https://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=PhoebeWikimedia Foundation Governance Wiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T12:48:57ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.42.0-wmf.24https://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Policy_talk:Fundraising_principles&diff=241816Policy talk:Fundraising principles2014-12-05T18:23:09Z<p>Phoebe: fmting</p>
<hr />
<div>[[user:Wittylama|Wittylama]] had a few comments about fundraising principles, particularly as applied to the annual coordinated banner campaign. Reposted here:<br />
* "easily dismissible on mobile" (...the impossibly-small "x" icon to dismiss...)<br />
:: I also find it hard to use the "X" icons we have for dismissing interfaces and overlays: both these banners and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
* "Tell the OTRS team and appropriate Chapter (when applicable) when any major change (such as adding/removing a new payment method) happens in that language/country.<br />
:: A "pull" solution might be simpler here: a page that lists all such updates, so that people can go and find the information when they need it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span><br />
<br />
* "''Maximal Participation: ...we should empower individuals and groups world-wide to constructively contribute to direct messaging.''" <br />
: rather than being ambassadors for our mission, wikimedians are feeling increasingly embarrassed<br />
:: I can't speak to how different people feel, but I think having a network of tens of thousands of ambassadors is a great strength, and something we should be working through for every messaging campaign, fundraising or otherwise. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span><br />
<br />
* "''Minimal disruption: ...causing minimal disruption and annoyance for users of the projects''" <br />
: Instead, a desire to finish fundraising quickly is given higher priority.<br />
<br />
:: As you say, "less disruption" != "shorter". I wonder what the fundraising team's internal measures of disruption/annoyance are: I know they are aiming for low disruption, not just short duration. For example, we now have a larger proportion of fundraising done continuously throughout the year in part because that is less disruptive. <br />
:: I would be glad to see a longer campaign with better side effects. For instance, a campaign that leaves everyone who sees it feeling more inspired and enthusiastic, motivated to recruit others to get involved, rather than annoyed or guilty or concerned. I don't know how possible this is, but it's worth trying and striving for. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span><br />
<br />
* "Internationalism: ...our fundraising practices must support the easiest possible transfer of money internationally." <br />
: we've had the recent discussions about how donating is difficult from the Netherlands and impossible from Russia<br />
<br />
:: I don't know the answers to these specific cases, nor how long it takes to implement changes. These issues do get regular consideration; I was glad to see a number of new ways to donate implemented in the past year, regionally and globally. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 04:23, 4 December 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Transparency... ==<br />
<br />
''"All Wikimedia fundraising activities must be truthful with prospective donors."'' I'm a bit concerned at the fact that this is listed as a principle signed off by the board, yet people have reported (on wikimedia-l) at having to "set things straight" with their friends who had been shocked and surprised at the wording which was being used. -- [[User:Chuq|Chuq]] ([[User talk:Chuq|talk]]) 07:10, 4 December 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== summary of wikimedia-l thread "Fundraising banners (again)" / Nov 26, 2014 -- ==<br />
<br />
Summary of ~80 messages; editorializing by [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 18:21, 5 December 2014 (UTC) in brackets. <br />
<br />
===communication re: fundraising season===<br />
* develop banner approaches in the off-season [the fundraising team already does this, but there's desire for community discussion too]<br />
* if you do something new (in a geography etc.) make sure you communicate it to the stakeholders<br />
* fundraising team seen as sometimes unresponsive [though acknowledged that this, the en.wp fundraiser, is their biggest crunch week]<br />
* Also many thanks for the acknowledged very efficient, remarkable job at fundraising to the team; "The fundraising team is amazing at their jobs"<br />
<br />
===message content===<br />
* don't mislead about ads: potential implication that if we don't get the money we'll run ads is not ok [agreed.]<br />
* don't mislead about WMF finances: potential implication that we'll go off the air immediately if you don't donate is not ok [note, I'm not seeing this in the current message, but I may not be seeing it because every fundraising appeal I've ever gotten is crouched in crisis terms.]<br />
* message sounds like an obituary/doesn't sound like an obituary/is clear/is too American [the latter is a problem esp. with English Wikipedia messaging, I suspect]<br />
* comments about emails, too [note, previous donors get 1 email a year]<br />
* comment that 1/fundraiser a year is not true for those unlucky souls who get a/b tested<br />
* as contributors, we want to be proud of Wikimedia, and not demotivated by the banners. some find the fundraising demotivating because of above points.<br />
<br />
===banner size===<br />
* pop-ups are no good [pretty clear consensus]<br />
* sticky banners no good [I'm not sure if there's consensus on this point]<br />
* banners that obscure content are no good [note, though we agree on the principle, I am personally skeptical about the claim of this banner interfering with our mission; the content is still right there]<br />
* mobile banners too big, x to dismiss too small<br />
<br />
===brand image===<br />
* current messages are seen as harming brand image because of above content points<br />
* harming brand image is not ok [I think we're all agreed on this]<br />
* messages should encourage people to contribute content as well [def. worth exploring]<br />
* user sentiment analysis is important [possible action point: maybe user sentiment re: brand should be more highly weighted in the banner tests?]<br />
* what would happen if donors were shown financials alongside banners? [note this seems very impractical to me. The majority of donors do not have experience with big nonprofit finances or a scope of comparison. Yes, I look at the 990s of charities I give to, but I suspect I'm unusual in that way].<br />
<br />
===data===<br />
* we want all the data, because we are Wikipedians<br />
* especially .. user sentiment methodology & raw data<br />
* social media reaction: it seems very negative/more negative than past??/how much is there/should we worry about it?<br />
* how many impressions do people see? Is it really less? [note, we've been trying to optimize for fewer impressions for a long while, hence the shorter fundraiser]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Policy_talk:Fundraising_principles&diff=241815Policy talk:Fundraising principles2014-12-05T18:21:16Z<p>Phoebe: /* summary of wikimedia-l thread "Fundraising banners (again)" / Nov 26, 2014 -- */ new section</p>
<hr />
<div>[[user:Wittylama|Wittylama]] had a few comments about fundraising principles, particularly as applied to the annual coordinated banner campaign. Reposted here:<br />
* "easily dismissible on mobile" (...the impossibly-small "x" icon to dismiss...)<br />
:: I also find it hard to use the "X" icons we have for dismissing interfaces and overlays: both these banners and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
* "Tell the OTRS team and appropriate Chapter (when applicable) when any major change (such as adding/removing a new payment method) happens in that language/country.<br />
:: A "pull" solution might be simpler here: a page that lists all such updates, so that people can go and find the information when they need it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span><br />
<br />
* "''Maximal Participation: ...we should empower individuals and groups world-wide to constructively contribute to direct messaging.''" <br />
: rather than being ambassadors for our mission, wikimedians are feeling increasingly embarrassed<br />
:: I can't speak to how different people feel, but I think having a network of tens of thousands of ambassadors is a great strength, and something we should be working through for every messaging campaign, fundraising or otherwise. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span><br />
<br />
* "''Minimal disruption: ...causing minimal disruption and annoyance for users of the projects''" <br />
: Instead, a desire to finish fundraising quickly is given higher priority.<br />
<br />
:: As you say, "less disruption" != "shorter". I wonder what the fundraising team's internal measures of disruption/annoyance are: I know they are aiming for low disruption, not just short duration. For example, we now have a larger proportion of fundraising done continuously throughout the year in part because that is less disruptive. <br />
:: I would be glad to see a longer campaign with better side effects. For instance, a campaign that leaves everyone who sees it feeling more inspired and enthusiastic, motivated to recruit others to get involved, rather than annoyed or guilty or concerned. I don't know how possible this is, but it's worth trying and striving for. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span><br />
<br />
* "Internationalism: ...our fundraising practices must support the easiest possible transfer of money internationally." <br />
: we've had the recent discussions about how donating is difficult from the Netherlands and impossible from Russia<br />
<br />
:: I don't know the answers to these specific cases, nor how long it takes to implement changes. These issues do get regular consideration; I was glad to see a number of new ways to donate implemented in the past year, regionally and globally. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 04:23, 4 December 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Transparency... ==<br />
<br />
''"All Wikimedia fundraising activities must be truthful with prospective donors."'' I'm a bit concerned at the fact that this is listed as a principle signed off by the board, yet people have reported (on wikimedia-l) at having to "set things straight" with their friends who had been shocked and surprised at the wording which was being used. -- [[User:Chuq|Chuq]] ([[User talk:Chuq|talk]]) 07:10, 4 December 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== summary of wikimedia-l thread "Fundraising banners (again)" / Nov 26, 2014 -- ==<br />
<br />
Summary of ~80 messages; editorializing by [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 18:21, 5 December 2014 (UTC) in brackets. <br />
<br />
==communication re: fundraising season==<br />
* develop banner approaches in the off-season [the fundraising team<br />
already does this, but there's desire for community discussion too]<br />
* if you do something new (in a geography etc.) make sure you<br />
communicate it to the stakeholders<br />
* fundraising team seen as sometimes unresponsive [though acknowledged<br />
that this, the en.wp fundraiser, is their biggest crunch week]<br />
* Also many thanks for the acknowledged very efficient, remarkable job<br />
at fundraising to the team; "The fundraising team is amazing at their<br />
jobs"<br />
<br />
==message content==<br />
* don't mislead about ads: potential implication that if we don't get<br />
the money we'll run ads is not ok [agreed.]<br />
* don't mislead about WMF finances: potential implication that we'll<br />
go off the air immediately if you don't donate is not ok [note, I'm<br />
not seeing this in the current message, but I may not be seeing it<br />
because every fundraising appeal I've ever gotten is crouched in<br />
crisis terms.]<br />
* message sounds like an obituary/doesn't sound like an obituary/is<br />
clear/is too American [the latter is a problem esp. with English<br />
Wikipedia messaging, I suspect]<br />
* comments about emails, too [note, previous donors get 1 email a year]<br />
* comment that 1/fundraiser a year is not true for those unlucky souls<br />
who get a/b tested<br />
* as contributors, we want to be proud of Wikimedia, and not<br />
demotivated by the banners. some find the fundraising demotivating<br />
because of above points.<br />
<br />
==banner size==<br />
* pop-ups are no good [pretty clear consensus]<br />
* sticky banners no good [I'm not sure if there's consensus on this point]<br />
* banners that obscure content are no good [note, though we agree on<br />
the principle, I am personally skeptical about the claim of this<br />
banner interfering with our mission; the content is still right there]<br />
* mobile banners too big, x to dismiss too small<br />
<br />
==brand image==<br />
* current messages are seen as harming brand image because of above<br />
content points<br />
* harming brand image is not ok [I think we're all agreed on this]<br />
* messages should encourage people to contribute content as well [def.<br />
worth exploring]<br />
* user sentiment analysis is important [possible action point: maybe<br />
user sentiment re: brand should be more highly weighted in the banner<br />
tests?]<br />
* what would happen if donors were shown financials alongside banners?<br />
[note this seems very impractical to me. The majority of donors do not<br />
have experience with big nonprofit finances or a scope of comparison.<br />
Yes, I look at the 990s of charities I give to, but I suspect I'm<br />
unusual in that way].<br />
<br />
==data==<br />
* we want all the data, because we are Wikipedians<br />
* especially .. user sentiment methodology & raw data<br />
* social media reaction: it seems very negative/more negative than<br />
past??/how much is there/should we worry about it?<br />
* how many impressions do people see? Is it really less? [note, we've<br />
been trying to optimize for fewer impressions for a long while, hence<br />
the shorter fundraiser]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Board_meetings&diff=100115Board meetings2014-11-09T18:10:53Z<p>Phoebe: /* Recent meetings */ standardizing</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Message}}<br />
<div style="float:right;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
Decisions since 2006 are available at '''[[Resolutions]]'''; policies and charters can be found at [[Policies]]. Financial statements and audit reports may be found at [[Finance report]]. See also [[Messages]] for more information. Some minutes (or parts of the minutes) are confidential and recorded on the [//board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Minutes BoardWiki]. <br />
<br />
== Recent meetings ==<br />
{| cellpadding=3 cellspacing=1<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2014</h3><br />
|-<br />
| August 6-7 || [[Minutes/2014-08-06|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q3 meeting || London ([[wm2014:|Wikimania 2014]])<br />
|-<br />
| April 25 || [[Minutes/2014-04-25|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q2 meeting || San Francisco<br />
|-<br />
| January 31 - February 1 || [[Minutes/2014-01-31|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q1 meeting || San Francisco<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2013</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 24-25 || [[Minutes/2013-11-24|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q4 meeting|| San Francisco<br />
|-<br />
| August 7-8 || [[Minutes/2013-08-07|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q3 meeting|| Hong Kong ([[wm2013:|Wikimania 2013]])<br />
|-<br />
| May 4 || [[Minutes/2013-05-04|Minutes]] || Special meeting || Voice call<br />
|-<br />
| April 18-19 || [[Minutes/2013-04-18|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q2 meeting || Milan, Italy<br />
|-<br />
| February 1-2 || [[Minutes/2013-02-01|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2012</h3><br />
|-<br />
| December 27 || [[Minutes/2012-12-27|Minutes]] || Special meeting || Voice call<br />
|-<br />
| December 1 || [[Minutes/2012-12-01|Minutes]] || Fall 2012 FDC recommendations || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 26-27 || [[Minutes/2012-10-26|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| July 11 || [[Minutes/2012-07-11|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q3 meeting || Washington, DC ([[wm2012:|Wikimania 2012]])<br />
|-<br />
| June 6 || [[Minutes/2012-06-06|Minutes]] || Annual plan review (2) || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 7 || [[Minutes/2012-05-07|Minutes]] || Annual plan review (1) || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| March 30-31 || [[Minutes/2012-03-30|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting || [[m:Wikimedia Conference 2012|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| March 21 || [[Minutes/2012-03-21|Minutes]] || Fundraising and Funds Dissemination discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| February 3-4 || [[Minutes/2012-02-03|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2011</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 6 || [[Minutes/2011-11-06|Minutes]] || Movement roles discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 7–8 || [[Minutes/2011-10-07|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| August 28 || [[Minutes/2011-08-28|Minutes]] || Fundraising discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| August 3 || [[Minutes/2011-08-03|Minutes]] || Q3 meeting || Haifa, Israel<br />
|-<br />
| June 20 || [[Minutes/2011-06-20|Minutes]] || Annual Plan review || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 11 || [[Minutes/2011-05-11|Minutes]] || Annual Plan preview || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 8 || [[Minutes/2011-04-08|Minutes]] || Openness & participation || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| March 25–26 || [[Minutes/2011-03-25|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting || [[m:Chapters Meeting 2011|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| February 22 || [[Minutes/2011-02-22|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || IRC<ref>starting July 2010, we began scheduling at least one regular IRC meeting between each pair of physical meetings, and experimented with just 3 physical meetings in 2010-2011</ref><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2010</h3><br />
|-<br />
| October 8–9 || [[Minutes/October 8-9, 2010|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| August 31 || [[Minutes/August 31, 2010|Minutes]] || Strategy and Targets || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| July 7-8 || [[Minutes/July 8, 2010|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Gdansk, Poland<br />
|-<br />
| June 18 || [[Minutes/June 18, 2010|Minutes]] || Annual plan || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 18 || [[Minutes/May 18, 2010|Minutes]] || Makeup for short Q2 meeting || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 17 || [[Minutes/April 17, 2010|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting, [[w:Eyjafjallajökull|cut short]] || [[m:Chapters Meeting 2010|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| February 5–6 || [[Minutes/February 5-6, 2010|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2009</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 13–15 || [[Minutes/November 13-15, 2009|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| October 28 || [[Minutes/October 28, 2009|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| August 24–25 || [[Minutes/August 24-25, 2009|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Buenos Aires, Argentina<br />
|-<br />
| June 16 || [[Minutes/June 16, 2009|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 3–5 || [[Minutes/April 3-5, 2009|Minutes]] || Wikimedia meeting || Berlin, Germany<br />
|-<br />
| January 9–11 || [[Minutes/January 9-11, 2009|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2008</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 3 || [[Minutes/November 3, 2008|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 3–5 || [[Minutes/October 3-5, 2008|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| July 16–17 || [[Minutes/July 16-17,_2008|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Alexandria, Egypt<br />
|-<br />
| April 5–7 || [[Minutes/April 5-7, 2008|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| March 1 || [[Minutes/March 1, 2008|Minutes]] || || IRC <br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2007</h3><br />
|-<br />
| December 11 || [[Minutes/December 11, 2007|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 6–7 || [[Minutes/October 6-7, 2007|Minutes]] || [[Meetings/October 6-7, 2007|Board meeting]] || St. Petersburg, FL<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== 2004–2007 ==<br />
''A mix of meeting notes, agendas, and summary minutes''<br />
<br />
=== 2007 ===<br />
# very short board meeting during Wikimania, Taipei, Taiwan, August 2007 (no notes)<br />
# [[advisory:Meeting August 2007/Notes|Advisory board meeting]], Taipei, Taiwan, August 2007<br />
# [[Meetings/June 1-3, 2007|Board meeting]], Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 2007 (summary only)<br />
# [[Meetings/March 2007|Board meeting]], Tampa, Florida, March 2007 (summary only)<br />
# [[Meetings/Jan, 2007|Board Meeting]], Rotterdam, Netherlands, January 2007 (summary only)<br />
<br />
=== 2006 ===<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/Florida, November 2006|Board Meeting]], November, 2006, St. Petersburg, Florida<br />
# Board Meeting, October, 2006, Frankfurt, Germany (general summary only, by mail [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-October/024615.html|Election of board officers]], [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-October/024619.html|Statement of new chair]])<br />
# [[:m:Board_retreat|Board Retreat]], October 2006, Frankfurt, Germany ([[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-November/024825.html|Outcome]])<br />
# Board Meeting at Wikimania August 2006, Cambridge, MA (no notes)<br />
#* Board Panel Discussion at Wikimania, a practice continued in future years <br />
# Board meeting, January 14-15, 2006, St. Petersburg, Florida (no notes? resulting notes were sent by email about Committees and other structural ideas)<br />
# Two unofficial [[m:Wikimedia meetings#open meetings|open meetings]] were also held in early January, a practice resumed in 2009.<br />
<br />
*Note: Following the 2006 Board Retreat, the Executive Director and Chair started a weekly IRC meeting attended by most/all Board members, that ran from November through March of 2007. It also recorded minutes.<br />
<br />
=== 2005 ===<br />
<br />
''Please note that meetings listed here were not necessarily official "Board meetings", but simply meetings attending by several members of the Board. ''<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/November 13, 2005|Board meeting]], November 13, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/October 1, 2005|Budget meeting]], October 1, 2005<br />
# Board meeting with officers and chapters. September 18, 2005 (no summary?) <br />
# [[m:Fundraising_meeting%2C_September_2005|Fundraising meeting: What lessons did we learn?]] September 17, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/August 27, 2005|Open meeting]], IRC, August 27, 2005 ([[m:Open Board meeting, August 2005|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/August 18, 2005|Chapters]], August 18, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/August 14, 2005|Q3 finances]], August 14, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/June 9, 2005|Second meeting in June]], June 9, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/June 7, 2005|Bylaws meeting]], June 7, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/May 24, 2005|Second meeting in May]], May 24, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/May 16, 2005|First meeting in May]], May 16, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/March 30, 2005|Short meeting]], March 30, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/February 15, 2005|Open Board meeting]], IRC, February 15, 2005 ([[m:Open Board meeting, February 2005|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/February 7, 2005|Finance]], February 7, 2005<br />
<br />
=== 2004 ===<br />
<br />
''Please note that meetings listed here were not necessarily official "Board meetings", but simply meetings attending by several members of the Board. ''<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/November 6, 2004|Open Board meeting]], IRC, November 6 2004 ([[m:Open Board meeting, November 2004|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/October 22, 2004|Membership]], October 22, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/October 16, 2004|General Board meeting]], October 16, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/October 9, 2004|General Board meeting]], October 9, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/September 17, 2004|Fundraising and grants]], IRC, September 17, 2004 ([[m:Fundraising_meeting%2C_September_2004/Log|Full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/September 5, 2004|Wikispecies]], IRC, September 5, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/July 24, 2004|Foundation website]], July 24, 2004 ([[m:Foundation_website_meeting%2C_July_2004|summary and other links]])<br />
# [[Meetings/July 4, 2004|Initial meeting in Paris]], July 4, 2004<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Meetings|{{PAGENAME}}]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:LilaTretikov_(WMF)&diff=96702User talk:LilaTretikov (WMF)2014-05-01T19:48:37Z<p>Phoebe: blanking; talk page</p>
<hr />
<div></div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:LilaTretikov_(WMF)&diff=96701User:LilaTretikov (WMF)2014-05-01T19:47:59Z<p>Phoebe: +cat</p>
<hr />
<div>{{user info<br />
| full name = Lila Tretikov<br />
| image name = Lila_Tretikov_04_April_2014.jpg<br />
| hover text = Lila Tretikov, Executive Director<br />
| job title = Incoming Executive Director<br />
| short quote = <span></span><br />
| organization = Wikimedia Foundation<br />
| about me = '''Lila Tretikov''' is the Incoming Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides equal access to knowledge through services like Wikipedia, the world's largest encyclopedia, available in 285 languages and the fifth most popular website in the world.<br />
<br />
Lila has been a leader in the technology space for almost 15 years. Most recently, she served as the Chief Product Officer for the open-source, cloud-based software vendor [[w:SugarCRM|SugarCRM]]. SugarCRM sponsored an open source project with more than 30,000 contributors and deployed by over 1.5 million individuals in 120 countries and 26 languages. Lila’s responsibilities during her tenure included product strategy, engineering, operations, IT, product management, professional services, marketing, and user experience. Under her guidance, SugarCRM was recognized as a visionary leader in Customer Relationship Management and Lila was awarded the 9th Stevie Award For Women in Business.<br />
<br />
Lila began her career as an engineer at the Sun-Netscape Alliance working on the Java server. She later founded and grew information technology startups to offer support for customers in telecommunication, retail and banking. Her customers included Bank of America, Ameritrade, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Her work on the Human Genome Browser at Berkeley allowed her to combine her passion for large data systems with intelligent user interfaces.<br />
<br />
Born in the Soviet Union, Lila experienced first-hand the rise of openness and transparency in government through the policy of [[w:Glasnost|glasnost]]. She developed a commitment to free and open information made possible by passionate people equipped with technology; a commitment she brings to her work at the Wikimedia Foundation and in the Wikimedia movement.<br />
<br />
Lila studied Computer Science and Art at the University of California, Berkeley, where she did research work in machine learning. Lila holds patents for intelligent data mapping, dynamic language applications, and other technology innovations.<br />
| about my work = As the incoming chief executive of the WMF, I will be responsible for leading the Foundation, setting its strategy, and managing day-to-day operations. It's a central position in a complex global volunteer-driven movement, which is building the largest collection of shared knowledge in human history, used by over a half-billion people around the world.<br />
| contact me =<br />
* E-mail: lila{{@}}wikimedia.org<br />
* In the office at (415) 839-6885<br />
* My username on the projects is ''LilaTretikov''<br />
* Mailing address is Wikimedia Foundation, 149 New Montgomery Street, Sixth Floor, San Francisco CA 94105<br />
* [//twitter.com/lilatretikov LilaTretikov] on Twitter<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Wikimedia Foundation staff]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:LilaTretikov_(WMF)&diff=96700User:LilaTretikov (WMF)2014-05-01T19:47:01Z<p>Phoebe: posting userpage on behalf of LT</p>
<hr />
<div>{{user info<br />
| full name = Lila Tretikov<br />
| image name = Lila_Tretikov_04_April_2014.jpg<br />
| hover text = Lila Tretikov, Executive Director<br />
| job title = Incoming Executive Director<br />
| short quote = <span></span><br />
| organization = Wikimedia Foundation<br />
| about me = '''Lila Tretikov''' is the Incoming Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides equal access to knowledge through services like Wikipedia, the world's largest encyclopedia, available in 285 languages and the fifth most popular website in the world.<br />
<br />
Lila has been a leader in the technology space for almost 15 years. Most recently, she served as the Chief Product Officer for the open-source, cloud-based software vendor [[w:SugarCRM|SugarCRM]]. SugarCRM sponsored an open source project with more than 30,000 contributors and deployed by over 1.5 million individuals in 120 countries and 26 languages. Lila’s responsibilities during her tenure included product strategy, engineering, operations, IT, product management, professional services, marketing, and user experience. Under her guidance, SugarCRM was recognized as a visionary leader in Customer Relationship Management and Lila was awarded the 9th Stevie Award For Women in Business.<br />
<br />
Lila began her career as an engineer at the Sun-Netscape Alliance working on the Java server. She later founded and grew information technology startups to offer support for customers in telecommunication, retail and banking. Her customers included Bank of America, Ameritrade, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Her work on the Human Genome Browser at Berkeley allowed her to combine her passion for large data systems with intelligent user interfaces.<br />
<br />
Born in the Soviet Union, Lila experienced first-hand the rise of openness and transparency in government through the policy of [[w:Glasnost|glasnost]]. She developed a commitment to free and open information made possible by passionate people equipped with technology; a commitment she brings to her work at the Wikimedia Foundation and in the Wikimedia movement.<br />
<br />
Lila studied Computer Science and Art at the University of California, Berkeley, where she did research work in machine learning. Lila holds patents for intelligent data mapping, dynamic language applications, and other technology innovations.<br />
| about my work = As the incoming chief executive of the WMF, I will be responsible for leading the Foundation, setting its strategy, and managing day-to-day operations. It's a central position in a complex global volunteer-driven movement, which is building the largest collection of shared knowledge in human history, used by over a half-billion people around the world.<br />
| contact me =<br />
* E-mail: lila{{@}}wikimedia.org<br />
* In the office at (415) 839-6885<br />
* My username on the projects is ''LilaTretikov''<br />
* Mailing address is Wikimedia Foundation, 149 New Montgomery Street, Sixth Floor, San Francisco CA 94105<br />
* [//twitter.com/lilatretikov LilaTretikov] on Twitter<br />
}}</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Archive:Press_releases/WMF_announces_new_ED_Lila_Tretikov&diff=96697Archive:Press releases/WMF announces new ED Lila Tretikov2014-05-01T19:28:31Z<p>Phoebe: fix link</p>
<hr />
<div>==== Wikimedia Foundation names Lila Tretikov as its new Executive Director====<br />
<br />
(San Francisco, CA) May 1, 2014 -- The Board of Trustees of the Wikimedia Foundation today announced the appointment of the Foundation's new Executive Director, Lila Tretikov. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer for the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, the organization that operates Wikipedia, and is responsible for setting strategy and managing operations. It is a central position in a complex global volunteer-driven movement, which is building the largest collection of shared knowledge in human history, used by over a half-billion people around the world.<br />
<br />
Lila Tretikov is a respected leader in open source technology. She is known for her intellectual curiosity, highly collaborative style, and deep passion for her work. She served most recently as Chief Product Officer at SugarCRM in Cupertino, California. <br />
<br />
