ComDev minutes 2023-09-26

Community Development Committee

Tuesday 26th September, 10 am - 11:30 am (online)

Welcome and apologies

Present: Caroline Ball, Lucy Crompton-Reid, Daria Cybulska, Kelly Foster, Sara Thomas, Rod Ward, Rupal Karia, Chuks Ogbonna (minuting).

Apologies: Nil.

Declaration of interests

None

Approval of previous minutes

Approved

Matters arising (CB)

Nil

Introducing Rupal Karia, Community and Outreach Coordinator (RK)

Rupal introduced herself to the group and greeted everyone, she explained her background and acknowledged the challenge that the new role brings to her personally, LCR thanked RK for being in the meeting despite not being her work day.

Some Trustees and staff also introduced themselves to RK. CB thanked RK as she left the meeting swiftly at 10:10 a.m.

Report from Tochi Precious (DC)

DC reported about the work that has been done with an experienced Wikimedian Tochi, she reported on the activities with the Igbo Wikimedians and some other African communities. There was also a Train the Trainer organised over the past year which was overseen by Esma Gjertsen, our former volunteer coordinator.

According to the report, there was also a writing competition and experience-sharing meetings, that produced 987 new articles by 60 editors amongst other activities.

DC suggested setting up a mentorship programme, and RW responded that there’s already an existing mentorship setup that people can take advantage of but it’s about the interest on the part of UK Wikimedian. LCR added that she would be interested in something that will be a genuine exchange of skills and not just a one-way system of knowledge transfer.
CB talked about Internet access as an issue for wikimedians in Africa, and DC talked about a grant that may be available.
KF asked what the individual mentoring would look like, and on internet access, she said one of the biggest issues is IP blocking across the continent. She suggested that the issue of IP blocking is systemic and that WMUK should consider getting involved with finding solutions to it. On the need for targeting, she hoped that it would also be reflected. She also suggested we ask WISCOM (WikiIndaba Steering Committee) what support they might need and how to contribute to WikiIndaba. She also suggests that efforts be targeted at working with communities and having a regional focus.
ST added that TRain the trainer that Tochi out together was a bit different, and wondered if a longer lead time by advertisers that are more targeted would be more helpful.
LCR concluded that building a sustained connection with African wikimedians will be good in the longer -term.

Update on Volunteers Support Network (ST)

ST gave the update mentioning that Wikimedia Argentina and Europe are in collaboration and can increase their skills and share experiences. We are in the process of putting a brief together to support our annual meeting that is aimed at spring 2024.

CB asked why people cannot take international payments and ST answered that at the state level, we can’t send money to Argentina and that’s why.

Plans for Wikimedia UK Community Day (ST)

ST recapped that there’s been a request from the Board to separate it from that AGM and Sun 26th November has been set aside for the activity, 2 persons have been confirmed already from Scotland and Wales. She updated that Wikimedian of the Year awards will be organised by Richard Nevell, we hope to offer a way to partner with the Wider Wikimedia community. She also mentioned that she’ll seek ideas from other chapters by putting a call across to some of them in the coming days.

Also, there’s a plan in place to remember members of the community who have passed away.

DC asked for suggestions for the Wiimedian of the year, and CB mentioned that Martin Poulter suggested Nick. LCR outline how the selections have been made in the past, but it will be sorted out by early November 2023.
KF asked a question about not knowing that there’s WMUK and all, the way the event will be publicised, ST mentioned our standard mailing lists and social media, and we could look at other internal processes as well.
RW said that the Geo notices that have been used in the past have not worked very well and that you need to have a certain level of permission to use them anyway. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Geonotice

Current Tensions Between WMF and Long-standing Editors (RW)

RW gave the report and mentioned the signpost note, saying how the Wikimedia Foundation is not very transparent on how they utilise funds and how the donations are not necessarily used for the projects. He mentioned the risk between the Foundation and the editing community and that that risk may affect WMUK.

KF added that one of the catalysts was the response to some of the news and the latest approaches. She added that there was considerable scepticism on how the funds were utilised and grants utilised. She recorded her surprise at the lack of awareness of the grant-making process and also some of the comments on English Wikipedia. https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Knowledge_Equity_Fund
LCR clarified that our charitable objects are a broader mission to promote anything that supports the Wikimedia projects. She mentioned that is useful for us to be aware of the ongoing discussions. She acknowledged KF’s points that contributors to English Wikipedia can sometimes show a high level of bias.
KF added something on how the English language Wikipedia works, she mentioned the diversity included in English language Wikipedia, and that there are tensions that WMUK should identify and try to work towards eradicating.

Finalising Plans for Recruitment to the Committee (LCR)

LCR gave the report and proposed changing the committee charter for this committee from 2 possible people from outside the board to 3 persons.

Action: Draft a brief role description and circulate to board members for approval

She also suggested that Daria and Sara become the standing members of the staff team instead of Herself.

Decision: Approved

Staffing for the Committee (LCR)

DC asked about what the selection criteria will be in a situation where we have many people showing interest in becoming members

AOB

KF asked if reimbursements are considered for members of the Committee, and LCR suggested that we will be considering this, but confirmed that expenses relating to the meeting will be reimbursed.

LCR and DC contributed and in the end, it was agreed that management would discuss this and get back to the group.
RW mentioned his unease with discussing it with the committee but suggested a wider discussion within the board. LCR concluded by saying that it will be discussed with the board.

CB thanked everyone for their time and for attending the meeting.

The meeting ended at 11: 40 am.