Wikimedia Europe/Working Groups

How do WMEU Working Groups work?

What is specific about Wikimedia Europe’s Working Groups?

• WMEU WGs can be initiated based on request or expression of interest of WMEU member organisations’ representatives
• Every group needs to be supported by appointed WMEU Board member
• WMEU WGs work towards outcomes that benefit the network, rather than individual organisation or specific group of individuals

WMEU Working Group guiding principles

During the General Assembly in Prague on 26th April 2025, we held the first discussion on how working groups led by WMEU Board and driven by our members could be structured and implemented. Based on those insights from the community, key guiding principles were defined as below:

Create outcomes that make impact in our community

• Defined goals: The need and outcome must be defined ahead and clearly stated.
• Outcome clarity: Commitment to outcome should be defined ahead.

Build working groups that work

• Process clarity: Clarify the need and process for in-person sync, clarify collaboration process.
• Timeline: Define timeline, key milestones, principles, and deliverables.
• Facilitation: Professional facilitation must be provided (including organization, documentation, and coordination).
• Leadership: Group leadership should be separate from facilitation.
• Group size: 5–10 members; size should be appropriate for the task.
• Participation: Not everybody needs to be involved in all activities.
• Subgroups: Consider how to form subgroups for better focus.

Create healthy team culture for collaboration

• Safe space: Provide a safe environment for challenging discussion.
• Team dynamics: Consider informal/team fun to build cohesion, discuss and build intentionally team culture.
• Awareness: Be aware of dynamics around character of contribution (paid/volunteer).
• Roles: Be aware of types of contribution—expert vs. learner.
• Well-being: Check in on well-being and safety of members.

Involve and inform our community

• Transparency: Share information at the start and level the field.
• Feedback: Regular feedback is necessary to keep the group relevant.

Working Group Process

In 2025, a pilot of the Working Group process is being implemented. Pilot Guidelines are being followed by first WGs.

Current status

As of September 2025:

• WMEU AI Working Group has been launched, led by Marian Grubben (WMEU Board) marian.grubbenwikimedia-europeeu
• WMEU Strategy Working Group is planned to be launched, led by Alek Tarkowski (WMEU Board) alek.tarkowskiwikimedia-europeeu
• WMEU Diversity Working Group has not been initiated yet

Getting engaged

To join, contribute or learn more about a specific Working Group, please contact WMEU Board members leading its work. To initiate a new working group, please reach out to vananh.damwikimedia-europeeu.

Interest in participating

Three topics for potential working groups are proposed for 2025 by the WMEU team based on interest expressed by members and current needs: WMEU strategy, AI and Diversity.

Working group: WMEU Strategy

Interested in participating:

1. Rémy Gerbet WMFr
2. KuboF Hromoslav (WMEO)
3. Van Anh Dam (WMEU)
4. Bernhard (WMAT)
5. Marta Arosio (WMIT)
6. Ferdinando Traversa (WMIT)
7. Eva Martin (WMDE)
8. [add your name and organisation/community]

Interested in being informed of the work:

1. Klaul (WMROMD)
2. [add your name and organisation/community]

Working Group: AI

Interested in participating:

1. Rémy Gerbet WMFr
2. AxeAdam20
3. Bernhard (WMAT)
4. Andre WMPT
5. Eric Luth (WMSE)
6. Ferdinando Traversa (WMIT)
7. Finn Årup Nielsen (fnielsen) (talk) (WMDK)
8. Jonathan Fraine (WMDE) (talk)
9. Michael J. Oghia (Journalism Cloud Alliance)
10. [add your name and organisation/community]

Interested in being informed of the work:

1. Van Anh Dam (WMEU)
2. Klaul (WMROMD)
3. FPutz (WMF) (talk)
4. Friederike (WMDE)
5. Michele (WMEU)
6. Strainu (talk)
7. KuboF Hromoslav (WMEO)

Working Group: Diversity

Interested in participating:

1. Camelia WDG
2. Wikiesfera (Spain)
3. Michael WMSK
4. Klaul (WMROMD)
5. [add your name and organisation/community]

Interested in being informed of the work:

1. [add your name and organisation/community]