"As growing numbers of people around the world rely on Wikipedia and our sister projects for free information, our movement will be strengthened by the leadership of Lila Tretikov," said Wikimedia Foundation Board Chair Jan-Bart de Vreede. "She is an exceptional leader with a passion for knowledge, a deep technical and product background, and highly collaborative approach. We are all very excited to have brought her on-board. ”<br />
<br />
“When I got the news, I thought, 'This is big in every way: A big website -- the fifth most popular in the world. A big community -- 80,000 active Wikimedians from around the globe. And a big mission -- nothing less than making the sum of all human knowledge freely available to all,’” said Lila Tretikov. “When I thought about why I wanted to take on a challenge this big, the answer was clear: Becoming a Wikimedian is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”<br />
<br />
Lila spent most of her childhood in the Soviet Union. In 1994, she came to the United States to study computer science and art, combining two very different disciplines to build exceptional products for the emerging tech industry. Prior to her work at SugarCRM, Lila worked on open source projects at Sun Microsystems and designed software to provide free visualization of the newly mapped Human Genome as part of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory research. She studied at Lomonosov Moscow State University and the University of California, Berkeley.<br />
<br />
"Running the Wikimedia Foundation is a unique role that requires an unusual mix of skills and capabilities, and I think Lila has exactly what we need," said Sue Gardner, the Wikimedia Foundation's outgoing Executive Director. "The Wikimedia Foundation needs a leader who is open and flexible and consultative, but who also knows when to stand firm and be brave, particularly against efforts to censor Wikipedia or intimidate Wikipedians. I believe Lila will be flexible where possible, but firm when necessary." <br />
<br />
Lila's appointment is effective June 1, 2014, at which time Sue Gardner will become a special advisor to the Wikimedia Foundation. <br />
<br />
“On behalf of the Wikimedia movement, I would like to sincerely thank our outgoing Executive Director, Sue Gardner,” said de Vreede. "Over the past seven years Sue's leadership has built the Wikimedia Foundation from a tiny non-profit into a highly-effective, purposeful, well-funded and well-managed organization. I look forward to Sue's ongoing counsel and support in the months and years ahead." <br />
<br />
Official biography of Lila Tretikov can be found [[Lila_Tretikov|here]]. High resolution images can be found on [[:commons:Category:Lila Tretikov|Wikimedia Commons]]. A list of Questions and Answers is also [[Press_releases/QA_WMF_announces_new_ED_Lila_Tretikov|available]].<br />
<br />
;About the Wikimedia Foundation<br />
http://wikimediafoundation.org<br/><br />
http://blog.wikimedia.org<br />
<br />
The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. According to comScore Media Metrix, Wikipedia and the other projects operated by the Wikimedia Foundation receive more than 495 million unique visitors per month, making them the fifth-most popular web property worldwide (comScore, March 2014). Available in 287 languages, Wikipedia contains more than 30 million articles contributed by a global volunteer community of roughly 80,000 people. Based in San Francisco, California, the Wikimedia Foundation is an audited, 501(c)(3) charity that is funded primarily through donations and grants.<br />
<br />
Contact for press inquiries<br />
<br />
Communications, Wikimedia Foundation<br />
:+1 415-839-6885 ext 6633<br />
:jwalsh{{@}}wikimedia.org</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Archive:Press_releases/WMF_announces_new_ED_Lila_Tretikov&diff=96696Archive:Press releases/WMF announces new ED Lila Tretikov2014-05-01T19:27:30Z<p>Phoebe: fix link</p>
<hr />
<div>==== Wikimedia Foundation names Lila Tretikov as its new Executive Director====<br />
<br />
(San Francisco, CA) May 1, 2014 -- The Board of Trustees of the Wikimedia Foundation today announced the appointment of the Foundation's new Executive Director, Lila Tretikov. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer for the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, the organization that operates Wikipedia, and is responsible for setting strategy and managing operations. It is a central position in a complex global volunteer-driven movement, which is building the largest collection of shared knowledge in human history, used by over a half-billion people around the world.<br />
<br />
Lila Tretikov is a respected leader in open source technology. She is known for her intellectual curiosity, highly collaborative style, and deep passion for her work. She served most recently as Chief Product Officer at SugarCRM in Cupertino, California. <br />
<br />
"As growing numbers of people around the world rely on Wikipedia and our sister projects for free information, our movement will be strengthened by the leadership of Lila Tretikov," said Wikimedia Foundation Board Chair Jan-Bart de Vreede. "She is an exceptional leader with a passion for knowledge, a deep technical and product background, and highly collaborative approach. We are all very excited to have brought her on-board. ”<br />
<br />
“When I got the news, I thought, 'This is big in every way: A big website -- the fifth most popular in the world. A big community -- 80,000 active Wikimedians from around the globe. And a big mission -- nothing less than making the sum of all human knowledge freely available to all,’” said Lila Tretikov. “When I thought about why I wanted to take on a challenge this big, the answer was clear: Becoming a Wikimedian is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”<br />
<br />
Lila spent most of her childhood in the Soviet Union. In 1994, she came to the United States to study computer science and art, combining two very different disciplines to build exceptional products for the emerging tech industry. Prior to her work at SugarCRM, Lila worked on open source projects at Sun Microsystems and designed software to provide free visualization of the newly mapped Human Genome as part of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory research. She studied at Lomonosov Moscow State University and the University of California, Berkeley.<br />
<br />
"Running the Wikimedia Foundation is a unique role that requires an unusual mix of skills and capabilities, and I think Lila has exactly what we need," said Sue Gardner, the Wikimedia Foundation's outgoing Executive Director. "The Wikimedia Foundation needs a leader who is open and flexible and consultative, but who also knows when to stand firm and be brave, particularly against efforts to censor Wikipedia or intimidate Wikipedians. I believe Lila will be flexible where possible, but firm when necessary." <br />
<br />
Lila's appointment is effective June 1, 2014, at which time Sue Gardner will become a special advisor to the Wikimedia Foundation. <br />
<br />
“On behalf of the Wikimedia movement, I would like to sincerely thank our outgoing Executive Director, Sue Gardner,” said de Vreede. "Over the past seven years Sue's leadership has built the Wikimedia Foundation from a tiny non-profit into a highly-effective, purposeful, well-funded and well-managed organization. I look forward to Sue's ongoing counsel and support in the months and years ahead." <br />
<br />
Official biography of Lila Tretikov can be found [[Lila_Tretikov|here]]. High resolution images can be found on [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Lila_Tretikov|Wikimedia Commons]. A list of Questions and Answers is also [[Press_releases/QA_WMF_announces_new_ED_Lila_Tretikov|available]].<br />
<br />
;About the Wikimedia Foundation<br />
http://wikimediafoundation.org<br/><br />
http://blog.wikimedia.org<br />
<br />
The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. According to comScore Media Metrix, Wikipedia and the other projects operated by the Wikimedia Foundation receive more than 495 million unique visitors per month, making them the fifth-most popular web property worldwide (comScore, March 2014). Available in 287 languages, Wikipedia contains more than 30 million articles contributed by a global volunteer community of roughly 80,000 people. Based in San Francisco, California, the Wikimedia Foundation is an audited, 501(c)(3) charity that is funded primarily through donations and grants.<br />
<br />
Contact for press inquiries<br />
<br />
Communications, Wikimedia Foundation<br />
:+1 415-839-6885 ext 6633<br />
:jwalsh{{@}}wikimedia.org</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda_talk:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=337617Agenda talk:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-20T20:04:37Z<p>Phoebe: /* Reword the first sentence */ ++</p>
<hr />
<div>== User groups: 'why now' ==<br />
The consultation process could be made clearer. The last paragraph could be rewritten: <br />
: "''We consulted with AffCom and the WMF Executive Director in making this decision. The ED endorsed it, AffCom did not, but we took the committee's concerns into account.''"<br />
<span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:03, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: SJ, with all respect, your proposed text would be a slight departure from the truth and would feel disrespectful to me (and perhaps to other members of AffCom). --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:12, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Thank you, Bence. I also received a clarifying email about this today. This subthread was useful for me, since my understanding of the discussions leading up to the decision had been different. In that case, this paragraph could be removed; the end of the FAQ covers the discussion after the decision was made, and there is no need to repeat it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:23, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. I am fine with removing that sentence. --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 18:27, 11 February 2014 (UTC) <br />
<br />
Removed: "We also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account." <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 19:10, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks! -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Trust in the existing entity model ==<br />
One of the original questions was "Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea?"<br />
I switched this to the positive version of those questions. If this missed an aspect of the original, feel free to add Qs or ask for further clarity. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) ==<br />
<br />
Although I do agree that focusing on programmatic activities is more important than focusing on bylaws and necessarily requiring legal incorporation, I`m afraid there is a conceptual confusion on the statement made on that point. I would like to ask for clarification on the understanding of the user groups. I've pointed out a couple of times in Brazil that creating a user group does not necessarily mean not incorporating. As the user group page states, [[Wikimedia_user_groups|"User groups may or may not be legally incorporated entities"]]. Therefore, the difference between a user group and a chapter may be only in the relation with WMF and not on how they are formed on the ground. A user group might well be incorporated if it feels right for the group. Only WMF would not endorse this group as much as it would endorse a chapter through financial support and trademark pre-authorized use. Is that correct?--[[User:Oona|Oona]] ([[User talk:Oona|talk]]) 19:51, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: I second this question. I know some WMF board members have negative opinions about formal entities, but most volunteer work in the world is organised through associations and other formal entities, because shared rules help democracy and efficiency. In many countries, setting up an association is is a very easy and logical step, while "groups" and other abstract ideas in the air are huge bureaucratical complications.<br />
: The whole decision is all focused on money: the duty to spend money and conduct "programs"; the possibility to ask money to the WMF. What if some wikimedians just want to get together in an association? What if they don't want your dirty damned money?<br />
: Will they be allowed to set up an association with a meaningful name ("incorporated" association for some meaning of the word, depending on the country) or will you prevent them from doing so? Can they make an association and ask recognition as "user group", so they'd be called "Association wiki friends of the ice ''acting'' as [approved] Wikisource Tasmania user group" in the first two years and then "Wikisource Tasmania association" two years later after approval? Or will they need to have two separate things, the actual association and the ghost "user group" because WMF is in love with this organisational structure, possibly being forced to re-incorporate again after two years? And what sense does all this make? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 20:43, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:: I third this question. I don’t see why user groups must be ''unincorporated'' for becoming later a chapter – I quite aggree with the background decision for programmatic activity, although I find two years is a bit long by comparison with our historical time scale, and although this can also be viewed as another obstacle to creating chapters.<br />
:: For what I know in France, setting up an incorporated association is very easy and is quite an absolute condition for handling money on behalf of the group and hence doing some activities of a certain size; it is legally possible to "create" unincorporated associations but this is not widely recognised and it cannot really handle money. So in France an unincorporated user group could not healthily grow [alone] (this is a theoretical situation since in France, local user groups are financially supported by WMFR).<br />
::~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 21:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: @Oona: That is correct. The point is, you don't have to incorporate if you don't want to. Before we had a Brazilian group that was determined not to incorporate, and we pressured them to do so. Now we want to be extra clear that this is not necessary.<br />
: @Seb35: user groups can be incorporated if they so choose. However there are other options -- including having an umbrella organization that handles bank accounts for you, such as the example you give in France. <br />
: @Nemo: There's nothing wrong with formal entities. They're simply not mandatory for productivity. <br />
: A few years ago, the WMF required being a formal entity even where not needed or helpful, and did not grant (TM) rights or financial grants to individuals and ad-hoc groups; now that has changed. This is why funding and TM are mentioned here: they are part of the WMF's responsibility, and are now available to user groups as well. <br />
: There is no 'duty to spend money': to the contrary, much of the best work in our movement, both organized and unorganized, is done without it. <br />
: User groups can have meaningful names. Often the founding name is something longer and descriptive ("''Association of Tasmanian Wikisorcerors''"), but in most jurisdictions it can add other names later without reincorporating. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:43, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* Hey folks, just wanted to let you know that we are discussing this question (around incorporation) within the board as well and will try to post a longer answer soon :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:28, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::Hi all, here's an answer from the board, with some input from our legal team. <br />
::Thanks for seeking this clarification, which is completely reasonable given some of the language used. What we meant to convey by the phrase “unincorporated user group” was our intent to encourage less legalistic structures around movement organizations. That said, user groups may pursue local requirements for volunteer clubs or associations in a particular country, including incorporation when necessary for that type of club or association.<br />
<br />
::Sorry about the confusion, and I hope this helps. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 07:52, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::While well crafted - this doesn't actually address all concerns. What is meant by "necessary for that type of club or association"? What will define necessary? Necessary for them to exist? Necessary to request an outside grant? Necessary to accept sponsors at events? Necessary only if the laws otherwise prevent anything resembling an assembled group from meeting without paperwork? I recognize the legal problems with being specific - but when trying to offer clarity - I think specificity would be more helpful. Also, there are nonprofit advisors that encourage creating legal entities to shift some of the legal responsibilities associated with handling charitable money for a group from one individual to a group of people (generally a board) - does the board disagree or not share those concerns? Can the board share what evidence or logic motivates the desire for there to be less legal structure? Organizational structure with staff, bricks and mortar I get - but I have not yet understood the logic behind wanting the groups to wait as long as possible to become legal entities. So far the only arguments I have heard appear reasonable, but ultimately do not seem to show a clear understanding of the reasons affiliates develop at varying paces or sometimes fail. Keeping groups in this legal limbo for two years is not a solution to the problems being presented. --[[User:Varnent|Varnent]] ([[User talk:Varnent|talk]])<sup>([[User:Varnent#Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure|COI]])</sup> 08:20, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::::@Varnent: If I understand correctly phoebe’s last response, the Board wants to highlight the fact that the future-chapter user-groups can choose the better legal form they want – unincorporated or incorporated. ~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 15:37, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::::I think this is basically right if I'm reading the Board's sense correctly. It is a bit awkward because a better word probably could have been used other than the word “unincorporated,” as this discussion has demonstrated. To be sure, the Board will not be able to anticipate all the needs of the user group, and will leave to local applicant user groups and AffCom to determine what makes the best sense when taking into account all relevant factors - including their needs, objectives, goals, and mission. I believe the Board intends to ask that applicant user groups employ good sense and reason and avoid overly legal formalities when they are not necessary; that said, when such formalities are necessary because of local requirements, user groups may incorporate under appropriate laws, such as legal structures suited for [[w:Voluntary_association|voluntary clubs and associations]]. [[User:Geoffbrigham|Geoffbrigham]] ([[User talk:Geoffbrigham|talk]]) 21:56, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::::::Thanks for clarifying {{U|phoebe}}! That makes sense. I had imagined the main concern was to leave for user groups' discretion to incorporate or not, and in which format, but had got confused with the wording, as Geoff pointed out. Now I feel comfortable to say I read the main issue here as being to let groups grow "organically" from informal groups to legally structured groups. --[[User:Ocastro|Oona Castro]] ([[User talk:Ocastro|talk]]) 13:25, 19 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::: Apologies for not spotting this thread before posting to wikimedia-l. I said there: "The board meeting minutes specifically say "unincorporated Wikimedia user group”, though, which makes it sound like you don’t want groups to, well, incorporate. Which means people involved in those user groups take on personal liability for their activities rather than having the protection of a formal organisation, which is really bad for the volunteers should anything go badly..." From the above, I understand that the intention here is that user groups can incorporate, but I'd still like to ask about what happens with personal liability for those that don't? Thanks. [[User:Mike Peel|Mike Peel]] ([[User talk:Mike Peel|talk]]) 21:44, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::: {{ping|Mike Peel}} seems no one has replied to this yet... I think legal would be best placed to reply to this, when they get some time, but it seems to me like this is a hard/impossible question to answer because there are so many contingencies -- what the bad situation is, where the group is located and local laws, etc etc. The same is true honestly if a group is incorporated and gets sued for something; outcomes can vary depending both on local legal protections and the events. (It's hard to speculate as a non-lawyer, but even the little I know is enough to tell me it's a big question.) Fortunately I don't imagine usergroup activities being terribly controversial or lawsuit-attracting in the vast majority of cases. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 20:01, 20 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Reword the first sentence ==<br />
Per the above section, the word 'unincorporated' in the first sentence is confusing. And the motivation of the decision is unclear. <br />
<br />
I propose changing the following text:<br />
: "''must first be recognized as an unincorporated Wikimedia user group for at least two years.''"<br />
to the following:<br />
:"''must first be a [[Wikimedia user group]] for two years, to demonstrate their experience and activity.''"<br />
<br />
I believe this captures the spirit of the discussion that led to the decision. The linked page describes that user groups are meant to be lightweight and may or may not be incorporated. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 21:55, 14 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:If that is okay with the board - I think that is a good revision. Thank you SJ! --[[User:Varnent|Varnent]] ([[User talk:Varnent|talk]])<sup>([[User:Varnent#Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure|COI]])</sup> 00:29, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::I support this. [[User:Raystorm|Raystorm]] ([[User talk:Raystorm|talk]]) 11:36, 16 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::: Yep, just a note for the curious that we're discussing this on the board list too, the wheels of email turn slowly :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 20:04, 20 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Programmatic work as an informal group ==<br />
<br />
Should a group be required to be recognized as a Wikimedia user group for more than two years before considering becoming a chapter? Some groups of people have not actively sought recognition, while having done programmatic work (such as outreach, community empowerment, etc). Such groups might have asked WMF for trademark permission occasionally, but not frequently enough to seek recognition for continued permission. Or more simply, the [[Wikimedia user group]] program might have not existed when they could consider if it did. Could their previous work be taken into account when considering eligibility for a chapter, provided that the group reasonably reports (or has reported) the work it did prior to recognition? I should point out, though, that how to interpret the duration might be tricky; 3 years with a 2.5-year pause in between would not equal full 3-year activity, for example. (Disclaimer: I'm involved in an informal user group, [[東京ウィキメディアン会]].) --[[User:Whym|whym]] ([[User talk:Whym|talk]]) 05:09, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: Hello [[user:Whym|Whym]], activity and transparency are the most relevant aspects. When reviewing potential chapters, excellent past work and reports are always welcome, regardless of how the group was recognized at the time. (Similarly, being an inactive user group is no better than being an inactive informal group.)<br />
: This decision is specific about inviting potential chapters to be a user group for 2 years. If you have reasons for an exception you can ask -- you yourself use the idea of an 'informal user group', which is close to how user groups were imagined in the first place. But if your group has considered becoming a chapter in the future I would recommend becoming a user group now. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 06:21, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::{{reply to|Sj}} Thank you, I now understand this as putting more emphasis on actual work and demonstration of it, rather than formality. Most members of our group and other groups in Japan have had interest for a chapter (which is, though, not likely to happen in a foreseeable future due to lack of consistent volunteer time). For now, it sounds like we can use this occasion to recollect and publish what we did and learned in our group, and to become a WUG. :) --[[User:Whym|whym]] ([[User talk:Whym|talk]]) 10:13, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== AffCom response ==<br />
<br />
{{TNT|:Affiliations Committee/February 2014 Statement}}<br />
: Thank you Bence and AffCom, I appreciate this thoughtful reply. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:39, 20 February 2014 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda_talk:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=337616Agenda talk:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-20T20:01:31Z<p>Phoebe: /* Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) */ ++</p>
<hr />
<div>== User groups: 'why now' ==<br />
The consultation process could be made clearer. The last paragraph could be rewritten: <br />
: "''We consulted with AffCom and the WMF Executive Director in making this decision. The ED endorsed it, AffCom did not, but we took the committee's concerns into account.''"<br />
<span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:03, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: SJ, with all respect, your proposed text would be a slight departure from the truth and would feel disrespectful to me (and perhaps to other members of AffCom). --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:12, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Thank you, Bence. I also received a clarifying email about this today. This subthread was useful for me, since my understanding of the discussions leading up to the decision had been different. In that case, this paragraph could be removed; the end of the FAQ covers the discussion after the decision was made, and there is no need to repeat it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:23, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. I am fine with removing that sentence. --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 18:27, 11 February 2014 (UTC) <br />
<br />
Removed: "We also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account." <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 19:10, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks! -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Trust in the existing entity model ==<br />
One of the original questions was "Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea?"<br />
I switched this to the positive version of those questions. If this missed an aspect of the original, feel free to add Qs or ask for further clarity. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) ==<br />
<br />
Although I do agree that focusing on programmatic activities is more important than focusing on bylaws and necessarily requiring legal incorporation, I`m afraid there is a conceptual confusion on the statement made on that point. I would like to ask for clarification on the understanding of the user groups. I've pointed out a couple of times in Brazil that creating a user group does not necessarily mean not incorporating. As the user group page states, [[Wikimedia_user_groups|"User groups may or may not be legally incorporated entities"]]. Therefore, the difference between a user group and a chapter may be only in the relation with WMF and not on how they are formed on the ground. A user group might well be incorporated if it feels right for the group. Only WMF would not endorse this group as much as it would endorse a chapter through financial support and trademark pre-authorized use. Is that correct?--[[User:Oona|Oona]] ([[User talk:Oona|talk]]) 19:51, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: I second this question. I know some WMF board members have negative opinions about formal entities, but most volunteer work in the world is organised through associations and other formal entities, because shared rules help democracy and efficiency. In many countries, setting up an association is is a very easy and logical step, while "groups" and other abstract ideas in the air are huge bureaucratical complications.<br />
: The whole decision is all focused on money: the duty to spend money and conduct "programs"; the possibility to ask money to the WMF. What if some wikimedians just want to get together in an association? What if they don't want your dirty damned money?<br />
: Will they be allowed to set up an association with a meaningful name ("incorporated" association for some meaning of the word, depending on the country) or will you prevent them from doing so? Can they make an association and ask recognition as "user group", so they'd be called "Association wiki friends of the ice ''acting'' as [approved] Wikisource Tasmania user group" in the first two years and then "Wikisource Tasmania association" two years later after approval? Or will they need to have two separate things, the actual association and the ghost "user group" because WMF is in love with this organisational structure, possibly being forced to re-incorporate again after two years? And what sense does all this make? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 20:43, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:: I third this question. I don’t see why user groups must be ''unincorporated'' for becoming later a chapter – I quite aggree with the background decision for programmatic activity, although I find two years is a bit long by comparison with our historical time scale, and although this can also be viewed as another obstacle to creating chapters.<br />
:: For what I know in France, setting up an incorporated association is very easy and is quite an absolute condition for handling money on behalf of the group and hence doing some activities of a certain size; it is legally possible to "create" unincorporated associations but this is not widely recognised and it cannot really handle money. So in France an unincorporated user group could not healthily grow [alone] (this is a theoretical situation since in France, local user groups are financially supported by WMFR).<br />
::~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 21:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: @Oona: That is correct. The point is, you don't have to incorporate if you don't want to. Before we had a Brazilian group that was determined not to incorporate, and we pressured them to do so. Now we want to be extra clear that this is not necessary.<br />
: @Seb35: user groups can be incorporated if they so choose. However there are other options -- including having an umbrella organization that handles bank accounts for you, such as the example you give in France. <br />
: @Nemo: There's nothing wrong with formal entities. They're simply not mandatory for productivity. <br />
: A few years ago, the WMF required being a formal entity even where not needed or helpful, and did not grant (TM) rights or financial grants to individuals and ad-hoc groups; now that has changed. This is why funding and TM are mentioned here: they are part of the WMF's responsibility, and are now available to user groups as well. <br />
: There is no 'duty to spend money': to the contrary, much of the best work in our movement, both organized and unorganized, is done without it. <br />
: User groups can have meaningful names. Often the founding name is something longer and descriptive ("''Association of Tasmanian Wikisorcerors''"), but in most jurisdictions it can add other names later without reincorporating. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:43, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* Hey folks, just wanted to let you know that we are discussing this question (around incorporation) within the board as well and will try to post a longer answer soon :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:28, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::Hi all, here's an answer from the board, with some input from our legal team. <br />
::Thanks for seeking this clarification, which is completely reasonable given some of the language used. What we meant to convey by the phrase “unincorporated user group” was our intent to encourage less legalistic structures around movement organizations. That said, user groups may pursue local requirements for volunteer clubs or associations in a particular country, including incorporation when necessary for that type of club or association.<br />
<br />
