Wikimedians of the Islamic Civilization User Group/Bylaws
Introduction
[edit]This Code of Conduct is an internal document for the Wikimedians of the Islamic Civilization User Group (WICUG). Its purpose is to ensure respectful interaction among members, maintain privacy and safety, and foster a collaborative and friendly environment.
Please note: This code applies only to the internal activities of Wikimedians of the Islamic Civilisation User Group, including social media, meetings, and events organized by the group. It does not apply to Wikipedia articles or other Wikimedia projects, where the respective project’s own community rules and policies are binding.
Objectives
[edit]- Protect the dignity, safety, and well-being of all members.
- Maintain an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment.
- Ensure harmony in discussions, decision-making, and activities.
- Establish clear mechanisms for resolving complaints and addressing violations.
General Principles of Conduct
[edit]Members are expected to:
- Adhere to the Wikimedia Community Code of Conduct and Friendly Space Policy.
- Respect differences of opinion, religion, ethnicity, gender, and thought.
- Avoid personal attacks, harassment, or breaches of privacy.
- Seek consensus instead of imposing views.
- Act in good faith, with openness, patience, and collaboration.
- Avoid disruptive behavior, including inflammatory or irrelevant discussions.
Prohibited Behavior
[edit]- Personal attacks or insults.
- Harassment of any kind (verbal, written, online, or physical).
- Breach of privacy or misuse of personal information.
- Forcing personal, political, or religious views in group activities.
- Repeated disruption of meetings, online spaces, or group activities.
- Handling Violations
- Authority
- The Board of Directors of WICUG is responsible for implementing and enforcing this code.
- Warnings
- Members who commit a violation will receive a formal warning.
- Evidence
- Action will only be taken if a violation is supported by clear evidence.
Escalation
[edit]- First and second violations: Formal warnings.
- Third violation: Possible dismissal from the group, temporary or permanent, as decided by the Board.
- Reporting Misconduct
- Members can report violations by email to the official group address: [official email].
- Reports must include a description of the violation, the relevant code section, and any evidence (without infringing on privacy).
- The Board will review complaints confidentially and attempt resolution through dialogue where possible.
Membership Administration
[edit]- Dismissal: A member may be dismissed after three official warnings for violations of the Code of Conduct, or immediately in cases of severe misconduct (e.g., harassment, harm to another member).
- Rejoining: Dismissed members may reapply after 12 months with a formal written commitment to respect the Code of Conduct.
Board of Directors and Governance
[edit]- Structure
- The User Group is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of four members, each responsible for specific areas (Finance & Grants, Membership, Partnerships & Public Relations). One board member may handle multiple areas if necessary.
- Accountability
- Board members can be replaced if:
- Inactive for more than six months without justification.
- 80% of members approve a formal complaint for removal.
- Voluntary resignation.
- Appointments: Vacant board roles are filled through an open application process on Meta-Wiki. Selection is based on expertise and qualifications, not voting.
Employment Administration
[edit]- For non-board roles (e.g., Social Media Manager, Event Coordinator, Photographer):
- Roles are defined and announced publicly on mailing list of the user group.
- Applications are reviewed by the Board.
- Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.
- Selected candidates are announced to the group, with a one-week objection period.
- After review of objections (if any), the appointment is finalized.
Final Statement
[edit]This Code of Conduct reflects the values of respect, collaboration, and diversity central to Wikimedia’s mission. It is intended to protect all members, foster a safe working environment, and ensure the smooth functioning of the User Group.