ComDev minutes 2024-12-02

Community Development Committee

Monday 2nd December 10 am - 11:30 am (online)

Welcome and apologies

Present: Caroline Ball (CB), Kiran Sahota (KS), Lucy Moore (LM)

Staff attending: Daria Cybulska (DC), Rupal Karia (RK) and Chuks Ogbonna (minuting).

Declaration of interests

None

Approval of previous minutes

The Minutes were approved.

Matters arising (CB)

CB welcomed Lucy Moore to her first meeting as a member of the committee. LM introduced herself as an ardent editor on Wikipedia and a coin specialist. Every member introduced themselves to LM and welcomed her to the meeting.

Standing Item - any Wiki issues of which we should be aware

LM highlighted a current editor community petition to the WMF not to reveal identities of editors implicated in a legal case in India. She felt this is an important reminder of the value of privacy within the contributor community, and that we should be mindful of it.

The open letter

Signpost article explaining background

Update on Train the Trainer

RK gave the report, including providing background on the programme itself, explaining how Train the Trainer is a key vehicle of volunteer skill development for us. The project was delivered successfully, with very positive feedback from participants. Full information about the programme is included in the Q3 programme narrative report as a case study. LM added that she was impressed with how flexible the event was in terms of ways of engaging with the programme (modular nature, hybrid, accessibility provisions). She also commended that the messaging around the programme made it clear that it was flexible.

The group had a discussion about the hybrid nature of the event, and benefits of delivering community building / skill development events online vs in-person.

LM suggested Trust and safety training for volunteers for the future, and Commons training.

Community Celebration report back and feedback

DC gave the report, giving detail about the delivered programme, and participants’ interactions. She commended ST and RK for organising the event.

• RK echoed DC’s thoughts and said it was a celebratory, and joyful event.

• LM, who attended the event, said she enjoyed the programme, although noted there was a significant representation from ‘professional’ Wikimedians, and that it may be good to have more focus on volunteer contributors next time.
• The group discussed the Wikimedian of the Year awards which were announced on the day, especially in terms of mechanics of nominations and choosing winners - particularly with regards to conflict of interest. CB added that she sees no issues with people nominating and/or voting for projects they are/were involved in. More clarity for the selection committee would be welcome for next year.
• There was also a suggestion to recognise longer-term contributions, and to make sure non-Wikipedia contributions are recognised.

Action Point: The WMUK Programmes team to review the UK Wikimedian of the year awards (including looking through all past winners), and bring suggestions to the next committee meeting.

Update on volunteer Project Grants

DC gave the report. So far this year we’ve had 12 applications for Project Grants, totalling requests for £2842.26. This is a significant increase compared to last year - pointing to the success that staff have had improving communication around the availability of grants, and the updated guidelines. DC outlined grants currently being set up or active.

• LM pointed out that the application page asks to either fill out a form or create a wiki page, but the second option is not available.

Action Point: WMUK Programmes team to make the Grants page clearer in terms of how to make an application (re only using the google form).

AOB

DC added that we need to fix our programme of meetings for 2025, ideally around 2 weeks before the full board meetings.

Action Point: Chuks to check and schedule the meetings for 2025.

The meeting ended at 11:20 am