::Sorry about the confusion, and I hope this helps. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 07:52, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::While well crafted - this doesn't actually address all concerns. What is meant by "necessary for that type of club or association"? What will define necessary? Necessary for them to exist? Necessary to request an outside grant? Necessary to accept sponsors at events? Necessary only if the laws otherwise prevent anything resembling an assembled group from meeting without paperwork? I recognize the legal problems with being specific - but when trying to offer clarity - I think specificity would be more helpful. Also, there are nonprofit advisors that encourage creating legal entities to shift some of the legal responsibilities associated with handling charitable money for a group from one individual to a group of people (generally a board) - does the board disagree or not share those concerns? Can the board share what evidence or logic motivates the desire for there to be less legal structure? Organizational structure with staff, bricks and mortar I get - but I have not yet understood the logic behind wanting the groups to wait as long as possible to become legal entities. So far the only arguments I have heard appear reasonable, but ultimately do not seem to show a clear understanding of the reasons affiliates develop at varying paces or sometimes fail. Keeping groups in this legal limbo for two years is not a solution to the problems being presented. --[[User:Varnent|Varnent]] ([[User talk:Varnent|talk]])<sup>([[User:Varnent#Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure|COI]])</sup> 08:20, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::::@Varnent: If I understand correctly phoebe’s last response, the Board wants to highlight the fact that the future-chapter user-groups can choose the better legal form they want – unincorporated or incorporated. ~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 15:37, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::::I think this is basically right if I'm reading the Board's sense correctly. It is a bit awkward because a better word probably could have been used other than the word “unincorporated,” as this discussion has demonstrated. To be sure, the Board will not be able to anticipate all the needs of the user group, and will leave to local applicant user groups and AffCom to determine what makes the best sense when taking into account all relevant factors - including their needs, objectives, goals, and mission. I believe the Board intends to ask that applicant user groups employ good sense and reason and avoid overly legal formalities when they are not necessary; that said, when such formalities are necessary because of local requirements, user groups may incorporate under appropriate laws, such as legal structures suited for [[w:Voluntary_association|voluntary clubs and associations]]. [[User:Geoffbrigham|Geoffbrigham]] ([[User talk:Geoffbrigham|talk]]) 21:56, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::::::Thanks for clarifying {{U|phoebe}}! That makes sense. I had imagined the main concern was to leave for user groups' discretion to incorporate or not, and in which format, but had got confused with the wording, as Geoff pointed out. Now I feel comfortable to say I read the main issue here as being to let groups grow "organically" from informal groups to legally structured groups. --[[User:Ocastro|Oona Castro]] ([[User talk:Ocastro|talk]]) 13:25, 19 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::: Apologies for not spotting this thread before posting to wikimedia-l. I said there: "The board meeting minutes specifically say "unincorporated Wikimedia user group”, though, which makes it sound like you don’t want groups to, well, incorporate. Which means people involved in those user groups take on personal liability for their activities rather than having the protection of a formal organisation, which is really bad for the volunteers should anything go badly..." From the above, I understand that the intention here is that user groups can incorporate, but I'd still like to ask about what happens with personal liability for those that don't? Thanks. [[User:Mike Peel|Mike Peel]] ([[User talk:Mike Peel|talk]]) 21:44, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::: {{ping|Mike Peel}} seems no one has replied to this yet... I think legal would be best placed to reply to this, when they get some time, but it seems to me like this is a hard/impossible question to answer because there are so many contingencies -- what the bad situation is, where the group is located and local laws, etc etc. The same is true honestly if a group is incorporated and gets sued for something; outcomes can vary depending both on local legal protections and the events. (It's hard to speculate as a non-lawyer, but even the little I know is enough to tell me it's a big question.) Fortunately I don't imagine usergroup activities being terribly controversial or lawsuit-attracting in the vast majority of cases. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 20:01, 20 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Reword the first sentence ==<br />
Per the above section, the word 'unincorporated' in the first sentence is confusing. And the motivation of the decision is unclear. <br />
<br />
I propose changing the following text:<br />
: "''must first be recognized as an unincorporated Wikimedia user group for at least two years.''"<br />
to the following:<br />
:"''must first be a [[Wikimedia user group]] for two years, to demonstrate their experience and activity.''"<br />
<br />
I believe this captures the spirit of the discussion that led to the decision. The linked page describes that user groups are meant to be lightweight and may or may not be incorporated. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 21:55, 14 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:If that is okay with the board - I think that is a good revision. Thank you SJ! --[[User:Varnent|Varnent]] ([[User talk:Varnent|talk]])<sup>([[User:Varnent#Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure|COI]])</sup> 00:29, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::I support this. [[User:Raystorm|Raystorm]] ([[User talk:Raystorm|talk]]) 11:36, 16 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Programmatic work as an informal group ==<br />
<br />
Should a group be required to be recognized as a Wikimedia user group for more than two years before considering becoming a chapter? Some groups of people have not actively sought recognition, while having done programmatic work (such as outreach, community empowerment, etc). Such groups might have asked WMF for trademark permission occasionally, but not frequently enough to seek recognition for continued permission. Or more simply, the [[Wikimedia user group]] program might have not existed when they could consider if it did. Could their previous work be taken into account when considering eligibility for a chapter, provided that the group reasonably reports (or has reported) the work it did prior to recognition? I should point out, though, that how to interpret the duration might be tricky; 3 years with a 2.5-year pause in between would not equal full 3-year activity, for example. (Disclaimer: I'm involved in an informal user group, [[東京ウィキメディアン会]].) --[[User:Whym|whym]] ([[User talk:Whym|talk]]) 05:09, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: Hello [[user:Whym|Whym]], activity and transparency are the most relevant aspects. When reviewing potential chapters, excellent past work and reports are always welcome, regardless of how the group was recognized at the time. (Similarly, being an inactive user group is no better than being an inactive informal group.)<br />
: This decision is specific about inviting potential chapters to be a user group for 2 years. If you have reasons for an exception you can ask -- you yourself use the idea of an 'informal user group', which is close to how user groups were imagined in the first place. But if your group has considered becoming a chapter in the future I would recommend becoming a user group now. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 06:21, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::{{reply to|Sj}} Thank you, I now understand this as putting more emphasis on actual work and demonstration of it, rather than formality. Most members of our group and other groups in Japan have had interest for a chapter (which is, though, not likely to happen in a foreseeable future due to lack of consistent volunteer time). For now, it sounds like we can use this occasion to recollect and publish what we did and learned in our group, and to become a WUG. :) --[[User:Whym|whym]] ([[User talk:Whym|talk]]) 10:13, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== AffCom response ==<br />
<br />
{{TNT|:Affiliations Committee/February 2014 Statement}}<br />
: Thank you Bence and AffCom, I appreciate this thoughtful reply. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:39, 20 February 2014 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda_talk:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=337615Agenda talk:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-20T19:39:58Z<p>Phoebe: /* AffCom response */ ++</p>
<hr />
<div>== User groups: 'why now' ==<br />
The consultation process could be made clearer. The last paragraph could be rewritten: <br />
: "''We consulted with AffCom and the WMF Executive Director in making this decision. The ED endorsed it, AffCom did not, but we took the committee's concerns into account.''"<br />
<span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:03, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: SJ, with all respect, your proposed text would be a slight departure from the truth and would feel disrespectful to me (and perhaps to other members of AffCom). --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:12, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Thank you, Bence. I also received a clarifying email about this today. This subthread was useful for me, since my understanding of the discussions leading up to the decision had been different. In that case, this paragraph could be removed; the end of the FAQ covers the discussion after the decision was made, and there is no need to repeat it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:23, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. I am fine with removing that sentence. --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 18:27, 11 February 2014 (UTC) <br />
<br />
Removed: "We also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account." <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 19:10, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks! -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Trust in the existing entity model ==<br />
One of the original questions was "Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea?"<br />
I switched this to the positive version of those questions. If this missed an aspect of the original, feel free to add Qs or ask for further clarity. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) ==<br />
<br />
Although I do agree that focusing on programmatic activities is more important than focusing on bylaws and necessarily requiring legal incorporation, I`m afraid there is a conceptual confusion on the statement made on that point. I would like to ask for clarification on the understanding of the user groups. I've pointed out a couple of times in Brazil that creating a user group does not necessarily mean not incorporating. As the user group page states, [[Wikimedia_user_groups|"User groups may or may not be legally incorporated entities"]]. Therefore, the difference between a user group and a chapter may be only in the relation with WMF and not on how they are formed on the ground. A user group might well be incorporated if it feels right for the group. Only WMF would not endorse this group as much as it would endorse a chapter through financial support and trademark pre-authorized use. Is that correct?--[[User:Oona|Oona]] ([[User talk:Oona|talk]]) 19:51, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: I second this question. I know some WMF board members have negative opinions about formal entities, but most volunteer work in the world is organised through associations and other formal entities, because shared rules help democracy and efficiency. In many countries, setting up an association is is a very easy and logical step, while "groups" and other abstract ideas in the air are huge bureaucratical complications.<br />
: The whole decision is all focused on money: the duty to spend money and conduct "programs"; the possibility to ask money to the WMF. What if some wikimedians just want to get together in an association? What if they don't want your dirty damned money?<br />
: Will they be allowed to set up an association with a meaningful name ("incorporated" association for some meaning of the word, depending on the country) or will you prevent them from doing so? Can they make an association and ask recognition as "user group", so they'd be called "Association wiki friends of the ice ''acting'' as [approved] Wikisource Tasmania user group" in the first two years and then "Wikisource Tasmania association" two years later after approval? Or will they need to have two separate things, the actual association and the ghost "user group" because WMF is in love with this organisational structure, possibly being forced to re-incorporate again after two years? And what sense does all this make? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 20:43, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:: I third this question. I don’t see why user groups must be ''unincorporated'' for becoming later a chapter – I quite aggree with the background decision for programmatic activity, although I find two years is a bit long by comparison with our historical time scale, and although this can also be viewed as another obstacle to creating chapters.<br />
:: For what I know in France, setting up an incorporated association is very easy and is quite an absolute condition for handling money on behalf of the group and hence doing some activities of a certain size; it is legally possible to "create" unincorporated associations but this is not widely recognised and it cannot really handle money. So in France an unincorporated user group could not healthily grow [alone] (this is a theoretical situation since in France, local user groups are financially supported by WMFR).<br />
::~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 21:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: @Oona: That is correct. The point is, you don't have to incorporate if you don't want to. Before we had a Brazilian group that was determined not to incorporate, and we pressured them to do so. Now we want to be extra clear that this is not necessary.<br />
: @Seb35: user groups can be incorporated if they so choose. However there are other options -- including having an umbrella organization that handles bank accounts for you, such as the example you give in France. <br />
: @Nemo: There's nothing wrong with formal entities. They're simply not mandatory for productivity. <br />
: A few years ago, the WMF required being a formal entity even where not needed or helpful, and did not grant (TM) rights or financial grants to individuals and ad-hoc groups; now that has changed. This is why funding and TM are mentioned here: they are part of the WMF's responsibility, and are now available to user groups as well. <br />
: There is no 'duty to spend money': to the contrary, much of the best work in our movement, both organized and unorganized, is done without it. <br />
: User groups can have meaningful names. Often the founding name is something longer and descriptive ("''Association of Tasmanian Wikisorcerors''"), but in most jurisdictions it can add other names later without reincorporating. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:43, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* Hey folks, just wanted to let you know that we are discussing this question (around incorporation) within the board as well and will try to post a longer answer soon :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:28, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::Hi all, here's an answer from the board, with some input from our legal team. <br />
::Thanks for seeking this clarification, which is completely reasonable given some of the language used. What we meant to convey by the phrase “unincorporated user group” was our intent to encourage less legalistic structures around movement organizations. That said, user groups may pursue local requirements for volunteer clubs or associations in a particular country, including incorporation when necessary for that type of club or association.<br />
<br />
::Sorry about the confusion, and I hope this helps. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 07:52, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::While well crafted - this doesn't actually address all concerns. What is meant by "necessary for that type of club or association"? What will define necessary? Necessary for them to exist? Necessary to request an outside grant? Necessary to accept sponsors at events? Necessary only if the laws otherwise prevent anything resembling an assembled group from meeting without paperwork? I recognize the legal problems with being specific - but when trying to offer clarity - I think specificity would be more helpful. Also, there are nonprofit advisors that encourage creating legal entities to shift some of the legal responsibilities associated with handling charitable money for a group from one individual to a group of people (generally a board) - does the board disagree or not share those concerns? Can the board share what evidence or logic motivates the desire for there to be less legal structure? Organizational structure with staff, bricks and mortar I get - but I have not yet understood the logic behind wanting the groups to wait as long as possible to become legal entities. So far the only arguments I have heard appear reasonable, but ultimately do not seem to show a clear understanding of the reasons affiliates develop at varying paces or sometimes fail. Keeping groups in this legal limbo for two years is not a solution to the problems being presented. --[[User:Varnent|Varnent]] ([[User talk:Varnent|talk]])<sup>([[User:Varnent#Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure|COI]])</sup> 08:20, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::::@Varnent: If I understand correctly phoebe’s last response, the Board wants to highlight the fact that the future-chapter user-groups can choose the better legal form they want – unincorporated or incorporated. ~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 15:37, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::::I think this is basically right if I'm reading the Board's sense correctly. It is a bit awkward because a better word probably could have been used other than the word “unincorporated,” as this discussion has demonstrated. To be sure, the Board will not be able to anticipate all the needs of the user group, and will leave to local applicant user groups and AffCom to determine what makes the best sense when taking into account all relevant factors - including their needs, objectives, goals, and mission. I believe the Board intends to ask that applicant user groups employ good sense and reason and avoid overly legal formalities when they are not necessary; that said, when such formalities are necessary because of local requirements, user groups may incorporate under appropriate laws, such as legal structures suited for [[w:Voluntary_association|voluntary clubs and associations]]. [[User:Geoffbrigham|Geoffbrigham]] ([[User talk:Geoffbrigham|talk]]) 21:56, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::::::Thanks for clarifying {{U|phoebe}}! That makes sense. I had imagined the main concern was to leave for user groups' discretion to incorporate or not, and in which format, but had got confused with the wording, as Geoff pointed out. Now I feel comfortable to say I read the main issue here as being to let groups grow "organically" from informal groups to legally structured groups. --[[User:Ocastro|Oona Castro]] ([[User talk:Ocastro|talk]]) 13:25, 19 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::: Apologies for not spotting this thread before posting to wikimedia-l. I said there: "The board meeting minutes specifically say "unincorporated Wikimedia user group”, though, which makes it sound like you don’t want groups to, well, incorporate. Which means people involved in those user groups take on personal liability for their activities rather than having the protection of a formal organisation, which is really bad for the volunteers should anything go badly..." From the above, I understand that the intention here is that user groups can incorporate, but I'd still like to ask about what happens with personal liability for those that don't? Thanks. [[User:Mike Peel|Mike Peel]] ([[User talk:Mike Peel|talk]]) 21:44, 13 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Reword the first sentence ==<br />
Per the above section, the word 'unincorporated' in the first sentence is confusing. And the motivation of the decision is unclear. <br />
<br />
I propose changing the following text:<br />
: "''must first be recognized as an unincorporated Wikimedia user group for at least two years.''"<br />
to the following:<br />
:"''must first be a [[Wikimedia user group]] for two years, to demonstrate their experience and activity.''"<br />
<br />
I believe this captures the spirit of the discussion that led to the decision. The linked page describes that user groups are meant to be lightweight and may or may not be incorporated. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 21:55, 14 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:If that is okay with the board - I think that is a good revision. Thank you SJ! --[[User:Varnent|Varnent]] ([[User talk:Varnent|talk]])<sup>([[User:Varnent#Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure|COI]])</sup> 00:29, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::I support this. [[User:Raystorm|Raystorm]] ([[User talk:Raystorm|talk]]) 11:36, 16 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Programmatic work as an informal group ==<br />
<br />
Should a group be required to be recognized as a Wikimedia user group for more than two years before considering becoming a chapter? Some groups of people have not actively sought recognition, while having done programmatic work (such as outreach, community empowerment, etc). Such groups might have asked WMF for trademark permission occasionally, but not frequently enough to seek recognition for continued permission. Or more simply, the [[Wikimedia user group]] program might have not existed when they could consider if it did. Could their previous work be taken into account when considering eligibility for a chapter, provided that the group reasonably reports (or has reported) the work it did prior to recognition? I should point out, though, that how to interpret the duration might be tricky; 3 years with a 2.5-year pause in between would not equal full 3-year activity, for example. (Disclaimer: I'm involved in an informal user group, [[東京ウィキメディアン会]].) --[[User:Whym|whym]] ([[User talk:Whym|talk]]) 05:09, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: Hello [[user:Whym|Whym]], activity and transparency are the most relevant aspects. When reviewing potential chapters, excellent past work and reports are always welcome, regardless of how the group was recognized at the time. (Similarly, being an inactive user group is no better than being an inactive informal group.)<br />
: This decision is specific about inviting potential chapters to be a user group for 2 years. If you have reasons for an exception you can ask -- you yourself use the idea of an 'informal user group', which is close to how user groups were imagined in the first place. But if your group has considered becoming a chapter in the future I would recommend becoming a user group now. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 06:21, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::{{reply to|Sj}} Thank you, I now understand this as putting more emphasis on actual work and demonstration of it, rather than formality. Most members of our group and other groups in Japan have had interest for a chapter (which is, though, not likely to happen in a foreseeable future due to lack of consistent volunteer time). For now, it sounds like we can use this occasion to recollect and publish what we did and learned in our group, and to become a WUG. :) --[[User:Whym|whym]] ([[User talk:Whym|talk]]) 10:13, 15 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== AffCom response ==<br />
<br />
{{TNT|:Affiliations Committee/February 2014 Statement}}<br />
: Thank you Bence and AffCom, I appreciate this thoughtful reply. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:39, 20 February 2014 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda_talk:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=337598Agenda talk:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-13T07:54:32Z<p>Phoebe: /* Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) */ typo</p>
<hr />
<div>== User groups: 'why now' ==<br />
The consultation process could be made clearer. The last paragraph could be rewritten: <br />
: "''We consulted with AffCom and the WMF Executive Director in making this decision. The ED endorsed it, AffCom did not, but we took the committee's concerns into account.''"<br />
<span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:03, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: SJ, with all respect, your proposed text would be a slight departure from the truth and would feel disrespectful to me (and perhaps to other members of AffCom). --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:12, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Thank you, Bence. I also received a clarifying email about this today. This subthread was useful for me, since my understanding of the discussions leading up to the decision had been different. In that case, this paragraph could be removed; the end of the FAQ covers the discussion after the decision was made, and there is no need to repeat it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:23, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. I am fine with removing that sentence. --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 18:27, 11 February 2014 (UTC) <br />
<br />
Removed: "We also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account." <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 19:10, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks! -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Trust in the existing entity model ==<br />
One of the original questions was "Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea?"<br />
I switched this to the positive version of those questions. If this missed an aspect of the original, feel free to add Qs or ask for further clarity. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) ==<br />
<br />
Although I do agree that focusing on programmatic activities is more important than focusing on bylaws and necessarily requiring legal incorporation, I`m afraid there is a conceptual confusion on the statement made on that point. I would like to ask for clarification on the understanding of the user groups. I've pointed out a couple of times in Brazil that creating a user group does not necessarily mean not incorporating. As the user group page states, [[Wikimedia_user_groups|"User groups may or may not be legally incorporated entities"]]. Therefore, the difference between a user group and a chapter may be only in the relation with WMF and not on how they are formed on the ground. A user group might well be incorporated if it feels right for the group. Only WMF would not endorse this group as much as it would endorse a chapter through financial support and trademark pre-authorized use. Is that correct?--[[User:Oona|Oona]] ([[User talk:Oona|talk]]) 19:51, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: I second this question. I know some WMF board members have negative opinions about formal entities, but most volunteer work in the world is organised through associations and other formal entities, because shared rules help democracy and efficiency. In many countries, setting up an association is is a very easy and logical step, while "groups" and other abstract ideas in the air are huge bureaucratical complications.<br />
: The whole decision is all focused on money: the duty to spend money and conduct "programs"; the possibility to ask money to the WMF. What if some wikimedians just want to get together in an association? What if they don't want your dirty damned money?<br />
: Will they be allowed to set up an association with a meaningful name ("incorporated" association for some meaning of the word, depending on the country) or will you prevent them from doing so? Can they make an association and ask recognition as "user group", so they'd be called "Association wiki friends of the ice ''acting'' as [approved] Wikisource Tasmania user group" in the first two years and then "Wikisource Tasmania association" two years later after approval? Or will they need to have two separate things, the actual association and the ghost "user group" because WMF is in love with this organisational structure, possibly being forced to re-incorporate again after two years? And what sense does all this make? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 20:43, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:: I third this question. I don’t see why user groups must be ''unincorporated'' for becoming later a chapter – I quite aggree with the background decision for programmatic activity, although I find two years is a bit long by comparison with our historical time scale, and although this can also be viewed as another obstacle to creating chapters.<br />
:: For what I know in France, setting up an incorporated association is very easy and is quite an absolute condition for handling money on behalf of the group and hence doing some activities of a certain size; it is legally possible to "create" unincorporated associations but this is not widely recognised and it cannot really handle money. So in France an unincorporated user group could not healthily grow [alone] (this is a theoretical situation since in France, local user groups are financially supported by WMFR).<br />
::~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 21:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: @Oona: That is correct. The point is, you don't have to incorporate if you don't want to. Before we had a Brazilian group that was determined not to incorporate, and we pressured them to do so. Now we want to be extra clear that this is not necessary.<br />
: @Seb35: user groups can be incorporated if they so choose. However there are other options -- including having an umbrella organization that handles bank accounts for you, such as the example you give in France. <br />
: @Nemo: There's nothing wrong with formal entities. They're simply not mandatory for productivity. <br />
: A few years ago, the WMF required being a formal entity even where not needed or helpful, and did not grant (TM) rights or financial grants to individuals and ad-hoc groups; now that has changed. This is why funding and TM are mentioned here: they are part of the WMF's responsibility, and are now available to user groups as well. <br />
: There is no 'duty to spend money': to the contrary, much of the best work in our movement, both organized and unorganized, is done without it. <br />
: User groups can have meaningful names. Often the founding name is something longer and descriptive ("''Association of Tasmanian Wikisorcerors''"), but in most jurisdictions it can add other names later without reincorporating. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:43, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* Hey folks, just wanted to let you know that we are discussing this question (around incorporation) within the board as well and will try to post a longer answer soon :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:28, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::Hi all, here's an answer from the board, with some input from our legal team. <br />
::Thanks for seeking this clarification, which is completely reasonable given some of the language used. What we meant to convey by the phrase “unincorporated user group” was our intent to encourage less legalistic structures around movement organizations. That said, user groups may pursue local requirements for volunteer clubs or associations in a particular country, including incorporation when necessary for that type of club or association.<br />
<br />
::Sorry about the confusion, and I hope this helps. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 07:52, 13 February 2014 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda_talk:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=337597Agenda talk:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-13T07:53:43Z<p>Phoebe: /* Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) */ fmt</p>
<hr />
<div>== User groups: 'why now' ==<br />
The consultation process could be made clearer. The last paragraph could be rewritten: <br />
: "''We consulted with AffCom and the WMF Executive Director in making this decision. The ED endorsed it, AffCom did not, but we took the committee's concerns into account.''"<br />
