money in their territory, but not directly via site-wide fundraisers
    • lead programs locally which support movement goals locally
    • seek grants from WMF and chapters to complete programs
    • may engage in an agreement to use the Wikimedia name
    • work closely with any chapters or other group or entity active in an overlapping region
  • Wikimedia Associations:
    • form with minimal overhead, by maintaining a wiki or webpage with their goals, and publishing their contact information.
    • support and work in harmony with movement goals
    • are recognized by a Wikimedia-wide group tracking associations
    • may seek grants from WMF or other recognized groups for their programs
    • may engage in an agreement to use the Wikimedia name