Wiki Debates/Structure & Plan

Structure of the Project

Season Duration: 2 Weeks (One debate per week)
Participants: 8 Wikimedia Affiliates (2 per debate: 1 pro, 1 against)
Format: Virtual debates via Zoom/Streamyard, with audience Q&A and vote
Moderator: Neutral facilitator with experience in Wikimedia and debate
Judges: 3-member panel (Wikimedia leadership + neutral observers)
Audience Voting: 50% audience vote, 50% judges’ score to determine winner

Schematic Diagram

Community-Driven Implementation Plan

Wiki-Debate will follow a participatory, community-led model, actively involving Wikimedia affiliates, volunteers, and experienced Wikimedians in planning, execution, and evaluation.

Phases of Implementation

Phase 1: Planning & Outreach (Month 1); * Develop a Meta-Wiki project page with concept and call for participation.; * Constitute the organizing team through an open call and selection.

Phase 2: Onboarding & Topic Finalization (Month 2); * Call for application for interested affiliates; * Organize onboarding workshops for selected affiliates.; * Hold a community poll or consultation to finalize debate topics.

Phase 3: Debate Season Launch (Months 3–4); * Host one weekly debate virtually (moderated and streamed).; * Engage global Wikimedia community via Meta, mailing lists, and social media.; * Enable live audience Q&A, community voting, and judge assessments.; * Promote multilingual accessibility by providing summaries in multiple languages.

Phase 4: Documentation & Reflection (Month 5); * Publish debate recordings on Wikimedia Commons and transcripts on Wikisource.; * Create a summary Meta report with lessons, quotes, and voting outcomes.; * Facilitate a community reflection session with participants and audience.; * Collect feedback for improvement and develop best practices guide.

Phase 5: Continuity & Expansion (Month 6); * Launch a call for next season’s host affiliate or partner.; * Develop a Wiki-Debate Toolkit based on experience.; * Encourage regional versions or youth-focused editions of Wiki-Debate.; * Integrate outcomes into Movement Strategy conversations.