<span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:03, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: SJ, with all respect, your proposed text would be a slight departure from the truth and would feel disrespectful to me (and perhaps to other members of AffCom). --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:12, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Thank you, Bence. I also received a clarifying email about this today. This subthread was useful for me, since my understanding of the discussions leading up to the decision had been different. In that case, this paragraph could be removed; the end of the FAQ covers the discussion after the decision was made, and there is no need to repeat it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:23, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. I am fine with removing that sentence. --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 18:27, 11 February 2014 (UTC) <br />
<br />
Removed: "We also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account." <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 19:10, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks! -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Trust in the existing entity model ==<br />
One of the original questions was "Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea?"<br />
I switched this to the positive version of those questions. If this missed an aspect of the original, feel free to add Qs or ask for further clarity. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) ==<br />
<br />
Although I do agree that focusing on programmatic activities is more important than focusing on bylaws and necessarily requiring legal incorporation, I`m afraid there is a conceptual confusion on the statement made on that point. I would like to ask for clarification on the understanding of the user groups. I've pointed out a couple of times in Brazil that creating a user group does not necessarily mean not incorporating. As the user group page states, [[Wikimedia_user_groups|"User groups may or may not be legally incorporated entities"]]. Therefore, the difference between a user group and a chapter may be only in the relation with WMF and not on how they are formed on the ground. A user group might well be incorporated if it feels right for the group. Only WMF would not endorse this group as much as it would endorse a chapter through financial support and trademark pre-authorized use. Is that correct?--[[User:Oona|Oona]] ([[User talk:Oona|talk]]) 19:51, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: I second this question. I know some WMF board members have negative opinions about formal entities, but most volunteer work in the world is organised through associations and other formal entities, because shared rules help democracy and efficiency. In many countries, setting up an association is is a very easy and logical step, while "groups" and other abstract ideas in the air are huge bureaucratical complications.<br />
: The whole decision is all focused on money: the duty to spend money and conduct "programs"; the possibility to ask money to the WMF. What if some wikimedians just want to get together in an association? What if they don't want your dirty damned money?<br />
: Will they be allowed to set up an association with a meaningful name ("incorporated" association for some meaning of the word, depending on the country) or will you prevent them from doing so? Can they make an association and ask recognition as "user group", so they'd be called "Association wiki friends of the ice ''acting'' as [approved] Wikisource Tasmania user group" in the first two years and then "Wikisource Tasmania association" two years later after approval? Or will they need to have two separate things, the actual association and the ghost "user group" because WMF is in love with this organisational structure, possibly being forced to re-incorporate again after two years? And what sense does all this make? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 20:43, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:: I third this question. I don’t see why user groups must be ''unincorporated'' for becoming later a chapter – I quite aggree with the background decision for programmatic activity, although I find two years is a bit long by comparison with our historical time scale, and although this can also be viewed as another obstacle to creating chapters.<br />
:: For what I know in France, setting up an incorporated association is very easy and is quite an absolute condition for handling money on behalf of the group and hence doing some activities of a certain size; it is legally possible to "create" unincorporated associations but this is not widely recognised and it cannot really handle money. So in France an unincorporated user group could not healthily grow [alone] (this is a theoretical situation since in France, local user groups are financially supported by WMFR).<br />
::~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 21:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: @Oona: That is correct. The point is, you don't have to incorporate if you don't want to. Before we had a Brazilian group that was determined not to incorporate, and we pressured them to do so. Now we want to be extra clear that this is not necessary.<br />
: @Seb35: user groups can be incorporated if they so choose. However there are other options -- including having an umbrella organization that handles bank accounts for you, such as the example you give in France. <br />
: @Nemo: There's nothing wrong with formal entities. They're simply not mandatory for productivity. <br />
: A few years ago, the WMF required being a formal entity even where not needed or helpful, and did not grant (TM) rights or financial grants to individuals and ad-hoc groups; now that has changed. This is why funding and TM are mentioned here: they are part of the WMF's responsibility, and are now available to user groups as well. <br />
: There is no 'duty to spend money': to the contrary, much of the best work in our movement, both organized and unorganized, is done without it. <br />
: User groups can have meaningful names. Often the founding name is something longer and descriptive ("''Association of Tasmanian Wikisorcerors''"), but in most jurisdictions it can add other names later without reincorporating. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:43, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* Hey folks, just wanted to let you know that we are discussing this question (around incorporation) within the board as well and will try to post a longer answer soon :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:28, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::Hi all, here's an answer from the board, with some input from out legal team. <br />
::Thanks for seeking this clarification, which is completely reasonable given some of the language used. What we meant to convey by the phrase “unincorporated user group” was our intent to encourage less legalistic structures around movement organizations. That said, user groups may pursue local requirements for volunteer clubs or associations in a particular country, including incorporation when necessary for that type of club or association.<br />
<br />
::Sorry about the confusion, and I hope this helps. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 07:52, 13 February 2014 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda_talk:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=337596Agenda talk:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-13T07:52:43Z<p>Phoebe: /* Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) */ ++</p>
<hr />
<div>== User groups: 'why now' ==<br />
The consultation process could be made clearer. The last paragraph could be rewritten: <br />
: "''We consulted with AffCom and the WMF Executive Director in making this decision. The ED endorsed it, AffCom did not, but we took the committee's concerns into account.''"<br />
<span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:03, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: SJ, with all respect, your proposed text would be a slight departure from the truth and would feel disrespectful to me (and perhaps to other members of AffCom). --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:12, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Thank you, Bence. I also received a clarifying email about this today. This subthread was useful for me, since my understanding of the discussions leading up to the decision had been different. In that case, this paragraph could be removed; the end of the FAQ covers the discussion after the decision was made, and there is no need to repeat it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:23, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. I am fine with removing that sentence. --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 18:27, 11 February 2014 (UTC) <br />
<br />
Removed: "We also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account." <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 19:10, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks! -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Trust in the existing entity model ==<br />
One of the original questions was "Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea?"<br />
I switched this to the positive version of those questions. If this missed an aspect of the original, feel free to add Qs or ask for further clarity. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) ==<br />
<br />
Although I do agree that focusing on programmatic activities is more important than focusing on bylaws and necessarily requiring legal incorporation, I`m afraid there is a conceptual confusion on the statement made on that point. I would like to ask for clarification on the understanding of the user groups. I've pointed out a couple of times in Brazil that creating a user group does not necessarily mean not incorporating. As the user group page states, [[Wikimedia_user_groups|"User groups may or may not be legally incorporated entities"]]. Therefore, the difference between a user group and a chapter may be only in the relation with WMF and not on how they are formed on the ground. A user group might well be incorporated if it feels right for the group. Only WMF would not endorse this group as much as it would endorse a chapter through financial support and trademark pre-authorized use. Is that correct?--[[User:Oona|Oona]] ([[User talk:Oona|talk]]) 19:51, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: I second this question. I know some WMF board members have negative opinions about formal entities, but most volunteer work in the world is organised through associations and other formal entities, because shared rules help democracy and efficiency. In many countries, setting up an association is is a very easy and logical step, while "groups" and other abstract ideas in the air are huge bureaucratical complications.<br />
: The whole decision is all focused on money: the duty to spend money and conduct "programs"; the possibility to ask money to the WMF. What if some wikimedians just want to get together in an association? What if they don't want your dirty damned money?<br />
: Will they be allowed to set up an association with a meaningful name ("incorporated" association for some meaning of the word, depending on the country) or will you prevent them from doing so? Can they make an association and ask recognition as "user group", so they'd be called "Association wiki friends of the ice ''acting'' as [approved] Wikisource Tasmania user group" in the first two years and then "Wikisource Tasmania association" two years later after approval? Or will they need to have two separate things, the actual association and the ghost "user group" because WMF is in love with this organisational structure, possibly being forced to re-incorporate again after two years? And what sense does all this make? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 20:43, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:: I third this question. I don’t see why user groups must be ''unincorporated'' for becoming later a chapter – I quite aggree with the background decision for programmatic activity, although I find two years is a bit long by comparison with our historical time scale, and although this can also be viewed as another obstacle to creating chapters.<br />
:: For what I know in France, setting up an incorporated association is very easy and is quite an absolute condition for handling money on behalf of the group and hence doing some activities of a certain size; it is legally possible to "create" unincorporated associations but this is not widely recognised and it cannot really handle money. So in France an unincorporated user group could not healthily grow [alone] (this is a theoretical situation since in France, local user groups are financially supported by WMFR).<br />
::~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 21:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: @Oona: That is correct. The point is, you don't have to incorporate if you don't want to. Before we had a Brazilian group that was determined not to incorporate, and we pressured them to do so. Now we want to be extra clear that this is not necessary.<br />
: @Seb35: user groups can be incorporated if they so choose. However there are other options -- including having an umbrella organization that handles bank accounts for you, such as the example you give in France. <br />
: @Nemo: There's nothing wrong with formal entities. They're simply not mandatory for productivity. <br />
: A few years ago, the WMF required being a formal entity even where not needed or helpful, and did not grant (TM) rights or financial grants to individuals and ad-hoc groups; now that has changed. This is why funding and TM are mentioned here: they are part of the WMF's responsibility, and are now available to user groups as well. <br />
: There is no 'duty to spend money': to the contrary, much of the best work in our movement, both organized and unorganized, is done without it. <br />
: User groups can have meaningful names. Often the founding name is something longer and descriptive ("''Association of Tasmanian Wikisorcerors''"), but in most jurisdictions it can add other names later without reincorporating. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:43, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* Hey folks, just wanted to let you know that we are discussing this question (around incorporation) within the board as well and will try to post a longer answer soon :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:28, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: Hi all, here's an answer from the board, with some input from out legal team. <br />
Thanks for seeking this clarification, which is completely reasonable given some of the language used. What we meant to convey by the phrase “unincorporated user group” was our intent to encourage less legalistic structures around movement organizations. That said, user groups may pursue local requirements for volunteer clubs or associations in a particular country, including incorporation when necessary for that type of club or association.<br />
<br />
:Sorry about the confusion, and I hope this helps. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 07:52, 13 February 2014 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda_talk:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=337595Agenda talk:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-12T19:28:44Z<p>Phoebe: /* Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) */ placeholder</p>
<hr />
<div>== User groups: 'why now' ==<br />
The consultation process could be made clearer. The last paragraph could be rewritten: <br />
: "''We consulted with AffCom and the WMF Executive Director in making this decision. The ED endorsed it, AffCom did not, but we took the committee's concerns into account.''"<br />
<span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:03, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: SJ, with all respect, your proposed text would be a slight departure from the truth and would feel disrespectful to me (and perhaps to other members of AffCom). --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:12, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Thank you, Bence. I also received a clarifying email about this today. This subthread was useful for me, since my understanding of the discussions leading up to the decision had been different. In that case, this paragraph could be removed; the end of the FAQ covers the discussion after the decision was made, and there is no need to repeat it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:23, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. I am fine with removing that sentence. --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 18:27, 11 February 2014 (UTC) <br />
<br />
Removed: "We also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account." <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 19:10, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks! -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Trust in the existing entity model ==<br />
One of the original questions was "Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea?"<br />
I switched this to the positive version of those questions. If this missed an aspect of the original, feel free to add Qs or ask for further clarity. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) ==<br />
<br />
Although I do agree that focusing on programmatic activities is more important than focusing on bylaws and necessarily requiring legal incorporation, I`m afraid there is a conceptual confusion on the statement made on that point. I would like to ask for clarification on the understanding of the user groups. I've pointed out a couple of times in Brazil that creating a user group does not necessarily mean not incorporating. As the user group page states, [[Wikimedia_user_groups|"User groups may or may not be legally incorporated entities"]]. Therefore, the difference between a user group and a chapter may be only in the relation with WMF and not on how they are formed on the ground. A user group might well be incorporated if it feels right for the group. Only WMF would not endorse this group as much as it would endorse a chapter through financial support and trademark pre-authorized use. Is that correct?--[[User:Oona|Oona]] ([[User talk:Oona|talk]]) 19:51, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
: I second this question. I know some WMF board members have negative opinions about formal entities, but most volunteer work in the world is organised through associations and other formal entities, because shared rules help democracy and efficiency. In many countries, setting up an association is is a very easy and logical step, while "groups" and other abstract ideas in the air are huge bureaucratical complications.<br />
: The whole decision is all focused on money: the duty to spend money and conduct "programs"; the possibility to ask money to the WMF. What if some wikimedians just want to get together in an association? What if they don't want your dirty damned money?<br />
: Will they be allowed to set up an association with a meaningful name ("incorporated" association for some meaning of the word, depending on the country) or will you prevent them from doing so? Can they make an association and ask recognition as "user group", so they'd be called "Association wiki friends of the ice ''acting'' as [approved] Wikisource Tasmania user group" in the first two years and then "Wikisource Tasmania association" two years later after approval? Or will they need to have two separate things, the actual association and the ghost "user group" because WMF is in love with this organisational structure, possibly being forced to re-incorporate again after two years? And what sense does all this make? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 20:43, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:: I third this question. I don’t see why user groups must be ''unincorporated'' for becoming later a chapter – I quite aggree with the background decision for programmatic activity, although I find two years is a bit long by comparison with our historical time scale, and although this can also be viewed as another obstacle to creating chapters.<br />
:: For what I know in France, setting up an incorporated association is very easy and is quite an absolute condition for handling money on behalf of the group and hence doing some activities of a certain size; it is legally possible to "create" unincorporated associations but this is not widely recognised and it cannot really handle money. So in France an unincorporated user group could not healthily grow [alone] (this is a theoretical situation since in France, local user groups are financially supported by WMFR).<br />
::~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 21:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: @Oona: That is correct. The point is, you don't have to incorporate if you don't want to. Before we had a Brazilian group that was determined not to incorporate, and we pressured them to do so. Now we want to be extra clear that this is not necessary.<br />
: @Seb35: user groups can be incorporated if they so choose. However there are other options -- including having an umbrella organization that handles bank accounts for you, such as the example you give in France. <br />
: @Nemo: There's nothing wrong with formal entities. They're simply not mandatory for productivity. <br />
: A few years ago, the WMF required being a formal entity even where not needed or helpful, and did not grant (TM) rights or financial grants to individuals and ad-hoc groups; now that has changed. This is why funding and TM are mentioned here: they are part of the WMF's responsibility, and are now available to user groups as well. <br />
: There is no 'duty to spend money': to the contrary, much of the best work in our movement, both organized and unorganized, is done without it. <br />
: User groups can have meaningful names. Often the founding name is something longer and descriptive ("''Association of Tasmanian Wikisorcerors''"), but in most jurisdictions it can add other names later without reincorporating. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:43, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* Hey folks, just wanted to let you know that we are discussing this question (around incorporation) within the board as well and will try to post a longer answer soon :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:28, 12 February 2014 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda_talk:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=337593Agenda talk:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-12T00:50:17Z<p>Phoebe: /* User groups: 'why now' */ re:</p>
<hr />
<div>== User groups: 'why now' ==<br />
The consultation process could be made clearer. The last paragraph could be rewritten: <br />
: "''We consulted with AffCom and the WMF Executive Director in making this decision. The ED endorsed it, AffCom did not, but we took the committee's concerns into account.''"<br />
<span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 09:03, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: SJ, with all respect, your proposed text would be a slight departure from the truth and would feel disrespectful to me (and perhaps to other members of AffCom). --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:12, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Thank you, Bence. I also received a clarifying email about this today. This subthread was useful for me, since my understanding of the discussions leading up to the decision had been different. In that case, this paragraph could be removed; the end of the FAQ covers the discussion after the decision was made, and there is no need to repeat it. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:23, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. I am fine with removing that sentence. --[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 18:27, 11 February 2014 (UTC) <br />
<br />
Removed: "We also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account." <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 19:10, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks! -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Trust in the existing entity model ==<br />
One of the original questions was "Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea?"<br />
I switched this to the positive version of those questions. If this missed an aspect of the original, feel free to add Qs or ask for further clarity. <span style="background-color:white;color:#bbb;">&ndash;[[User:Sj|SJ]]<small>&nbsp;[[User Talk:Sj|<font style="color:#f90;">talk</font>]]&nbsp;</small></span> 18:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Concept of user group (not related to being legally incorporated) ==<br />
<br />
Although I do agree that focusing on programmatic activities is more important than focusing on bylaws and necessarily requiring legal incorporation, I`m afraid there is a conceptual confusion on the statement made on that point. I would like to ask for clarification on the understanding of the user groups. I've pointed out a couple of times in Brazil that creating a user group does not necessarily mean not incorporating. As the user group page states, [[Wikimedia_user_groups|"User groups may or may not be legally incorporated entities"]]. Therefore, the difference between a user group and a chapter may be only in the relation with WMF and not on how they are formed on the ground. A user group might well be incorporated if it feels right for the group. Only WMF would not endorse this group as much as it would endorse a chapter through financial support and trademark pre-authorized use. Is that correct?--[[User:Oona|Oona]] ([[User talk:Oona|talk]]) 19:51, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
:I second this question. I know some WMF board members have negative opinions about formal entities, but most volunteer work in the world is organised through associations and other formal entities, because shared rules help democracy and efficiency. In many countries, setting up an association is is a very easy and logical step, while "groups" and other abstract ideas in the air are huge bureaucratical complications.<br />
:The whole decision is all focused on money: the duty to spend money and conduct "programs"; the possibility to ask money to the WMF. What if some wikimedians just want to get together in an association? What if they don't want your dirty damned money?<br />
:Will they be allowed to set up an association with a meaningful name ("incorporated" association for some meaning of the word, depending on the country) or will you prevent them from doing so? Can they make an association and ask recognition as "user group", so they'd be called "Association wiki friends of the ice ''acting'' as [approved] Wikisource Tasmania user group" in the first two years and then "Wikisource Tasmania association" two years later after approval? Or will they need to have two separate things, the actual association and the ghost "user group" because WMF is in love with this organisational structure, possibly being forced to re-incorporate again after two years? And what sense does all this make? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 20:43, 11 February 2014 (UTC)<br />
::I third this question. I don’t see why user groups must be ''unincorporated'' for becoming later a chapter – I quite aggree with the background decision for programmatic activity, although I find two years is a bit long by comparison with our historical time scale, and although this can also be viewed as another obstacle to creating chapters.<br />
::For what I know in France, setting up an incorporated association is very easy and is quite an absolute condition for handling money on behalf of the group and hence doing some activities of a certain size; it is legally possible to "create" unincorporated associations but this is not widely recognised and it cannot really handle money. So in France an unincorporated user group could not healthily grow [alone] (this is a theoretical situation since in France, local user groups are financially supported by WMFR).<br />
::~ [[User:Seb35|Seb35]] [[User talk:Seb35|<small>[^_^]</small>]] 21:58, 11 February 2014 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda:2013-11/Frequently_asked_questions&diff=326590Agenda:2013-11/Frequently asked questions2014-02-11T05:44:11Z<p>Phoebe: added Category:Board of Trustees using HotCat</p>
<hr />
<div>During the November 2013 meeting, the WMF Board of Trustees made two decisions relating to movement funding and groups. These are recorded in our meeting minutes as follows: <br />
<br />
* See: [[Foundation:Minutes/2013-11-24#Movement_roles|the Board's November 24-25 minutes]] <br />
<br />
1. Starting now, the Board seeks to make the following requirement for approval of new chapters and thematic organizations: All organizations wishing to be recognized as a chapter or thematic organization must first be recognized as an unincorporated Wikimedia user group for at least two years. The WMF Board will only approve new chapters and thematic organizations that have been a user group for two years with demonstrable programmatic results, and whose application is supported by the Affiliations Committee. Applications for recognition of chapters and thematic organizations that are pending as of this date before the Affiliations Committee will be reviewed by the Board on a case-by-case basis, and the Board may waive this requirement for those pending applications as it seems appropriate.<br />
<br />
2. We expect to be capping the allocation for FDC Annual Plan funding at approximately its current amount, for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. We want to make the FDC and all recognized movement entities aware of this now, so they can plan accordingly. The amount allocated to the FDC process will be revisited during the Wikimedia movement's next strategic planning cycle, and the number may therefore change in 2016-17.<br />
<br />
We recognize that these decisions will affect many people in the movement, and so, in an attempt to anticipate and answer questions that may arise, we have created the FAQ below. <br />
<br />
== FAQ ==<br />
=== User groups === <br />
* '''What is this decision?'''<br />
We are asking that movement organizations who want to incorporate as new chapters and thematic organizations first have two years of programmatic work as a user group, and be approved by the Affiliations Committee (AffCom). <br />
<br />
Currently, groups do not need to be formed as a user group first before they apply to AffCom for potential chapter or thematic organization status; the existing process focused almost entirely on incorporation and bylaws, rather than on a history of programmatic work.<br />
<br />
* '''What has led to this decision?'''<br />
The Board recognizes the need to affiliate with one another for outreach and training, to organize work on the ground, and to support work on the projects. We support this, and want to make it less bureaucratic. We are concerned about new groups legally incorporating before they need to or are ready to, and in advance of having a record of programmatic work. Becoming a chapter or thematic organization involves much more corporate overhead, reporting and greater risk than becoming a user group, and is more work for volunteer groups that are just getting started. <br />
<br />
We also know from our history that not every group has been able to maintain their activity as a chapter. While many chapters have consistently done fantastic work, others have become inactive or have trouble with sustaining activity. We hope that the user group structure will help new volunteer groups gain a firm foundation as Wikimedia entities and do their work with a flexible and independent structure, and that applying for Chapter or Thematic Organization status will reflect the quality and consistency of program work. <br />
<br />
* '''Why now? Was there new information or new developments that led to this decision?'''<br />
<br />
There was no single event that prompted this decision; the Board reviewed its duty to the movement in recognizing movement entities, and decided that this deserved more attention. This decision was made possible by the simplified user group approval process and trademark policy, which were recently revised to to make it easier for anyone to organize Wikimedia groups and events. <br />
<br />
This decision is coordinated with the resumption of the [[Strategy|strategic planning process]], which will begin in the summer of 2014. During the planning process, we hope to develop a strategy which also covers movement roles and structures, and the rights and duties of different parts of the movement, in collaboration with the Wikimedia community. <br />
<br />
We hope that this decision will give us some time as a movement to help enable us all to consider if our movement structure is on the best possible path. We see the next two years as the time to reflect and deliberate on whether incorporating many entities is the best way forward for a movement like ours, which relies on large numbers of individual volunteers who are mostly online. <br />
<br />
We had also received a recommendation from the WMF Executive Director to make this decision, and before publishing the decision we consulted with AffCom. AffCom did not endorse this change, but we took the committee's concerns into account.<br />
<br />
* '''Has the WMF lost trust in chapters and thematic organizations? Does the WMF think chapters are a bad idea? '''<br />
<br />
No, and no. Trust is not the issue: our existing chapters and thematic organizations are composed of people we like and admire and trust. <br />
<br />
