2022 Annual General Meeting/Candidate Questions

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This page is for voters who would like to ask questions of the candidates for the 2022 Wikimedia UK Board elections. Candidates may choose to answer on this page, but they are not obliged to do so.

Further information on the candidates is available on 2022 Annual General Meeting/Candidate Statements.

Question for all candidates

Marnie Woodward: From your statements you are all involved in a wide range of projects - what is your motivation for seeking a place on the WMUK board? In light of your other commitments, will you have the time to devote to the Board, and ideally a sub-committee?

Answer from Adrian Beidas

I am standing with the intention of devoting meaningful time to support Wikimedia UK's mission. I explained my interpretation and passion for that mission in my candidate statement. My tenure as trustee of the educational charity I mentioned is coming to an end after more than six years. Whilst I have a time-consuming full time role in the financial industry, I believe that will bring connections and insights which support the achievement of Wikimedia UK's goals. Over the last year I have supported Wikimedia's Audit and Risk Committee, and intend to continue doing so.

Answer from Vivian Wineman

My motivation for standing is that I believe in this institution. I use Wikipedia all the time it was even helpful to me in obtaining my MA  and now in studying for a PhD.

I am not as busy as my bio would suggest. My biggest voluntary commitment is as a trustee of the Council of Christians and Jews which involves a lot of reading meetings and advice. I am, however, due to stand down as trustee in a few months, having served the maximum permitted time. My other position which has brought me a lot of satisfaction is President of the Institute of Polish Jewish Studies. I am a mere figurehead here. My predecessor Sir Sigmund Sternberg was in his nineties when I took over from him  and I am not expected to be much more active than he  was. The actual work is done by a group of hugely talented energetic and generous academics.

Answer from Sangeet Bhullar

Hi Marnie! I value the opportunity to be re-elected as a trustee as I believe strongly in the work of WMUK and the contribution it makes to open knowledge and education. I believe the work of WMUK is vital in the UK, yet awareness of its work in primary and secondary schools is low. I also believe that learning how content is created and edited on projects like Wikipedia and Wicipedia can go a long way in supporting the critical digital literacies we all need as digital citizens today. I would like to use the remaining time of my term (if I am re-elected) to promote awareness of WMUK’s work to educators in primary and secondary schools and colleges in the UK. Also to promote a better understanding of how young people and educators can themselves become contributors to open knowledge through Wikipedia/Wicipedia. Apart from Board meetings, I have also served on the GovCom sub-committee, and currently attend the Partnership Advisory Board as well. Being a trustee of WMUK is something I value and will therefore always prioritise timewise.