Regional and thematic groups are an integral part of Wikimedia –- they do important work, and make possible outreach, awareness, and communication across our projects and languages in a way that would not otherwise be possible. In some situations, incorporated organizations with their own staff can be the right way to empower volunteers. However, we feel that not every situation of a group of volunteers wanting to do "work on the ground" requires this structure, and we now recognize that the overhead of incorporating and having full-time staff is not always helpful or necessary. Asking groups to spend a couple of years developing programs, seeing what works and what does not, can help each group determine the best structure for them. <br />
<br />
* '''What if groups form a user group, but then lose their initiative after this waiting period to form a chapter? '''<br />
If a group cannot maintain energy over a period of two years for putting on programs as a user group, maintaining the legal requirements of being a chapter (including filing reports and paperwork) would also be difficult. All groups should do what's right for their situation, but should recognize that becoming a chapter involves greater responsibility.<br />
<br />
It already takes months to a year for groups applying to be a chapter to complete the application process, form an organization, and get their application and documents reviewed by AffCom. We expect groups interested in this to first apply to be a user group, which is a much faster process, and continue their work as a user group while exploring whether to incorporate. <br />
<br />
* '''What does this mean for groups currently applying to AffCom?''' <br />
We will look at each group that has already applied, and AffCom's recommendation for them, on a case-by-case basis. We do not want to change the rules mid-stream for these groups. We do want all groups to demonstrate programmatic activities and that they have the capacity to fulfill the expectations of a chapter or thematic organization.<br />
<br />
* '''What does this mean for groups planning to apply to AffCom soon?''' <br />
New groups considering forming a movement entity should apply to form a user group. This is a lightweight process. Groups should also apply for grants to support their work, as needed; we are committed to funding the grants program as much as is necessary to support these groups.<br />
<br />
* '''What if a user group doesn't make sense for us? We want to do a specific project, and really feel we need chapter or thematic organization status for our situation. ''' <br />
Please tell us what part of user group status is problematic, and for what reasons. We do not want to hinder planned or ambitious projects; we also do not know of any current cases where this would be a problem.<br />
<br />
=== FDC funding === <br />
* '''What is this decision?'''<br />
For the next two years, we expect to keep the level of funding for Annual Plan Grants via the FDC roughly the same; we do not expect this budget to either increase or decrease significantly. <br />
<br />
* '''Was there new information or developments that led to this decision?''' <br />
<br />
There was no single specific incident that led to this decision; however, we were concerned about the proposed and actual rate of growth for many Wikimedia entities as requested in FDC grants, and the absence of a clear way to evaluate ambitious growth against the impact of related work. <br />
<br />
The Board wanted to set a level for the next two years of FDC funding, to set expectations now for the FDC, applicants, and the new incoming WMF Executive Director. While final funding for the FDC and other grant-making programs will be determined in the annual planning process as usual, we are making and conveying this decision now so that entities can plan ahead. We feel it is important to convey this decision well in advance of budgeting for entities to give groups plenty of time to plan.<br />
<br />
This idea was discussed with the current FDC members, advisers, and support staff, and we took their advice and the current WMF Executive Director's advice into consideration when discussing this proposal as a board. We also had a successful first year of the FDC process to look at. The results of the FDC review later this year, and the start of the strategy process next year, will advise future FDC scope and funding. <br />
<br />
* '''What does this mean for organizations seeking funding through the FDC?''' <br />
Our advice is for organizations to continue to focus on programmatic work (rather than building administrative infrastructure), and to plan for FDC grants within the growth range outlined in the FDC process. This means that organizations receiving annual plan grants should not plan to dramatically increase their expenses in the coming two years unless they are also expanding their outside funding. <br />
<br />
This has always been the case - both in the FDC guidelines and empirically, looking at the growth of grants to date. We are reiterating and reinforcing it with this decision. Keeping funding levels the same for two years means that there will not be unanticipated dramatic change in the FDC budget.<br />
<br />
* '''I thought we had plenty of money. Isn't the WMF growing as well? Is this just an effort to curtail chapter growth? ''' <br />
<br />
The WMF's pace of growth has slowed considerably in the last couple of years, as we are trying to identify how we and the movement can be most effective.<br />
<br />
We are taking the long view -- today we have ample funding thanks to public support, but we want to ensure that we are not growing just because we can. We have a responsibility to ensure that our donors' money is spent well. As we explained in our [[Foundation:Minutes/2013-04-18#Guidance_for_the_FDC|Guidance for the FDC]] (published in the April 2013 Board meeting), we encourage a prudent rate of growth and institutionalization for all Wikimedia organizations, including the WMF.<br />
<br />
* '''What if a new entity applies for FDC funding in the next two years -- won't that increase competition for FDC funds? What if an entity that had been receiving major grants "converts" to FDC funding? ''' <br />
This decision is not meant to increase competition among entities. While we expect the overall total of FDC funding to remain approximately the same, we can increase the total of Annual Plan Grant/FDC funds if there are new applicants in the next two years that had previously been receiving significant grants from another process. In other words, we expect grant money to travel with any new FDC entities, to accommodate entities moving between funding paths. <br />
<br />
* '''Why did it take so long to publish these two decisions and this FAQ?''' <br />
We made these decisions in our November 2013 board meeting, and subsequently shared them with with the FDC and AffCom before making it public. AffCom had concerns about our decision, which they shared with us. We are grateful for the time and comments from both the FDC and the AffCom, which play a vital role as advisory committees. We wanted to take ample time as a Board to discuss concerns in advance of publishing our decisions, and to clarify the language we used and this FAQ accordingly. <br />
<br />
If you have additional concerns or questions, please share them, and we will answer.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Legal_talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_Handbook/Archive_1&diff=326245Legal talk:Wikimedia Foundation Board Handbook/Archive 12013-12-29T19:30:50Z<p>Phoebe: /* "non-member officers participate in Board meetings" */ re:</p>
<hr />
<div>== Translation? ==<br />
<br />
Hi!<br />
<br />
Is this stable enough to be marked for translation? :)<br />
<br />
Cheers, [[User:Jean-Frédéric|Jean-Fred]] ([[User talk:Jean-Frédéric|talk]]) 00:14, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Hi Jean-Frederic. This version is the final one for now; however, we will be updating probably once every 3-6 months, as the Board's processes change or new topics need to be addressed. Cheers, Geoff [[User:Geoffbrigham|Geoffbrigham]] ([[User talk:Geoffbrigham|talk]]) 00:25, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::Jean-Fred, there's a lot of proofreading to do, maybe we can make a pass first. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 08:32, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::[[User:Geoffbrigham|Geoff]]: Thanks for the answer. An update every 3-6 months update is manageable I think.<br />
:::[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]]: Sure <small>(I won’t have any time soon to follow up on this anyway :-)</small><br />
:::[[User:Jean-Frédéric|Jean-Fred]] ([[User talk:Jean-Frédéric|talk]]) 09:03, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Links to Meta ==<br />
<br />
Links to Meta appear to follow semi-random methods: meta:/m: interwiki links, internal links, external links. If this document needs to be interoperable on multiple wikis, we can use the "m" prefix which is designed for that purpose; otherwise, let's please use internal links. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 17:10, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
: Hello {{Ping|Nemo_bis}} the document must be interoperable, so the "m" prefix is preferred. Thanks for checking! [[User:Slaporte (WMF)|Stephen LaPorte (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Slaporte (WMF)|talk]]) 17:16, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
:: Done I think. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 12:49, 28 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== "non-member officers participate in Board meetings" ==<br />
<br />
Needs a source. Also, "participate" is too generic a term. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 17:13, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
: um... this is the source :) This is documenting the board's current practice. I think participate is a pretty common term for participating in meetings, meaning attending and contributing to discussions. Will reply to the rest of the comments in a while :) -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 19:30, 29 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Votes deprecated? ==<br />
<br />
Does the current text mean that "votes" will no longer be used? That was an [[Talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_board_manual#Votes_vs._resolutions.2C_quorum_and_required_majority|old question]] of mine ("Only resolutions seem to exist"). --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 17:35, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Board books ==<br />
<br />
[[Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_Handbook#Actions_at_Board_meetings]], "meeting minutes should be approved, certified and included in the Board books": needs to cover when resolutions' and minutes' text (including votes) becomes final and can no longer be changed by board members or others. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 17:50, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Required majorities ==<br />
<br />
I'm happy to see that now "abstention" can only mean "recusal" as [[Talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_board_manual#Votes_vs._resolutions.2C_quorum_and_required_majority|necessary]]. I don't understand where the part about "missing" went though, because everyone present votes "yes" by default but I don't see a procedure to re-check the number of attendees. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 17:50, 27 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Guiding principles ==<br />
<br />
The paragraph about [[Wikimedia Foundation Guiding Principles]] is a mess: the items don't follow the same order; sometimes they're just the first sentence of a section; sometimes they are the first sentence with some subtle differences; sometimes they appear to be a cherry-picked summary of a section. This makes this part hard to maintain and even harder to translate. I suggest to either<br />
* remove this paragraph entirely, just link the actual page and bold the most important parts there directly if needed for readability, or<br />
* transclude the relevant excerpts via [[mw:LST]] so that we don't need to retranslate (and hence check consistency) everything.<br />
--[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 12:48, 28 December 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== "questions relating to your role as a member of the Board" ==<br />
<br />
Weird passage: "feel free to ask: [...] The Chair, Vice-Chair, or Executive Director for questions relating to your role as a member of the Board". The role of the board is determined by (the law and) the board itself, moreover the ED has an obvious conflict of interest. Only chair and vice-chair are relevant and appropriate here. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 12:55, 28 December 2013 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Board_meetings&diff=94511Board meetings2013-11-27T06:16:23Z<p>Phoebe: /* Recent meetings */ names</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Message}}<br />
<div style="float:right;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
Decisions since 2006 are available at '''[[Resolutions]]'''; policies and charters can be found at [[Policies]]. Financial statements and audit reports may be found at [[Finance report]]. See also [[Messages]] for more information. Some minutes (or parts of the minutes) are confidential and recorded on the [//board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Minutes BoardWiki]. <br />
<br />
== Recent meetings ==<br />
{| cellpadding=3 cellspacing=1<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2013</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 24-25 || Minutes || Scheduled Q4 meeting|| San Francisco<br />
|-<br />
| August 7-8 || [[Minutes/2013-08-07|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q3 meeting|| Hong Kong ([[wm2013:|Wikimania 2013]])<br />
|-<br />
| May 4 || [[Minutes/2013-05-04|Minutes]] || Special meeting || Voice call<br />
|-<br />
| April 18-19 || [[Minutes/2013-04-18|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q2 meeting || Milan, Italy<br />
|-<br />
| February 1-2 || [[Minutes/2013-02-01|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2012</h3><br />
|-<br />
| December 27 || [[Minutes/2012-12-27|Minutes]] || Special meeting || Voice call<br />
|-<br />
| December 1 || [[Minutes/2012-12-01|Minutes]] || Fall 2012 FDC recommendations || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 26-27 || [[Minutes/2012-10-26|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| July 11 || [[Minutes/2012-07-11|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q3 meeting || Washington, DC ([[wm2012:|Wikimania 2012]])<br />
|-<br />
| June 6 || [[Minutes/2012-06-06|Minutes]] || Annual plan review (2) || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 7 || [[Minutes/2012-05-07|Minutes]] || Annual plan review (1) || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| March 30-31 || [[Minutes/2012-03-30|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting || [[m:Wikimedia Conference 2012|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| March 21 || [[Minutes/2012-03-21|Minutes]] || Fundraising and Funds Dissemination discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| February 3-4 || [[Minutes/2012-02-03|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2011</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 6 || [[Minutes/2011-11-06|Minutes]] || Movement roles discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 7–8 || [[Minutes/2011-10-07|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| August 28 || [[Minutes/2011-08-28|Minutes]] || Fundraising discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| August 3 || [[Minutes/2011-08-03|Minutes]] || Q3 meeting || Haifa, Israel<br />
|-<br />
| June 20 || [[Minutes/2011-06-20|Minutes]] || Annual Plan review || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 11 || [[Minutes/2011-05-11|Minutes]] || Annual Plan preview || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 8 || [[Minutes/2011-04-08|Minutes]] || Openness & participation || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| March 25–26 || [[Minutes/2011-03-25|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting || [[m:Chapters Meeting 2011|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| February 22 || [[Minutes/2011-02-22|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || IRC<ref>starting July 2010, we began scheduling at least one regular IRC meeting between each pair of physical meetings, and experimented with just 3 physical meetings in 2010-2011</ref><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2010</h3><br />
|-<br />
| October 8–9 || [[Minutes/October 8-9, 2010|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| August 31 || [[Minutes/August 31, 2010|Minutes]] || Strategy and Targets || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| July 7-8 || [[Minutes/July 8, 2010|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Gdansk, Poland<br />
|-<br />
| June 18 || [[Minutes/June 18, 2010|Minutes]] || Annual plan || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 18 || [[Minutes/May 18, 2010|Minutes]] || Makeup for short Q2 meeting || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 17 || [[Minutes/April 17, 2010|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting, [[w:Eyjafjallajökull|cut short]] || [[m:Chapters Meeting 2010|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| February 5–6 || [[Minutes/February 5-6, 2010|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2009</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 13–15 || [[Minutes/November 13-15, 2009|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| October 28 || [[Minutes/October 28, 2009|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| August 24–25 || [[Minutes/August 24-25, 2009|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Buenos Aires, Argentina<br />
|-<br />
| June 16 || [[Minutes/June 16, 2009|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 3–5 || [[Minutes/April 3-5, 2009|Minutes]] || Wikimedia meeting || Berlin, Germany<br />
|-<br />
| January 9–11 || [[Minutes/January 9-11, 2009|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2008</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 3 || [[Minutes/November 3, 2008|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 3–5 || [[Minutes/October 3-5, 2008|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| July 16–17 || [[Minutes/July 16-17,_2008|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Alexandria, Egypt<br />
|-<br />
| April 5–7 || [[Minutes/April 5-7, 2008|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| March 1 || [[Minutes/March 1, 2008|Minutes]] || || IRC <br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2007</h3><br />
|-<br />
| December 11 || [[Minutes/December 11, 2007|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 6–7 || [[Minutes/October 6-7, 2007|Minutes]] || [[Meetings/October 6-7, 2007|Board meeting]] || St. Petersburg, FL<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== 2004–2007 ==<br />
''A mix of meeting notes, agendas, and summary minutes''<br />
<br />
=== 2007 ===<br />
# very short board meeting during Wikimania, Taipei, Taiwan, August 2007 (no notes)<br />
# [[advisory:Meeting August 2007/Notes|Advisory board meeting]], Taipei, Taiwan, August 2007<br />
# [[Meetings/June 1-3, 2007|Board meeting]], Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 2007 (summary only)<br />
# [[Meetings/March 2007|Board meeting]], Tampa, Florida, March 2007 (summary only)<br />
# [[Meetings/Jan, 2007|Board Meeting]], Rotterdam, Netherlands, January 2007 (summary only)<br />
<br />
=== 2006 ===<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/Florida, November 2006|Board Meeting]], November, 2006, St. Petersburg, Florida<br />
# Board Meeting, October, 2006, Frankfurt, Germany (general summary only, by mail [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-October/024615.html|Election of board officers]], [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-October/024619.html|Statement of new chair]])<br />
# [[:m:Board_retreat|Board Retreat]], October 2006, Frankfurt, Germany ([[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-November/024825.html|Outcome]])<br />
# Board Meeting at Wikimania August 2006, Cambridge, MA (no notes)<br />
#* Board Panel Discussion at Wikimania, a practice continued in future years <br />
# Board meeting, January 14-15, 2006, St. Petersburg, Florida (no notes? resulting notes were sent by email about Committees and other structural ideas)<br />
# Two unofficial [[m:Wikimedia meetings#open meetings|open meetings]] were also held in early January, a practice resumed in 2009.<br />
<br />
*Note: Following the 2006 Board Retreat, the Executive Director and Chair started a weekly IRC meeting attended by most/all Board members, that ran from November through March of 2007. It also recorded minutes.<br />
<br />
=== 2005 ===<br />
<br />
''Please note that meetings listed here were not necessarily official "Board meetings", but simply meetings attending by several members of the Board. ''<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/November 13, 2005|Board meeting]], November 13, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/October 1, 2005|Budget meeting]], October 1, 2005<br />
# Board meeting with officers and chapters. September 18, 2005 (no summary?) <br />
# [[m:Fundraising_meeting%2C_September_2005|Fundraising meeting: What lessons did we learn?]] September 17, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/August 27, 2005|Open meeting]], IRC, August 27, 2005 ([[m:Open Board meeting, August 2005|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/August 18, 2005|Chapters]], August 18, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/August 14, 2005|Q3 finances]], August 14, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/June 9, 2005|Second meeting in June]], June 9, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/June 7, 2005|Bylaws meeting]], June 7, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/May 24, 2005|Second meeting in May]], May 24, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/May 16, 2005|First meeting in May]], May 16, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/March 30, 2005|Short meeting]], March 30, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/February 15, 2005|Open Board meeting]], IRC, February 15, 2005 ([[m:Open Board meeting, February 2005|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/February 7, 2005|Finance]], February 7, 2005<br />
<br />
=== 2004 ===<br />
<br />
''Please note that meetings listed here were not necessarily official "Board meetings", but simply meetings attending by several members of the Board. ''<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/November 6, 2004|Open Board meeting]], IRC, November 6 2004 ([[m:Open Board meeting, November 2004|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/October 22, 2004|Membership]], October 22, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/October 16, 2004|General Board meeting]], October 16, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/October 9, 2004|General Board meeting]], October 9, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/September 17, 2004|Fundraising and grants]], IRC, September 17, 2004 ([[m:Fundraising_meeting%2C_September_2004/Log|Full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/September 5, 2004|Wikispecies]], IRC, September 5, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/July 24, 2004|Foundation website]], July 24, 2004 ([[m:Foundation_website_meeting%2C_July_2004|summary and other links]])<br />
# [[Meetings/July 4, 2004|Initial meeting in Paris]], July 4, 2004<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Meetings|{{PAGENAME}}]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Board_meetings&diff=94510Board meetings2013-11-27T06:14:51Z<p>Phoebe: /* Recent meetings */ +line for most recent meeting</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Message}}<br />
<div style="float:right;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
Decisions since 2006 are available at '''[[Resolutions]]'''; policies and charters can be found at [[Policies]]. Financial statements and audit reports may be found at [[Finance report]]. See also [[Messages]] for more information. Some minutes (or parts of the minutes) are confidential and recorded on the [//board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Minutes BoardWiki]. <br />
<br />
== Recent meetings ==<br />
{| cellpadding=3 cellspacing=1<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2013</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 24-25 || Minutes || Scheduled meeting|| San Francisco<br />
|-<br />
| August 7-8 || [[Minutes/2013-08-07|Minutes]] || Scheduled meeting|| Hong Kong ([[wm2013:|Wikimania 2013]])<br />
|-<br />
| May 4 || [[Minutes/2013-05-04|Minutes]] || Special meeting || Voice call<br />
|-<br />
| April 18-19 || [[Minutes/2013-04-18|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting || Milan, Italy<br />
|-<br />
| February 1-2 || [[Minutes/2013-02-01|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2012</h3><br />
|-<br />
| December 27 || [[Minutes/2012-12-27|Minutes]] || Special meeting || Voice call<br />
|-<br />
| December 1 || [[Minutes/2012-12-01|Minutes]] || Fall 2012 FDC recommendations || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 26-27 || [[Minutes/2012-10-26|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| July 11 || [[Minutes/2012-07-11|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q3 meeting || Washington, DC ([[wm2012:|Wikimania 2012]])<br />
|-<br />
| June 6 || [[Minutes/2012-06-06|Minutes]] || Annual plan review (2) || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 7 || [[Minutes/2012-05-07|Minutes]] || Annual plan review (1) || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| March 30-31 || [[Minutes/2012-03-30|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting || [[m:Wikimedia Conference 2012|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| March 21 || [[Minutes/2012-03-21|Minutes]] || Fundraising and Funds Dissemination discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| February 3-4 || [[Minutes/2012-02-03|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2011</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 6 || [[Minutes/2011-11-06|Minutes]] || Movement roles discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 7–8 || [[Minutes/2011-10-07|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| August 28 || [[Minutes/2011-08-28|Minutes]] || Fundraising discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| August 3 || [[Minutes/2011-08-03|Minutes]] || Q3 meeting || Haifa, Israel<br />
|-<br />
| June 20 || [[Minutes/2011-06-20|Minutes]] || Annual Plan review || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 11 || [[Minutes/2011-05-11|Minutes]] || Annual Plan preview || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 8 || [[Minutes/2011-04-08|Minutes]] || Openness & participation || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| March 25–26 || [[Minutes/2011-03-25|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting || [[m:Chapters Meeting 2011|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| February 22 || [[Minutes/2011-02-22|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || IRC<ref>starting July 2010, we began scheduling at least one regular IRC meeting between each pair of physical meetings, and experimented with just 3 physical meetings in 2010-2011</ref><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2010</h3><br />
|-<br />
| October 8–9 || [[Minutes/October 8-9, 2010|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| August 31 || [[Minutes/August 31, 2010|Minutes]] || Strategy and Targets || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| July 7-8 || [[Minutes/July 8, 2010|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Gdansk, Poland<br />
|-<br />
| June 18 || [[Minutes/June 18, 2010|Minutes]] || Annual plan || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 18 || [[Minutes/May 18, 2010|Minutes]] || Makeup for short Q2 meeting || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 17 || [[Minutes/April 17, 2010|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting, [[w:Eyjafjallajökull|cut short]] || [[m:Chapters Meeting 2010|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| February 5–6 || [[Minutes/February 5-6, 2010|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2009</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 13–15 || [[Minutes/November 13-15, 2009|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| October 28 || [[Minutes/October 28, 2009|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| August 24–25 || [[Minutes/August 24-25, 2009|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Buenos Aires, Argentina<br />
|-<br />
| June 16 || [[Minutes/June 16, 2009|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 3–5 || [[Minutes/April 3-5, 2009|Minutes]] || Wikimedia meeting || Berlin, Germany<br />
|-<br />
| January 9–11 || [[Minutes/January 9-11, 2009|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2008</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 3 || [[Minutes/November 3, 2008|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 3–5 || [[Minutes/October 3-5, 2008|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| July 16–17 || [[Minutes/July 16-17,_2008|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Alexandria, Egypt<br />
|-<br />
| April 5–7 || [[Minutes/April 5-7, 2008|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| March 1 || [[Minutes/March 1, 2008|Minutes]] || || IRC <br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2007</h3><br />
|-<br />
| December 11 || [[Minutes/December 11, 2007|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 6–7 || [[Minutes/October 6-7, 2007|Minutes]] || [[Meetings/October 6-7, 2007|Board meeting]] || St. Petersburg, FL<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== 2004–2007 ==<br />
''A mix of meeting notes, agendas, and summary minutes''<br />
<br />
=== 2007 ===<br />
# very short board meeting during Wikimania, Taipei, Taiwan, August 2007 (no notes)<br />
# [[advisory:Meeting August 2007/Notes|Advisory board meeting]], Taipei, Taiwan, August 2007<br />
# [[Meetings/June 1-3, 2007|Board meeting]], Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 2007 (summary only)<br />
# [[Meetings/March 2007|Board meeting]], Tampa, Florida, March 2007 (summary only)<br />
# [[Meetings/Jan, 2007|Board Meeting]], Rotterdam, Netherlands, January 2007 (summary only)<br />
<br />
=== 2006 ===<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/Florida, November 2006|Board Meeting]], November, 2006, St. Petersburg, Florida<br />
# Board Meeting, October, 2006, Frankfurt, Germany (general summary only, by mail [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-October/024615.html|Election of board officers]], [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-October/024619.html|Statement of new chair]])<br />
# [[:m:Board_retreat|Board Retreat]], October 2006, Frankfurt, Germany ([[mailarchive:foundation-l/2006-November/024825.html|Outcome]])<br />
# Board Meeting at Wikimania August 2006, Cambridge, MA (no notes)<br />
#* Board Panel Discussion at Wikimania, a practice continued in future years <br />
# Board meeting, January 14-15, 2006, St. Petersburg, Florida (no notes? resulting notes were sent by email about Committees and other structural ideas)<br />
# Two unofficial [[m:Wikimedia meetings#open meetings|open meetings]] were also held in early January, a practice resumed in 2009.<br />
<br />
*Note: Following the 2006 Board Retreat, the Executive Director and Chair started a weekly IRC meeting attended by most/all Board members, that ran from November through March of 2007. It also recorded minutes.<br />
<br />
=== 2005 ===<br />
<br />
''Please note that meetings listed here were not necessarily official "Board meetings", but simply meetings attending by several members of the Board. ''<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/November 13, 2005|Board meeting]], November 13, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/October 1, 2005|Budget meeting]], October 1, 2005<br />
# Board meeting with officers and chapters. September 18, 2005 (no summary?) <br />
# [[m:Fundraising_meeting%2C_September_2005|Fundraising meeting: What lessons did we learn?]] September 17, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/August 27, 2005|Open meeting]], IRC, August 27, 2005 ([[m:Open Board meeting, August 2005|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/August 18, 2005|Chapters]], August 18, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/August 14, 2005|Q3 finances]], August 14, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/June 9, 2005|Second meeting in June]], June 9, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/June 7, 2005|Bylaws meeting]], June 7, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/May 24, 2005|Second meeting in May]], May 24, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/May 16, 2005|First meeting in May]], May 16, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/March 30, 2005|Short meeting]], March 30, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/February 15, 2005|Open Board meeting]], IRC, February 15, 2005 ([[m:Open Board meeting, February 2005|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/February 7, 2005|Finance]], February 7, 2005<br />
<br />
=== 2004 ===<br />
<br />
''Please note that meetings listed here were not necessarily official "Board meetings", but simply meetings attending by several members of the Board. ''<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/November 6, 2004|Open Board meeting]], IRC, November 6 2004 ([[m:Open Board meeting, November 2004|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/October 22, 2004|Membership]], October 22, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/October 16, 2004|General Board meeting]], October 16, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/October 9, 2004|General Board meeting]], October 9, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/September 17, 2004|Fundraising and grants]], IRC, September 17, 2004 ([[m:Fundraising_meeting%2C_September_2004/Log|Full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/September 5, 2004|Wikispecies]], IRC, September 5, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/July 24, 2004|Foundation website]], July 24, 2004 ([[m:Foundation_website_meeting%2C_July_2004|summary and other links]])<br />
# [[Meetings/July 4, 2004|Initial meeting in Paris]], July 4, 2004<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Meetings|{{PAGENAME}}]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minutes:2013-05-04&diff=92161Minutes:2013-05-042013-05-31T20:39:40Z<p>Phoebe: typo in bish's name</p>
<hr />
<div>Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting<br />
<br />
* Voice call<br />
* May 4, 2013, 16:00 UTC<br />
* In attendance: Jan-Bart de Vreede, Patricio Lorente, Kat Walsh, Stu West, Bishakha Datta, Geoff Brigham (WMF's General Counsel and Board Secretary), and Stephen LaPorte (WMF Legal Counsel assisting Geoff).<br />
<br />
After sending proper notice on May 1, 2013, Kat called to order a special meeting of the Board of Trustees at 16:10 UTC.<br />
<br />
The Trustees considered the amendment to the Bylaws, Article IV, Section 6, after a period of [[m:Wikimedia Foundation bylaws/May 2013 - Article IV Section 6 (Vacancies)|consultation with the community]]. The Trustees in attendance discussed and unanimously agreed to amend the Bylaws, voting unanimously in favor of the [[Resolution:Amended Bylaws, Article IV, Section 6|following resolution]]:<br />
<br />
:'''Resolved''', the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees hereby amends the Bylaws, Article IV, Section 6, to add the following sentence:<br />
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::As permitted by the Act, the Board may continue doing business as a Board during the vacancy of any Trustee position.<br />
<br />
:This amendment is effective May 4, 2013.<br />
<br />
The Trustees in attendance then voted to adopt these minutes.<br />
<br />
The meeting was adjourned at 16:14 UTC.</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution_talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles/Archive_1&diff=328109Resolution talk:Wikimedia Foundation Guiding Principles/Archive 12013-04-06T00:07:56Z<p>Phoebe: /* Ads? */ finishing thought</p>
<hr />
<div>== Freedom and open source ==<br />
"As an organization, we strive to use open source tools over proprietary ones, although we use proprietary or closed tools (such as software, operating systems, etc.) where there is currently no open-source tool that will effectively meet our needs." - Is there a requirement and process in place which forces people to publish an evaluation which open-source tools were considered and tested for a task in order to identify which specific functionality was only provided by closed-source tools? --[[User:AKlapper (WMF)|AKlapper (WMF)]] ([[User talk:AKlapper (WMF)|talk]]) 18:08, 19 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:<br />
:Well, maybe that is my impression because I work remotely, but I've seen some proprietary files been shared and proprietary softwares being used when we could have free software. For instance, microsoft documents or apple softwares. And I've heard the wifi network in SF office works better with apple stuff, which is kind of weird - I've visited SF office only once and I checked that, but I've heard the same from other online meetings. For pragmatical reasons, sometimes I know using some closed softwares can deliver things faster tho. --[[User:Ezalvarenga|Ezalvarenga]] ([[User talk:Ezalvarenga|talk]]) 19:37, 19 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:I agree we could use a little more discipline on this. e.g. I'm not ''convinced'' all Mac users in the office would truly be significantly less effective at their work on Ubuntu machines. I do acknowledge some may be. I think it warrants some nudging/pushing, though. [[User:Ijon|Asaf Bartov (WMF Grants)]] [[User_talk:Ijon|talk]] 20:28, 19 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::I think there's a huge distinction between closed source tools for personal productivity, and closed source tools for supporting the projects. This should be clarified in the text of the principles, because the current state of affairs is that we require FOSS when it comes to what is actually necessary for the projects to run, and we obviously don't when it comes to the office IT. <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 22:42, 19 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. In my initial posting I had shared tools in production (servers, webservices, etc.) in mind, but did not mean to refer to personal computers of individuals - that would be under the "personal freedom" category, and a published evaluation feels like overkill for such private cases. --[[User:AKlapper (WMF)|AKlapper (WMF)]] ([[User talk:AKlapper (WMF)|talk]]) 09:40, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::Hi, Aklapper, I don't have time today to make a longer comment, but for the personal freedom, if everybody begin to use closed formats, people who wants to use open formats will be forced to use also closed ones. If a person doesn't want to buy an apple computer, but the wifi network forces people to do so or make their lifes with other hardwares difficult, sorry, a serious policy about that should change. Yes, people can choose whatever they want on their personal computers, but if the majority is using what is fashion, a conscious minitority will not have freedom to choose what they want. As an example, I do use sometimes closed softwares, like skype, but only when really necessary, like a partner or co-worker that prefers to use it. And I know the pain it is sometimes to use only Linux since 1998. :) In Brazil, at least, in the government level, we are trying to [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/thackday/WCmyz2jltF8/sKDd0xCPQaQJ BURN ALL THE DOCS]! There are also [https://groups.google.com/group/thackday/browse_thread/thread/4f94fbf09e4b6f54 bills] under way. ;D P. S. I could not even imagine close softwares on the server side. --[[User:Ezalvarenga|Ezalvarenga]] ([[User talk:Ezalvarenga|talk]]) 12:36, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Responding to a couple of you here. No, AKlapper, AFAIK there is no formal documented requirement/process for evaluation of when the Wikimedia Foundation uses a proprietary tool instead of an open source one. To date we've been small enough, and had a sufficient proportion of the staff who're personally dedicated to open source values, such that evaluation has tended to happen informally on a case-by-case basis, and it's worked reasonably well. Like, we made an organizational commitment to use CiviCRM early and we've stuck with that, and similarly I know that Finance & Admin uses proprietary accounting tools because early on some research was done that determined there was no acceptable open-source tool. I think those were both reasonable outcomes. Over the years we've toyed with the idea of developing a formal evaluation policy, but we have not done it. If you're suggesting we should, I would generally agree, but I also wouldn't say it's the thing Office IT should prioritize as most important and most urgent.<br />
<br />
More generally, in response to Ezalvarenga and Ijon, yes, I'd agree that our actual practices are likely imperfect -- there are probably some people at the Wikimedia Foundation using proprietary tools for individual use that could be replaced by open source tools. For example, I know that Legal has at some times used Microsoft Word for documents shared with external firms, when they probably could've insisted on using OpenOffice or LibreOffice without too much of a productivity hit.<br />
<br />
Frankly, individuals using proprietary tools has been a pretty big pain point for the Wikimedia Foundation. It's understandable: individual staff have widely varying levels of personal commitment to FLOSS, people want to be effective at work and so they want to use the tools that support them best, and people's work, and their needs, vary. No-one wants to be told they have no choice but to use X, whether X is Ubuntu/Thunderbird/LibreOffice or IE/Outlook/Word. That's utterly reasonable. So it's complex, and we're not going to capture a lot of complexity in a short statement. <br />
<br />
StevenW had proposed we modify the language here to distinguish between site production tools and personal/individual tools. Can somebody propose language for that, and for anything else here that might need clarification or finetuning? Feel free to make a change and I'll revert it or finetune it if I feel I need to. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:35, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: Related reading: [[FLOSS-Exchange]]. I think focusing on the ideal (and its rationale, which Erik sort of touched on with his "right to fork" [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5334873&oldid=5334652 addition]), instead of what individuals might do, is a reasonable compromise. --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 07:25, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I think the line should be what's shared by the organization (or teams within the organization) and personal. For anything shared, we should make it free software/open source unless it's really unworkable (and even then, we should always keep an eye out for moving to free software as it improves). But if you want to use MS Word on your personal machine to write PHP that fully meets our coding conventions, more power to you ;). This basically [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&oldid=5335910#Freedom_and_open_source matches] the current text. But there are some cases where free software is workable for shared tools but we're not currently using them; as I said, we should try to change that. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 20:14, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Agreed with SteveW and others above that there's some distinction between what we share, what we use personally, and what we require others to use. Apple users in the office? Who cares, they're mostly running FOSS on top of Apple -- most of our ops folks and engineers live in a terminal and use standard Unix tools. Adobe Photoshop and proprietary-format files for graphics work? Maybe we do care, because you can't always use the PSD files without it. (I always advocate for SVG format for graphics, especially anything we intend to use in software or on sites that may need to be revisioned in the future.) Google Apps for email? Who cares, email is interoperable. Google Hangouts for video conferencing internally? Who cares? Google Hangouts for video conferencing including open community participation? Runs on Linux, but requires a proprietary plugin; not ideal but we accept it as the best compromise of several options for now. Maybe we care but we can live with it. etc. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 18:50, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::So the text now reads like this: <br />
<br />
::''The Wikimedia Foundation is deeply rooted in the values of the free culture and free software movements. With the exception of "fair use" material, all information in Wikimedia projects can be freely shared, freely distributed, freely modified and freely used for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, in perpetuity.''<br />
::''All code written by the Wikimedia Foundation is licensed under an applicable open source license. We realize our obligations not just to share code, but to cultivate a healthy community of contributors around the source code, and to work with upstream projects and contribute back improvements to their code.''<br />
::''All material in our projects is available in free formats that do not require the user to install proprietary software.''<br />
::''Consistent with the above principles, we support the right of third parties to make and maintain licensing-compliant copies and forks of Wikimedia content and Wikimedia-developed code, regardless of motivation or purpose. While we are generally not able to directly assist such efforts, we enable them by making available copies of Wikimedia content in bulk, and avoiding critical dependencies on proprietary code or services for maintaining a largely functionally equivalent fork.''<br />
::''As an organization, we strive to use open source tools over proprietary ones, although we use proprietary or closed tools (such as software, operating systems, etc.) where there is currently no open-source tool that will effectively meet our needs.''<br />
<br />
::Does this work for everybody? I could add some language specifically around personal tool use, but I feel like "where there's no open-source tool that would effectively meet our needs" covers it. Like, you use Illustrator if Gimp isn't good enough for what you need. Let me know if anyone feels like this language isn't clear/accurate: otherwise I'll consider this thread resolved. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 21:48, 1 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: As a very minor piece of word-smithing, I'd change "not able to directly assist such efforts" to "not able to individually assist such efforts" - we do directly help such efforts with data dumps and tools, we just don't have the resources to give human attention individually to such efforts. But yes, looks good to go otherwise. [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 22:25, 1 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::: Done -- thanks James :-) [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 17:02, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Quick suggestion... ==<br />
<br />
[https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User%3ASue_Gardner%2FWikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5332950&oldid=5331958 ], which I made before seeing the request to comment first. Anyway, "serving every human being" seems a bit disingenuous, since we really aim to serve every literate human being with access to data and a digital device. ;-) The goal of providing equal access to all seems fairer, and more in line the the section's comments about well, accessibility. <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 00:26, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:"equal access to all" is, er, equally disingenuous, as, by your own phrase, we're providing equal access only to "every literate human being with access to data and a digital device".<br />
:Furthermore, I actually do think we ''strive'' to serve every human being. Remember the free knowledge the Wikimedia community creates and shares is consumed offline too, not to mention the huge value of secondary use -- the knowledge worked into presentations, newspapers, books, radio and TV programs -- all consumed by hundreds of millions ''more'' than the group consuming it directly from our Web sites. [[User:Ijon|Asaf Bartov (WMF Grants)]] [[User_talk:Ijon|talk]] 00:50, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::Yeah, I agree with Ijon. The language is "aims to" and "endeavours to," so I think it's appropriately framed as aspirational. [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:37, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Actually, it's not quite that limited. We do generally serve literate people, but there are actually readings of many articles (e.g. see [[:w:Template:Spoken Wikipedia|Template:Spoken Wikipedia]], I'm sure among others). There are also various mechanisms for printing Wikipedia (some in-house, some just people trying to make money by selling Wikipedia books), so you don't need a digital device. The fact that we've consistently used fully free licenses for our content (except fair use extracts) has facilitated all of that. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 20:17, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Commons serves non-literate people indirectly. {{Smiley}} —[[User:Tom Morris|Tom Morris]] ([[User talk:Tom Morris|talk]]) 19:02, 30 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Getting rich ==<br />
<br />
On «nobody is getting rich by working at the Wikimedia Foundation»: define "rich". For instance, I'm a student but I'm very rich compared to most world population and richer than millions of Italians (so, when serving in my university board I raised tuition fees for myself/my income range). --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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:Yeah obviously "getting rich" is relative. It's only when you compare [[:wiktionary:apples and oranges|apples to apples]] and look at other tech and nonprofit compensation schemes that you see what is meant. In any case, it's pretty awesome that we want to put that among our guiding principles, right? <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 18:38, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Edit conflict with StevenW! And yeah, Steven, I agree. I think the key word here is "getting." Nemo is correct of course that by world population standards, everybody who works at the Wikimedia Foundation is rich. But we were born rich, we did not "get" rich through our work at the Wikimedia Foundation. The point here is that working at the Wikimedia Foundation is not a path to dramatically improving one's personal wealth. Thanks. [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:40, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::I tend to see those negative statements ("'''not''' getting rich") as putting things in people's head that you don't want there in the first place. You say "not getting rich" (and I am on par with both Steven's and your interpretation on this) and all people seem to read/hear is "rich". Maybe we should try to find a positive statement for this? I'm kind of stuck though for a good one. "If you want to get rich, go work somewhere else"? -- ok, that one is stupid, but maybe you get my point? [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 21:48, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::I suspected that the point was in ''getting'', however this is tricky. One may get "richer" by going to work in the WMF for career reasons, compared to the previous work (or country?), comparatively getting "poorer" than possible in some other place, however the latter is mostly impossible to prove. "Nobody is getting richer" would be clearer but is technically wrong.<br />
:::Maybe: "we aim at level of income not being an important [the most important? one of the most important?] motivation[s] for someone to stay at the WMF", which implies there are different/contrasting motivations (presumably honest ;) ) without getting lost in defining which, and that income may be sacrificed. This is probably what is meant hear; no idea if it is positive enough as per notafish. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 00:15, 21 March 2013 (UTC) <small>P.s.: Steven, personally I don't care that much if someone gets rich at the WMF, as long as it's not by fleeing with the cash. :) I just like clarity.</small><br />
::::Seems a bit "off" for Sue Gardner to be commenting on "not getting rich" when her salary exceeds that of about 99% of American wage earners. -- [[Special:Contributions/2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A|2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A]] 18:46, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
I've just removed the phrase about getting rich. I think "fair but not lavish" covers it :-) Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 22:00, 1 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
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==Reasonable travel costs==<br />
«We aim to incur only reasonable travel costs: the general policy is to travel economy class and stay in moderately-priced hotels»: were $225K for staff (and board) at Wikimania reasonable? [[Talk:Wikimedia budget#Wikimania travel question]]. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:How much is that per person sent to Wikimania that year? I think looking at the total for shock value is unfair. <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 18:39, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::Nemo we're not making a commitment here to reduce travel costs, or to minimize travel. (I wouldn't want to do that: with a growing staff that operates as part of a global community that stages many international events such as Wikimania, the chapters' meeting and various hackathons, it strikes me that a focus on reducing travel costs would be a net negative not a net plus. I expect travel costs to be a not-insubstantial chunk of the Wikimedia Foundation budget: that seems eminently reasonable to me given the nature of our work.) The point here is simply that when we travel, we aim to do it moderately not luxuriously. The nuts-and-bolts of how we do that are captured in [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Travel_policy the travel policy], but the purpose of this statement is simply to summarize the overall intent. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:47, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::So in short yes, you think it's reasonable. :) <small>I don't know if it was: while you do or can know all the details on the alternatives and other considerations, I can't judge — no opinion at all.</small> Given that "reasonable" conveys little, you may consider removing «to incur only reasonable travel costs: the general policy is » and leaving only the straightforward part of the statement.<br />
:::Ideally (IMHO), we'd include some other criteria, like the impact:cost ratio (which you hinted to), usage of cheapest means of transportation, miscellaneous synergies (dumb example: double rooms instead of single where possible? and other more impactful stuff), with the disclaimer that all this must be applied fairly (see other section on benefits/reimbursements). I have no idea what are the current practices on all this so I don't know where to start, but I'm confident a compact form is possible. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 00:38, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::Hey Nemo, please see my comment in Title and Position (the next section down). Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 17:29, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Title or position==<br />
«People at the Wikimedia Foundation get the same benefits regardless of their title or position». <br />
*Who's "people"? Are you including all managers, trustees and employees?<br />
*What's "benefits" and how do you measure if "salaries" are "fair"? Are you considering only accessories or also the actual wage, before or after taxes, pension contributions etc.?<br />
*What are you including in "title or position" (or other comparison for "fair")? For instance, remote worker vs. office worker, full time vs. part time, staff vs. contractor.<br />
--[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:*Well, people does include at least all staff if you read further "regardless of their title or position". This should include everyone. As for Trustees, you've got a point, "people" is not clear and should probably be changed to "Staff" when it comes to benefits. I do not believe Trustees get benefits, even though they might benefit from insurance and related stuff when it comes to their work for the Foundation. It might make sense here to differentiate between staff/volunteers or something along those lines. [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 14:34, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::To be clear: yes, the statement's intended to refer to all staff, and I can change the word "people" to "staff." There is detail available in the document [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/foundation/2/2a/Wikimedia_Foundation_Compensation_Practices.pdf Wikimedia Foundation Compensation Practices]. And for Notafish, yes, the trustees don't get any benefits. Expenses they incur on behalf of the Wikimedia Foundation are reimbursed as per the policies, but they receive no compensation in the form of salary or other benefits. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:56, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::I think Staff makes sense in that context, thanks for clarifying. [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 21:41, 20 March 2013 (UTC) <small>(Sue, it's '''n'''otafish, with a small '''n''', and I'm stupidly particular about it. If you want a capital, go with Delphine ;)</small><br />
:::::Thank you, Sue, this clarifies the first point: only two left in this section. :)<br />
:::::On "benefits", the exact meaning of the word (or lexical equivalent) varies quite a lot across jurisdictions and fiscal systems, as far as I know, so it's not safe to assume everyone will get what you mean. I understand that reimbursements are a different matter, but it would be nice if they were fair and independent from title etc., too. (I suppose they already mostly are?) --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 00:00, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::::: Yeah, in the U.S. "benefits" is generally understood not to include salary (people talk about "salary plus benefits") (it's basically everything ''but'' salary). However, that might not be true in other countries/languages. Also, the 401(k) maximum match is a fixed percentage of salary. While the percentage is the same across position, the amount (n% × salary) technically is not. However, it's true this is a fine distinction. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 20:28, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
*'Staff' is normally understood to mean Employees + Contractors, where contractors are afforded fewer benefits (if any at all). I'd suggest amending to specify 'Employees at...'. [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 23:23, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
**I'd kind of like us to provide fair benefits to all staff including international contractors, but of course jurisdictions make things.... difficult. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 19:01, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::: As per Oliver and others, I changed "staff" to "employees" for clarity. I do wish the WMF could provide equivalent benefits to everyone regardless of their official status (i.e., staff versus contractor) but Brion is right, it's very complex. Having said that, I'm pleased we do provide additional benefits to all U.S. employees beyond what's provided by the state. In many/most countries, the state provides the basics: in the United States it does not, and so employer-provided health insurance is critical. [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 17:14, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::: Okay I just rewrote this section. <br />
<br />
::::''We aim to be careful with donors' money. We pay salaries that are fair but not lavish, and provide reasonable benefits (e.g., health and dental insurance) that are the same for all employees regardless of their title or position. We aim to incur only reasonable travel costs, and to keep work-related entertainment costs moderate.'' <br />
<br />
::::Purpose of the rewrite is just clarity/simplicity. Nemo, rather than expanding the travel-related part with more detail I made it higher-level. [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Travel_policy The full travel policy is here], and it's an official Board policy, so if it changes it would be updated on that page. Folks, let me know if aiming "to keep work-related entertainment costs moderate" is clear enough. Again, there is a [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Duty_entertainment_guidelines_policy more detailed policy on this]. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 17:27, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Accountable==<br />
«The Wikimedia Foundation wants to be accountable to [...]». Please clarify how the concept of accountability applies here: «responsible for your decisions or actions and expected to explain them when you are asked»[http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/accountable] (are there processes to be responsible of your actions in front of the readers, receive their questions and explain? etc.). --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Sure, of course there are processes to be responsible to the readers of the projects. Reader surveys. User testing. OTRS. The blogs. The annual reports. The regular publication of activity reports, performance reports, financial statements. Social media. Engagement with charity watchdog groups. Public mailing lists. Bugzilla. Office hours on IRC. Events for donors. This page, and many other on-wiki consultations related to feature development, policy development, and so forth. There are probably lots I am forgetting :-) Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 19:09, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Shared power==<br />
This section seems entirely useless, in that it lists a lot of minor ephemeral details from the ''here and now'' and no actual "principles" that may "guide" any action. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:The purpose of this section is to explicitly acknowledge that the Wikimedia Foundation works in partnership with a global community of volunteers -- that the Wikimedia Foundation is not the sole or even primary actor in fulfilling the Wikimedia mission, and that it needs to conduct itself accordingly, by creating mechanisms and processes enabling the community to have influence on its actions. Because we are interdependent partners. I think this is a pretty fundamental and important point to make, because in this regard we are different from practically everybody else. (What I mean by that: eBay and Facebook and Yelp may also have a social purpose or utility, but their primary purpose is to make money, and "community members" are a resource to be managed by the company to that end. In our case, the primary purpose of the movement is to make knowledge freely available to everyone around the world, and the Wikimedia Foundation and the global community of volunteers play different and complementary roles in achieving that shared goal.) So I wonder if that's not clear -- if my wording is just mucky. If so, can someone help propose better, more useful language? Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]])<br />
:The shared power section does mention volunteer "developers". However, I would like to see more emphasis on this. Something like "The Wikimedia Foundation strives to continually increase its partnership with outside developers, project managers, and system adminstrators so we can technically improve the sites together". This is an area where we've had some success, but more can definitely be done. The reason I said "outside" not "volunteer" is that they may be paid to work on something like MediaWiki, just not paid ''by'' WMF. The Apache Software Foundation is an example of an organization where many (not all) developers are paid (by various companies organizations), but they partner together to get things done. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 20:35, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: Hi Matt,<br />
<br />
:: Sue asked me to help her add to the section, and I've made an effort to do so [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5361354&oldid=5361335 here]. I think the "aligned with our interests" piece is an important qualifier.--[[User:Eloquence|Eloquence]] ([[User talk:Eloquence|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==United States==<br />
On «support successful job candidates in attaining the legal right to work in the United States»: why only USA? What if they want to move elsewhere? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Maybe this should become "...to work from a WMF office in the United States", in case that's what's meant here. --[[User:AKlapper (WMF)|AKlapper (WMF)]] ([[User talk:AKlapper (WMF)|talk]]) 09:44, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::Or rather: Support succesful job candidates in attaining the legal right to work in the US should the need arise". Or something along those lines. [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 14:36, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::Yeah -- you're correct, we also support remote workers when people don't want to relocate and the job doesn't require it. I will reword :-) [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 19:21, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::::Here's what I changed it too -- let me know if this is clearer. "We aim to recruit talented people regardless of where they live, and depending on their preferences and the needs of the job, we support them in working remotely or relocating to the United States." Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 19:29, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::::Does the trick, as far as I'm concerned. :) [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 21:42, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::::Yes, much clearer, thanks. <br />
::::::Ideally you'd be completely nation-neutral and support them in relocating to another country of their choice too, if suitable for them, and you could remove the "to the United States" bit. However, I understand this is an edge case. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 00:20, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::::::Relocations are done because the WMF feels the employee should be in-office. Up until we open an office somewhere else I can't imagine that spending donor funds moving people to a country 'because they want to live there' would be optimal. [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 23:24, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::::::Yeah, Oliver is right. We have once or twice had staff who wanted to relocate for personal reasons. We are okay with them doing it when it doesn't interfere with their work (like, if they are moving from one non-SF location to another non-SF location, or if they used to work from SF, want to move elsewhere, and working remotely wouldn't hurt their ability to do their work). But in those cases, when they are moving for personal reasons, the WMF wouldn't pay for the move, and wouldn't arrange or pay for any services related to the move, such as immigration-related legal fees. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 20:23, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Serving every human being==<br />
This section looks weird being 7 sections away from «Freedom and open source» with «All material in our projects is available in free formats that do not require the user to install proprietary software» etc. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
The emphasis on the development of new features is undue and likely to grate on both engineering staff and community, in my opinion. It is out of step with the custodian role which many individuals in both groups identify with. We should express a stronger commitment to high availability and site performance. --[[User:Ori.livneh|Ori.livneh]] ([[User talk:Ori.livneh|talk]]) 10:29, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Oh ha, Ori.livneh I think that's just clumsy wording on my part. I can see how it's easy to misread, but what you think I said is not what I meant to be saying. I'll revise. I'll also move this chunk up to be nearer to Freedom and Open Source. Thanks to you both [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 19:31, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: Also, it talks about these being directed at "readers", and hoping to support them in starting to contribute - but we should probably also talk about supporting existing contributors. :-) [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 20:11, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: On Sue's request, I've tried to address these points with [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5334886&oldid=5334873 this edit].--[[User:Eloquence|Eloquence]] ([[User talk:Eloquence|talk]]) 23:13, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:::: It's better (thanks, Sue, Erik, and James) but it's still not quite right, in my opinion: rather than rank engineering priorities (features, performance, availability) and then work backwards to explain the values that motivate them (access, participation), I think the section ought to lead with a statement of values, and then explain how our engineering priorities reflect our effort to realize these values maximally. --[[User:Ori.livneh|Ori.livneh]] ([[User talk:Ori.livneh|talk]]) 11:55, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::::: Want to take a crack at drafting something on talk?--[[User:Eloquence|Eloquence]] ([[User talk:Eloquence|talk]]) 20:45, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:::::: How about:<br />
:::::: <div style="border:1px solid silver; background:#eee; margin:0.5em; padding:1em 2em;">The Wikimedia Foundation aims to make <span style="background: #d8ecff;">the</span> material in the Wikimedia projects broadly accessible to all. <span style="background: #d8ecff;">We work to enable for the world education from, entertainment by, and engagement with our projects' content, and participation in the communities and processes that create them.</span> Ensuring <span style="background: #d8ecff;">the</span> continued reliability, availability and responsiveness of all Wikimedia sites and services is our first priority. In prioritizing new products and features, our goal is to impact the largest-possible number of readers and contributors, and to eliminate barriers that could preclude people from accessing or contributing to our projects, such as poor usability, lack of language support, and limited access to technology. We endeavour to create the structural support and the necessary preconditions for bottom-up innovation by others. We do not form agreements in which one organization is given access to material or functionality that others are denied. Where possible, we aim to preserve and support frictionless use of the material in the projects, so that people can share it widely and easily.</div><br />
:::::: Thoughts? Please forgive the "power of threes" and running alliterations. :-) I worry that this section is now trying to say too much; possibly split after "technology"? I'm not particularly attached to my wording, so don't worry about offending. [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 05:54, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
Do you think https://xkcd.com/802/ [https://xkcd.com/802_large/] applies to the WMF? (In particular, the proportions in the two maps on the top <s>right</s> left being zoomed.) --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Nemo, could you clarify which proportions you refer to by naming them? Top right is "Unread Updates". --[[User:AKlapper (WMF)|AKlapper (WMF)]] ([[User talk:AKlapper (WMF)|talk]]) 09:46, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::Ouch. I meant left, of course. :) Thanks, [[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:56, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Right to fork==<br />
Again nothing. [[Talk:Terms of use/Archives/2011-12-06#Right to Fork]]. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
* Probably more of a Wikimedia principle than a Wikimedia Foundation principle. Perhaps we need a separate list? :-) --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 09:22, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
*: I doubt it: «principles intended to guide the work of the Wikimedia Foundation». Who else do you suggest to task with ensuring the right to fork? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:29, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Sue asked me to explore some language around this, so I've taken a first crack at it with [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5334873&oldid=5334652 this edit].--[[User:Eloquence|Eloquence]] ([[User talk:Eloquence|talk]]) 23:01, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::: Thanks! Much better. I'll let the experts comment on the specific wording and if it covers all the essential (people would like to have something more than page history dumps, but what exactly is tricky). --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 23:53, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::: If this idea is developed any further could someone ping me? I'm interested for obvious reasons. Thanks. -- [[User:ArielGlenn|ArielGlenn]] ([[User talk:ArielGlenn|talk]]) 09:44, 27 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I think this is covered now by Erik's language, right? <br />
<br />
''Consistent with the above principles, we support the right of third parties to make and maintain licensing-compliant copies and forks of Wikimedia content and Wikimedia-developed code, regardless of motivation or purpose. While we are generally not able to individually assist such efforts, we enable them by making available copies of Wikimedia content in bulk, and avoiding critical dependencies on proprietary code or services for maintaining a largely functionally equivalent fork.''<br />
<br />
Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 20:25, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Internationalism ==<br />
<br />
«''When we consider the community'' as a whole, we aim to consider all its languages and geographies and to avoid global initiatives that favor communities speaking only our languages» (emphasis added).<br />
I note that you're only talking of how you consider the community; what about «initiatives that favor communities speaking only our languages» in general? For instance, roughly how much of the WMF spending goes on initiatives that favor only English-language people (projects, users etc., readers) or only the USA? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:36, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Right to influence ==<br />
<br />
«Their work has earned [...] financial support sustaining the Wikimedia Foundation [...] and the global community has therefore earned the right to influence the work of the organizations»: it ''seems'' that you're stating that the only reason why someone has the "right to influence" the work is that they bring in dollars. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:55, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Mm, Nemo, this is a good point. I was meaning to specifically talk about the financial aspect, but I realize from your comment that it reads wrong --- it *does* read like that's the only reason the community members matter, which is of course not true. I've taken a crack at rewording below, let me know what you think.<br />
<br />
''These are the people who build the projects, and they have earned the right to influence the development of the platform, and the work of organizations that receive funding from the movement.''<br />
<br />
Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 20:32, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Transparency ==<br />
<br />
This section says "including employee guidelines". What happened to the public sharing of the [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Employee_Handbook Employee Handbook]? -- [[Special:Contributions/2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A|2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A]] 18:49, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
: I asked about this recently. It doesn't really seem relevant to this kind of document, though. There's a thread on wikimedia-l, I think, if you want to follow up. :-) --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 21:10, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:: It explicitly says "As a matter of general practice, unless there’s a particular reason not to, we aim to publish internal organizational policies and procedures, including employee guidelines, financial policies, etc." I think it does belong here, because what the employees do is relevant, particularly to the donors who are essentially paying us. I agree the current reality around such employee procedures, etc. is not quite consistent with the document. There is some stuff on Office Wiki (a private WMF wiki for employees) that does not need to be confidential. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 23:08, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::: If only there were someone with access to both wikis with the technical know-how to move the pages. --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 03:53, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::I'm pretty sure the staff handbook contains (amongst other things) access info to our healthcare providers, and other non-public information which should be stripped. I think that if someone did have the access and technical know-how to move the pages and acted on it, they'd swiftly find themselves losing the access ;p. As a general statement, the document ''should'' be moved over - but I imagine they want to get it finished and stable before combing through it to identify elements inappropriate for public consumption (otherwise you end up having to do multiple sweeps). [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 03:58, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::There are also sections which have been vetted by Legal and should not be open for editing by the public. This is one of the problems.--[[User:Jorm (WMF)|Jorm (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jorm (WMF)|talk]]) 23:44, 27 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::: The legal team has no issue creating redacted PDFs. They just did for the [[NDA]]s. But they shouldn't be releasing documents in this way, of course. I've started some notes at [[legal docs]] for anyone interested. --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 06:11, 28 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Independence ==<br />
<br />
"Skillsets" is not a proper word. -- [[Special:Contributions/2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A|2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A]] 18:57, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
: Context, "Similarly, our Board of Trustees selection process is designed to encourage representation of different voices and skillsets, rather than recognizing donors or celebrities."<br />
: What would you recommend instead? "skill sets"? Something else? (This level of minor word tweaking you can really just do yourself, but I'm happy to proxy the edit for you from the talk page, if you'd like.) --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 20:53, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: "Skillsets" is a reasonable word, but if the IP objects strenuously, we could use "sets of skills", which is rather po-faced. [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 05:55, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::"Skillsets" is a perfectly cromulent word, even if my spell checker doesn't like it. If you're picky, write it as "skill sets". :) --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 18:56, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Frictionless and copyleft ==<br />
<br />
You might want to clarify this does not mean abandoning copyleft. Though not all WMF wikis use copyleft, many do, and there is general understanding of its benefits. I want to ensure people don't come later and start arguing that e.g. all new wikis should be non-copyleft to avoid "friction". [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 23:12, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Surely by definition, 'avoiding friction in reuse' would be 'copyleft' - it's talking about freedom for others to reuse our work, not freedom for us to reuse the work of others. Which WMF wikis are non-copyleft? [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 04:00, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:: Wikinews and Wikidata, for two. Copyleft licences are overly restrictive for wider re-use in some contexts. [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 05:38, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::Aha, we're talking less- rather than more-restrictive; my mistake :). [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 05:40, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Duplicate of [[wmf:Values]]? ==<br />
<br />
Hi. I wonder if these guiding principles aren't in some ways a duplicate of (or perhaps an update to) [[wmf:Values]]. What's the purpose of this document? Is it going to live alongside the [[wmf:mission|mission statement]], [[wmf:vision|vision statement]], etc.? Or will it end up being a Board resolution? Or something else? --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 04:10, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:It is similar, but more detailed than the values statement. I think the guiding principles are pretty well done, and cover some additional ground. It is worth considering if they could supersede the values statement, but there is some value in having a shorter document too. The guiding principles draft says, "It is likely that these principles will be presented to the Board of Trustees for their approval, at a future Board meeting." [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 16:16, 30 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Free formats ==<br />
<br />
In re: ''All material in our projects is available in free formats that do not require the user to install proprietary software,'' can you clarify whether or not this is meant to mean that we will provide every file in free formats and thus not ''require'' the use of non-free software to view the file or does this mean that we will not provide the file in non-free formats at all? There seems to be some contention both internally and externally surrounding the possibility of providing non-free formats. I, personally, full appreciate having available to me free-formats, but when all of my devices have hardware-accelerated H.264 decoding, I would prefer to save cpu cycles and my battery when watching videos from commons. Similarly, there are some mobile devices that only support non-free formats and thus we currently do not support those users. -[[User:Pgehres (WMF)|Peter Gehres (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Pgehres (WMF)|talk]]) 05:20, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:We're working on that issue with legal internally... I'm certainly trying to push advocacy for explicit support of multi-format stack as officially acceptable, and would prefer clearer language on this as well. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 18:52, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Quality ==<br />
<br />
It strikes me that there is a glaring omission here. The current list of principles is a good set of ideologies, but surely the Wikimedia Foundation values high-quality content as much as it does the abstract principles like transparency and accountability. I understand that the Foundation does not generally (nor should) directly involve itself in the creation or judging of content on the projects, but certainly one of its core duties is encouraging or enabling the content creation, and one of the core implicit principles is that the content of the projects ought to be high-quality, comprehensive, authoritative, and so on (to the degree such quality descriptors are applicable to each project). To me, it seems like the omission of any principle that actually addresses the content of the projects is likely a matter of something being so obvious it didn't seem to need saying. I think it is important nonetheless, though. [[User:Dominic|Dominic]] ([[User talk:Dominic|talk]]) 06:50, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
: I agree. I think reiterating the [[wmf:mission statement|mission statement]] might be good here. (Related to the section above about [[wmf:values]], this page seems to be doing a bit of wheel reinvention....) --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 06:55, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Ads? ==<br />
<br />
Is being ad-free a guiding principle? Relatedly, is being neutral? --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 07:53, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:On the neutrality issue... that seems perhaps too WIkipedia-specific? Wikivoyage, for instance, has [[:wikivoyage:Wikivoyage:Be fair|no neutrality policy]]. It seems like being independent is really the principle here, related to being ad-free, and that actually extends to other things like not being reliant on a few major donors. <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 18:18, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I think being ad-free is ''something we think is really great'', but the relevant guiding principle is indeed independence. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 18:54, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Mm, it's a little more than "really great"; Sue, Jimmy, and other board members have repeatedly stated for the record that Wikipedia will never show ads. So it's not accurate to present this as merely a strong preference; it has long been a firm commitment. (All this not to contradict that the principle here ''is'' independence rather than ''no ads''.) [[User:Ijon|Asaf Bartov (WMF Grants)]] [[User_talk:Ijon|talk]] 22:14, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::IMO a commitment to not put ads on the site is more of a ''position'' than a ''principle''. We certainly don't advocate against advertisement culture the way we advocate for free speech and access to information. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::Agreed. (your first comment did not acknowledge it was a committed position.) [[User:Ijon|Asaf Bartov (WMF Grants)]] [[User_talk:Ijon|talk]] 23:38, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::: Independence is the overall meta-principle, but ads come up ''so often'', even today, even after all the times we've said no. I think it's an artifact of our time and place and how every other internet service in the world gets funded, so I think it's worth focusing on ads specifically just to make the very clear point that: we are not the same as google, or facebook, etc. What we show people under our logos ''matters a lot'', and part of that is that no one can pay to control one square pixel of a Wikimedia project page. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:05, 6 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Free speech ==<br />
<br />
"Another crack at alternative wording: We aim to balance appropriately between our goal of being active internationally and our desire to minimize legal risk to the projects."<br />
:^ I worry this version doesn't actually say anything about being pro-free speech or making information available to everyone. One way to improve our international activity and lower our risk profile would be to censor information for certain countries to comply with local censorship or blasphemy laws, but I think we wouldn't consider that acceptable. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 19:10, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::Gah, good point Brion. You're right, it could be misread as supporting/allowing censorship, which of course is the opposite of what it's supposed to say. Clumsy writing. (By me.) I'll delete it from the page.<br />
::What about this version (copied from the article page): <br />
::''In making decisions, we will not allow censorship of our content as a means to facilitate other strategic goals: to the contrary, our strategic goal is to preserve content, and other initiatives must be consistent with that mission.''<br />
::Personally I never like use of the word "content" so I might rather word it as "censorship of the projects" and "to preserve the material in the projects," but that aside, do we think this works? <br />
::Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 21:17, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Thank you ==<br />
<br />
I just checked this page because I had a free moment (I am in an all-day annual planning meeting) and I want to say thank you to everyone who's contributing here -- this is a really useful conversation. Some of the language folks are proposing is really helpful, and there are a couple of places where the comments show that the existing language isn't nearly as clear as I thought it was. So this is good. I'll come back sometime over the next week, but please meanwhile continue to develop new needed language through discussion here -- it's very, very helpful. [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]])<br />
<br />
== Wikimedia Brasil Statement of Principles ==<br />
Hi, I would like to suggest also the reading of the Statement of Principles made by the group of volunteers of Wikimedia in Brazil, in 2009, which has nice thoughts and can inspire a little those reading here:<br />
* [[:br:chapter:Wikimedia:Statement of Principles|Wikimedia Brasil - Statement of Principles]]<br />
I would like later, when I find time, to make comments on the internationalization section. --[[User:Ezalvarenga|Tom]] ([[User talk:Ezalvarenga|talk]]) 22:40, 25 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Transparency: lack of IRS Form 990 ==<br />
<br />
Hello,<br />
<br />
The text mention we disclose the IRS form 990. The Financial page at http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Financial_reports only shows the 2010-2011 form, thus we are missing the 2011-2012 form which should have been filled last year. [[User:Hashar|Ashar Voultoiz]] ([[User talk:Hashar|talk]]) 11:41, 27 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:This isn't missing, just not there yet. :) The 2010-2011 form ([[:wmf:File:Form 990 - FY 10-11 - Public.pdf|here]]) was uploaded in May 2012. Previous years have been uploaded in [[:wmf::File:WMF 2009 2010 Form 990.pdf|April]], [[:wmf:File:WMF 2008 Form 990.pdf|May]], [[:wmf:File:WMF 2007 Form 990.pdf|May]] and [[:wmf:File:WMF 2006 Form 990.pdf|September]] of the year following the expiration of the fiscal year. Forms 990 are not due until the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of the fiscal year, with up to 180 days of extension if necessary. Last year's form 990 is still on schedule with previous years, and I'm sure it'll be uploaded sooner if ready. --[[User:Mdennis (WMF)|Maggie Dennis (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Mdennis (WMF)|talk]]) 14:38, 27 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Entities ==<br />
<br />
Thank you Sue for sharing and drafting this document in public! Reading the document – while understanding that it is aimed to describe current practice – I was a bit saddened to not see "movement entities" described in the context of partnership and cooperation in achieving the common goals. (There is some mention about giving movement entities money and freedom to do what they want, but I feel this does not live fully up to the [[mission]] statement, either in practice or at the level of principles.) –[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:51, 28 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== "Regardless of their title or position" ==<br />
<br />
"We aim to be careful with donors' money. We pay salaries that are fair but not lavish, and provide reasonable benefits (e.g., health and dental insurance) that are the same for all employees regardless of their title or position. We aim to incur only reasonable travel costs, and to keep work-related entertainment costs moderate."<br />
<br />
Hi. Is this recent? Was this envisioned when people were planning the catalyst programs? What about benefits as laptops and mobiles, how is the policy of WMF defined regading this? Best, --[[User:Ezalvarenga|Tom]] ([[User talk:Ezalvarenga|talk]]) 18:39, 2 April 2013 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution_talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles/Archive_1&diff=328108Resolution talk:Wikimedia Foundation Guiding Principles/Archive 12013-04-06T00:05:13Z<p>Phoebe: /* Ads? */ re:</p>
<hr />
<div>== Freedom and open source ==<br />
"As an organization, we strive to use open source tools over proprietary ones, although we use proprietary or closed tools (such as software, operating systems, etc.) where there is currently no open-source tool that will effectively meet our needs." - Is there a requirement and process in place which forces people to publish an evaluation which open-source tools were considered and tested for a task in order to identify which specific functionality was only provided by closed-source tools? --[[User:AKlapper (WMF)|AKlapper (WMF)]] ([[User talk:AKlapper (WMF)|talk]]) 18:08, 19 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:<br />
:Well, maybe that is my impression because I work remotely, but I've seen some proprietary files been shared and proprietary softwares being used when we could have free software. For instance, microsoft documents or apple softwares. And I've heard the wifi network in SF office works better with apple stuff, which is kind of weird - I've visited SF office only once and I checked that, but I've heard the same from other online meetings. For pragmatical reasons, sometimes I know using some closed softwares can deliver things faster tho. --[[User:Ezalvarenga|Ezalvarenga]] ([[User talk:Ezalvarenga|talk]]) 19:37, 19 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:I agree we could use a little more discipline on this. e.g. I'm not ''convinced'' all Mac users in the office would truly be significantly less effective at their work on Ubuntu machines. I do acknowledge some may be. I think it warrants some nudging/pushing, though. [[User:Ijon|Asaf Bartov (WMF Grants)]] [[User_talk:Ijon|talk]] 20:28, 19 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::I think there's a huge distinction between closed source tools for personal productivity, and closed source tools for supporting the projects. This should be clarified in the text of the principles, because the current state of affairs is that we require FOSS when it comes to what is actually necessary for the projects to run, and we obviously don't when it comes to the office IT. <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 22:42, 19 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::Thanks. In my initial posting I had shared tools in production (servers, webservices, etc.) in mind, but did not mean to refer to personal computers of individuals - that would be under the "personal freedom" category, and a published evaluation feels like overkill for such private cases. --[[User:AKlapper (WMF)|AKlapper (WMF)]] ([[User talk:AKlapper (WMF)|talk]]) 09:40, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::Hi, Aklapper, I don't have time today to make a longer comment, but for the personal freedom, if everybody begin to use closed formats, people who wants to use open formats will be forced to use also closed ones. If a person doesn't want to buy an apple computer, but the wifi network forces people to do so or make their lifes with other hardwares difficult, sorry, a serious policy about that should change. Yes, people can choose whatever they want on their personal computers, but if the majority is using what is fashion, a conscious minitority will not have freedom to choose what they want. As an example, I do use sometimes closed softwares, like skype, but only when really necessary, like a partner or co-worker that prefers to use it. And I know the pain it is sometimes to use only Linux since 1998. :) In Brazil, at least, in the government level, we are trying to [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/thackday/WCmyz2jltF8/sKDd0xCPQaQJ BURN ALL THE DOCS]! There are also [https://groups.google.com/group/thackday/browse_thread/thread/4f94fbf09e4b6f54 bills] under way. ;D P. S. I could not even imagine close softwares on the server side. --[[User:Ezalvarenga|Ezalvarenga]] ([[User talk:Ezalvarenga|talk]]) 12:36, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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Responding to a couple of you here. No, AKlapper, AFAIK there is no formal documented requirement/process for evaluation of when the Wikimedia Foundation uses a proprietary tool instead of an open source one. To date we've been small enough, and had a sufficient proportion of the staff who're personally dedicated to open source values, such that evaluation has tended to happen informally on a case-by-case basis, and it's worked reasonably well. Like, we made an organizational commitment to use CiviCRM early and we've stuck with that, and similarly I know that Finance & Admin uses proprietary accounting tools because early on some research was done that determined there was no acceptable open-source tool. I think those were both reasonable outcomes. Over the years we've toyed with the idea of developing a formal evaluation policy, but we have not done it. If you're suggesting we should, I would generally agree, but I also wouldn't say it's the thing Office IT should prioritize as most important and most urgent.<br />
<br />
More generally, in response to Ezalvarenga and Ijon, yes, I'd agree that our actual practices are likely imperfect -- there are probably some people at the Wikimedia Foundation using proprietary tools for individual use that could be replaced by open source tools. For example, I know that Legal has at some times used Microsoft Word for documents shared with external firms, when they probably could've insisted on using OpenOffice or LibreOffice without too much of a productivity hit.<br />
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Frankly, individuals using proprietary tools has been a pretty big pain point for the Wikimedia Foundation. It's understandable: individual staff have widely varying levels of personal commitment to FLOSS, people want to be effective at work and so they want to use the tools that support them best, and people's work, and their needs, vary. No-one wants to be told they have no choice but to use X, whether X is Ubuntu/Thunderbird/LibreOffice or IE/Outlook/Word. That's utterly reasonable. So it's complex, and we're not going to capture a lot of complexity in a short statement. <br />
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StevenW had proposed we modify the language here to distinguish between site production tools and personal/individual tools. Can somebody propose language for that, and for anything else here that might need clarification or finetuning? Feel free to make a change and I'll revert it or finetune it if I feel I need to. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:35, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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: Related reading: [[FLOSS-Exchange]]. I think focusing on the ideal (and its rationale, which Erik sort of touched on with his "right to fork" [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5334873&oldid=5334652 addition]), instead of what individuals might do, is a reasonable compromise. --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 07:25, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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I think the line should be what's shared by the organization (or teams within the organization) and personal. For anything shared, we should make it free software/open source unless it's really unworkable (and even then, we should always keep an eye out for moving to free software as it improves). But if you want to use MS Word on your personal machine to write PHP that fully meets our coding conventions, more power to you ;). This basically [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&oldid=5335910#Freedom_and_open_source matches] the current text. But there are some cases where free software is workable for shared tools but we're not currently using them; as I said, we should try to change that. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 20:14, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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:Agreed with SteveW and others above that there's some distinction between what we share, what we use personally, and what we require others to use. Apple users in the office? Who cares, they're mostly running FOSS on top of Apple -- most of our ops folks and engineers live in a terminal and use standard Unix tools. Adobe Photoshop and proprietary-format files for graphics work? Maybe we do care, because you can't always use the PSD files without it. (I always advocate for SVG format for graphics, especially anything we intend to use in software or on sites that may need to be revisioned in the future.) Google Apps for email? Who cares, email is interoperable. Google Hangouts for video conferencing internally? Who cares? Google Hangouts for video conferencing including open community participation? Runs on Linux, but requires a proprietary plugin; not ideal but we accept it as the best compromise of several options for now. Maybe we care but we can live with it. etc. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 18:50, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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::So the text now reads like this: <br />
<br />
::''The Wikimedia Foundation is deeply rooted in the values of the free culture and free software movements. With the exception of "fair use" material, all information in Wikimedia projects can be freely shared, freely distributed, freely modified and freely used for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, in perpetuity.''<br />
::''All code written by the Wikimedia Foundation is licensed under an applicable open source license. We realize our obligations not just to share code, but to cultivate a healthy community of contributors around the source code, and to work with upstream projects and contribute back improvements to their code.''<br />
::''All material in our projects is available in free formats that do not require the user to install proprietary software.''<br />
::''Consistent with the above principles, we support the right of third parties to make and maintain licensing-compliant copies and forks of Wikimedia content and Wikimedia-developed code, regardless of motivation or purpose. While we are generally not able to directly assist such efforts, we enable them by making available copies of Wikimedia content in bulk, and avoiding critical dependencies on proprietary code or services for maintaining a largely functionally equivalent fork.''<br />
::''As an organization, we strive to use open source tools over proprietary ones, although we use proprietary or closed tools (such as software, operating systems, etc.) where there is currently no open-source tool that will effectively meet our needs.''<br />
<br />
::Does this work for everybody? I could add some language specifically around personal tool use, but I feel like "where there's no open-source tool that would effectively meet our needs" covers it. Like, you use Illustrator if Gimp isn't good enough for what you need. Let me know if anyone feels like this language isn't clear/accurate: otherwise I'll consider this thread resolved. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 21:48, 1 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
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::: As a very minor piece of word-smithing, I'd change "not able to directly assist such efforts" to "not able to individually assist such efforts" - we do directly help such efforts with data dumps and tools, we just don't have the resources to give human attention individually to such efforts. But yes, looks good to go otherwise. [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 22:25, 1 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::: Done -- thanks James :-) [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 17:02, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
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== Quick suggestion... ==<br />
<br />
[https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User%3ASue_Gardner%2FWikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5332950&oldid=5331958 ], which I made before seeing the request to comment first. Anyway, "serving every human being" seems a bit disingenuous, since we really aim to serve every literate human being with access to data and a digital device. ;-) The goal of providing equal access to all seems fairer, and more in line the the section's comments about well, accessibility. <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 00:26, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:"equal access to all" is, er, equally disingenuous, as, by your own phrase, we're providing equal access only to "every literate human being with access to data and a digital device".<br />
:Furthermore, I actually do think we ''strive'' to serve every human being. Remember the free knowledge the Wikimedia community creates and shares is consumed offline too, not to mention the huge value of secondary use -- the knowledge worked into presentations, newspapers, books, radio and TV programs -- all consumed by hundreds of millions ''more'' than the group consuming it directly from our Web sites. [[User:Ijon|Asaf Bartov (WMF Grants)]] [[User_talk:Ijon|talk]] 00:50, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::Yeah, I agree with Ijon. The language is "aims to" and "endeavours to," so I think it's appropriately framed as aspirational. [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:37, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Actually, it's not quite that limited. We do generally serve literate people, but there are actually readings of many articles (e.g. see [[:w:Template:Spoken Wikipedia|Template:Spoken Wikipedia]], I'm sure among others). There are also various mechanisms for printing Wikipedia (some in-house, some just people trying to make money by selling Wikipedia books), so you don't need a digital device. The fact that we've consistently used fully free licenses for our content (except fair use extracts) has facilitated all of that. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 20:17, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Commons serves non-literate people indirectly. {{Smiley}} —[[User:Tom Morris|Tom Morris]] ([[User talk:Tom Morris|talk]]) 19:02, 30 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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== Getting rich ==<br />
<br />
On «nobody is getting rich by working at the Wikimedia Foundation»: define "rich". For instance, I'm a student but I'm very rich compared to most world population and richer than millions of Italians (so, when serving in my university board I raised tuition fees for myself/my income range). --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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:Yeah obviously "getting rich" is relative. It's only when you compare [[:wiktionary:apples and oranges|apples to apples]] and look at other tech and nonprofit compensation schemes that you see what is meant. In any case, it's pretty awesome that we want to put that among our guiding principles, right? <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 18:38, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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:Edit conflict with StevenW! And yeah, Steven, I agree. I think the key word here is "getting." Nemo is correct of course that by world population standards, everybody who works at the Wikimedia Foundation is rich. But we were born rich, we did not "get" rich through our work at the Wikimedia Foundation. The point here is that working at the Wikimedia Foundation is not a path to dramatically improving one's personal wealth. Thanks. [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:40, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::I tend to see those negative statements ("'''not''' getting rich") as putting things in people's head that you don't want there in the first place. You say "not getting rich" (and I am on par with both Steven's and your interpretation on this) and all people seem to read/hear is "rich". Maybe we should try to find a positive statement for this? I'm kind of stuck though for a good one. "If you want to get rich, go work somewhere else"? -- ok, that one is stupid, but maybe you get my point? [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 21:48, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::I suspected that the point was in ''getting'', however this is tricky. One may get "richer" by going to work in the WMF for career reasons, compared to the previous work (or country?), comparatively getting "poorer" than possible in some other place, however the latter is mostly impossible to prove. "Nobody is getting richer" would be clearer but is technically wrong.<br />
:::Maybe: "we aim at level of income not being an important [the most important? one of the most important?] motivation[s] for someone to stay at the WMF", which implies there are different/contrasting motivations (presumably honest ;) ) without getting lost in defining which, and that income may be sacrificed. This is probably what is meant hear; no idea if it is positive enough as per notafish. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 00:15, 21 March 2013 (UTC) <small>P.s.: Steven, personally I don't care that much if someone gets rich at the WMF, as long as it's not by fleeing with the cash. :) I just like clarity.</small><br />
::::Seems a bit "off" for Sue Gardner to be commenting on "not getting rich" when her salary exceeds that of about 99% of American wage earners. -- [[Special:Contributions/2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A|2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A]] 18:46, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
I've just removed the phrase about getting rich. I think "fair but not lavish" covers it :-) Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 22:00, 1 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
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==Reasonable travel costs==<br />
«We aim to incur only reasonable travel costs: the general policy is to travel economy class and stay in moderately-priced hotels»: were $225K for staff (and board) at Wikimania reasonable? [[Talk:Wikimedia budget#Wikimania travel question]]. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:How much is that per person sent to Wikimania that year? I think looking at the total for shock value is unfair. <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 18:39, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::Nemo we're not making a commitment here to reduce travel costs, or to minimize travel. (I wouldn't want to do that: with a growing staff that operates as part of a global community that stages many international events such as Wikimania, the chapters' meeting and various hackathons, it strikes me that a focus on reducing travel costs would be a net negative not a net plus. I expect travel costs to be a not-insubstantial chunk of the Wikimedia Foundation budget: that seems eminently reasonable to me given the nature of our work.) The point here is simply that when we travel, we aim to do it moderately not luxuriously. The nuts-and-bolts of how we do that are captured in [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Travel_policy the travel policy], but the purpose of this statement is simply to summarize the overall intent. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:47, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::So in short yes, you think it's reasonable. :) <small>I don't know if it was: while you do or can know all the details on the alternatives and other considerations, I can't judge — no opinion at all.</small> Given that "reasonable" conveys little, you may consider removing «to incur only reasonable travel costs: the general policy is » and leaving only the straightforward part of the statement.<br />
:::Ideally (IMHO), we'd include some other criteria, like the impact:cost ratio (which you hinted to), usage of cheapest means of transportation, miscellaneous synergies (dumb example: double rooms instead of single where possible? and other more impactful stuff), with the disclaimer that all this must be applied fairly (see other section on benefits/reimbursements). I have no idea what are the current practices on all this so I don't know where to start, but I'm confident a compact form is possible. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 00:38, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::Hey Nemo, please see my comment in Title and Position (the next section down). Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 17:29, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
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==Title or position==<br />
«People at the Wikimedia Foundation get the same benefits regardless of their title or position». <br />
*Who's "people"? Are you including all managers, trustees and employees?<br />
*What's "benefits" and how do you measure if "salaries" are "fair"? Are you considering only accessories or also the actual wage, before or after taxes, pension contributions etc.?<br />
*What are you including in "title or position" (or other comparison for "fair")? For instance, remote worker vs. office worker, full time vs. part time, staff vs. contractor.<br />
--[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:*Well, people does include at least all staff if you read further "regardless of their title or position". This should include everyone. As for Trustees, you've got a point, "people" is not clear and should probably be changed to "Staff" when it comes to benefits. I do not believe Trustees get benefits, even though they might benefit from insurance and related stuff when it comes to their work for the Foundation. It might make sense here to differentiate between staff/volunteers or something along those lines. [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 14:34, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::To be clear: yes, the statement's intended to refer to all staff, and I can change the word "people" to "staff." There is detail available in the document [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/foundation/2/2a/Wikimedia_Foundation_Compensation_Practices.pdf Wikimedia Foundation Compensation Practices]. And for Notafish, yes, the trustees don't get any benefits. Expenses they incur on behalf of the Wikimedia Foundation are reimbursed as per the policies, but they receive no compensation in the form of salary or other benefits. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 18:56, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::I think Staff makes sense in that context, thanks for clarifying. [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 21:41, 20 March 2013 (UTC) <small>(Sue, it's '''n'''otafish, with a small '''n''', and I'm stupidly particular about it. If you want a capital, go with Delphine ;)</small><br />
:::::Thank you, Sue, this clarifies the first point: only two left in this section. :)<br />
:::::On "benefits", the exact meaning of the word (or lexical equivalent) varies quite a lot across jurisdictions and fiscal systems, as far as I know, so it's not safe to assume everyone will get what you mean. I understand that reimbursements are a different matter, but it would be nice if they were fair and independent from title etc., too. (I suppose they already mostly are?) --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 00:00, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::::: Yeah, in the U.S. "benefits" is generally understood not to include salary (people talk about "salary plus benefits") (it's basically everything ''but'' salary). However, that might not be true in other countries/languages. Also, the 401(k) maximum match is a fixed percentage of salary. While the percentage is the same across position, the amount (n% × salary) technically is not. However, it's true this is a fine distinction. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 20:28, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
*'Staff' is normally understood to mean Employees + Contractors, where contractors are afforded fewer benefits (if any at all). I'd suggest amending to specify 'Employees at...'. [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 23:23, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
**I'd kind of like us to provide fair benefits to all staff including international contractors, but of course jurisdictions make things.... difficult. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 19:01, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::: As per Oliver and others, I changed "staff" to "employees" for clarity. I do wish the WMF could provide equivalent benefits to everyone regardless of their official status (i.e., staff versus contractor) but Brion is right, it's very complex. Having said that, I'm pleased we do provide additional benefits to all U.S. employees beyond what's provided by the state. In many/most countries, the state provides the basics: in the United States it does not, and so employer-provided health insurance is critical. [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 17:14, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::: Okay I just rewrote this section. <br />
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::::''We aim to be careful with donors' money. We pay salaries that are fair but not lavish, and provide reasonable benefits (e.g., health and dental insurance) that are the same for all employees regardless of their title or position. We aim to incur only reasonable travel costs, and to keep work-related entertainment costs moderate.'' <br />
<br />
::::Purpose of the rewrite is just clarity/simplicity. Nemo, rather than expanding the travel-related part with more detail I made it higher-level. [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Travel_policy The full travel policy is here], and it's an official Board policy, so if it changes it would be updated on that page. Folks, let me know if aiming "to keep work-related entertainment costs moderate" is clear enough. Again, there is a [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Duty_entertainment_guidelines_policy more detailed policy on this]. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 17:27, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
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==Accountable==<br />
«The Wikimedia Foundation wants to be accountable to [...]». Please clarify how the concept of accountability applies here: «responsible for your decisions or actions and expected to explain them when you are asked»[http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/accountable] (are there processes to be responsible of your actions in front of the readers, receive their questions and explain? etc.). --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Sure, of course there are processes to be responsible to the readers of the projects. Reader surveys. User testing. OTRS. The blogs. The annual reports. The regular publication of activity reports, performance reports, financial statements. Social media. Engagement with charity watchdog groups. Public mailing lists. Bugzilla. Office hours on IRC. Events for donors. This page, and many other on-wiki consultations related to feature development, policy development, and so forth. There are probably lots I am forgetting :-) Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 19:09, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
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==Shared power==<br />
This section seems entirely useless, in that it lists a lot of minor ephemeral details from the ''here and now'' and no actual "principles" that may "guide" any action. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:The purpose of this section is to explicitly acknowledge that the Wikimedia Foundation works in partnership with a global community of volunteers -- that the Wikimedia Foundation is not the sole or even primary actor in fulfilling the Wikimedia mission, and that it needs to conduct itself accordingly, by creating mechanisms and processes enabling the community to have influence on its actions. Because we are interdependent partners. I think this is a pretty fundamental and important point to make, because in this regard we are different from practically everybody else. (What I mean by that: eBay and Facebook and Yelp may also have a social purpose or utility, but their primary purpose is to make money, and "community members" are a resource to be managed by the company to that end. In our case, the primary purpose of the movement is to make knowledge freely available to everyone around the world, and the Wikimedia Foundation and the global community of volunteers play different and complementary roles in achieving that shared goal.) So I wonder if that's not clear -- if my wording is just mucky. If so, can someone help propose better, more useful language? Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]])<br />
:The shared power section does mention volunteer "developers". However, I would like to see more emphasis on this. Something like "The Wikimedia Foundation strives to continually increase its partnership with outside developers, project managers, and system adminstrators so we can technically improve the sites together". This is an area where we've had some success, but more can definitely be done. The reason I said "outside" not "volunteer" is that they may be paid to work on something like MediaWiki, just not paid ''by'' WMF. The Apache Software Foundation is an example of an organization where many (not all) developers are paid (by various companies organizations), but they partner together to get things done. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 20:35, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: Hi Matt,<br />
<br />
:: Sue asked me to help her add to the section, and I've made an effort to do so [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5361354&oldid=5361335 here]. I think the "aligned with our interests" piece is an important qualifier.--[[User:Eloquence|Eloquence]] ([[User talk:Eloquence|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==United States==<br />
On «support successful job candidates in attaining the legal right to work in the United States»: why only USA? What if they want to move elsewhere? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Maybe this should become "...to work from a WMF office in the United States", in case that's what's meant here. --[[User:AKlapper (WMF)|AKlapper (WMF)]] ([[User talk:AKlapper (WMF)|talk]]) 09:44, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::Or rather: Support succesful job candidates in attaining the legal right to work in the US should the need arise". Or something along those lines. [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 14:36, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::Yeah -- you're correct, we also support remote workers when people don't want to relocate and the job doesn't require it. I will reword :-) [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 19:21, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::::Here's what I changed it too -- let me know if this is clearer. "We aim to recruit talented people regardless of where they live, and depending on their preferences and the needs of the job, we support them in working remotely or relocating to the United States." Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 19:29, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::::Does the trick, as far as I'm concerned. :) [[User:Notafish|notafish]] [[User talk:Notafish|}&lt;&#39;;&gt;]] 21:42, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::::Yes, much clearer, thanks. <br />
::::::Ideally you'd be completely nation-neutral and support them in relocating to another country of their choice too, if suitable for them, and you could remove the "to the United States" bit. However, I understand this is an edge case. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 00:20, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::::::Relocations are done because the WMF feels the employee should be in-office. Up until we open an office somewhere else I can't imagine that spending donor funds moving people to a country 'because they want to live there' would be optimal. [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 23:24, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::::::Yeah, Oliver is right. We have once or twice had staff who wanted to relocate for personal reasons. We are okay with them doing it when it doesn't interfere with their work (like, if they are moving from one non-SF location to another non-SF location, or if they used to work from SF, want to move elsewhere, and working remotely wouldn't hurt their ability to do their work). But in those cases, when they are moving for personal reasons, the WMF wouldn't pay for the move, and wouldn't arrange or pay for any services related to the move, such as immigration-related legal fees. Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 20:23, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Serving every human being==<br />
This section looks weird being 7 sections away from «Freedom and open source» with «All material in our projects is available in free formats that do not require the user to install proprietary software» etc. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
The emphasis on the development of new features is undue and likely to grate on both engineering staff and community, in my opinion. It is out of step with the custodian role which many individuals in both groups identify with. We should express a stronger commitment to high availability and site performance. --[[User:Ori.livneh|Ori.livneh]] ([[User talk:Ori.livneh|talk]]) 10:29, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Oh ha, Ori.livneh I think that's just clumsy wording on my part. I can see how it's easy to misread, but what you think I said is not what I meant to be saying. I'll revise. I'll also move this chunk up to be nearer to Freedom and Open Source. Thanks to you both [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 19:31, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: Also, it talks about these being directed at "readers", and hoping to support them in starting to contribute - but we should probably also talk about supporting existing contributors. :-) [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 20:11, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: On Sue's request, I've tried to address these points with [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5334886&oldid=5334873 this edit].--[[User:Eloquence|Eloquence]] ([[User talk:Eloquence|talk]]) 23:13, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:::: It's better (thanks, Sue, Erik, and James) but it's still not quite right, in my opinion: rather than rank engineering priorities (features, performance, availability) and then work backwards to explain the values that motivate them (access, participation), I think the section ought to lead with a statement of values, and then explain how our engineering priorities reflect our effort to realize these values maximally. --[[User:Ori.livneh|Ori.livneh]] ([[User talk:Ori.livneh|talk]]) 11:55, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::::: Want to take a crack at drafting something on talk?--[[User:Eloquence|Eloquence]] ([[User talk:Eloquence|talk]]) 20:45, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:::::: How about:<br />
:::::: <div style="border:1px solid silver; background:#eee; margin:0.5em; padding:1em 2em;">The Wikimedia Foundation aims to make <span style="background: #d8ecff;">the</span> material in the Wikimedia projects broadly accessible to all. <span style="background: #d8ecff;">We work to enable for the world education from, entertainment by, and engagement with our projects' content, and participation in the communities and processes that create them.</span> Ensuring <span style="background: #d8ecff;">the</span> continued reliability, availability and responsiveness of all Wikimedia sites and services is our first priority. In prioritizing new products and features, our goal is to impact the largest-possible number of readers and contributors, and to eliminate barriers that could preclude people from accessing or contributing to our projects, such as poor usability, lack of language support, and limited access to technology. We endeavour to create the structural support and the necessary preconditions for bottom-up innovation by others. We do not form agreements in which one organization is given access to material or functionality that others are denied. Where possible, we aim to preserve and support frictionless use of the material in the projects, so that people can share it widely and easily.</div><br />
:::::: Thoughts? Please forgive the "power of threes" and running alliterations. :-) I worry that this section is now trying to say too much; possibly split after "technology"? I'm not particularly attached to my wording, so don't worry about offending. [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 05:54, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Communication==<br />
Do you think https://xkcd.com/802/ [https://xkcd.com/802_large/] applies to the WMF? (In particular, the proportions in the two maps on the top <s>right</s> left being zoomed.) --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Nemo, could you clarify which proportions you refer to by naming them? Top right is "Unread Updates". --[[User:AKlapper (WMF)|AKlapper (WMF)]] ([[User talk:AKlapper (WMF)|talk]]) 09:46, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::Ouch. I meant left, of course. :) Thanks, [[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:56, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Right to fork==<br />
Again nothing. [[Talk:Terms of use/Archives/2011-12-06#Right to Fork]]. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:14, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
* Probably more of a Wikimedia principle than a Wikimedia Foundation principle. Perhaps we need a separate list? :-) --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 09:22, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
*: I doubt it: «principles intended to guide the work of the Wikimedia Foundation». Who else do you suggest to task with ensuring the right to fork? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:29, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: Sue asked me to explore some language around this, so I've taken a first crack at it with [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sue_Gardner/Wikimedia_Foundation_Guiding_Principles&diff=5334873&oldid=5334652 this edit].--[[User:Eloquence|Eloquence]] ([[User talk:Eloquence|talk]]) 23:01, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::: Thanks! Much better. I'll let the experts comment on the specific wording and if it covers all the essential (people would like to have something more than page history dumps, but what exactly is tricky). --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 23:53, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::: If this idea is developed any further could someone ping me? I'm interested for obvious reasons. Thanks. -- [[User:ArielGlenn|ArielGlenn]] ([[User talk:ArielGlenn|talk]]) 09:44, 27 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I think this is covered now by Erik's language, right? <br />
<br />
''Consistent with the above principles, we support the right of third parties to make and maintain licensing-compliant copies and forks of Wikimedia content and Wikimedia-developed code, regardless of motivation or purpose. While we are generally not able to individually assist such efforts, we enable them by making available copies of Wikimedia content in bulk, and avoiding critical dependencies on proprietary code or services for maintaining a largely functionally equivalent fork.''<br />
<br />
Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 20:25, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Internationalism ==<br />
<br />
«''When we consider the community'' as a whole, we aim to consider all its languages and geographies and to avoid global initiatives that favor communities speaking only our languages» (emphasis added).<br />
I note that you're only talking of how you consider the community; what about «initiatives that favor communities speaking only our languages» in general? For instance, roughly how much of the WMF spending goes on initiatives that favor only English-language people (projects, users etc., readers) or only the USA? --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:36, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Right to influence ==<br />
<br />
«Their work has earned [...] financial support sustaining the Wikimedia Foundation [...] and the global community has therefore earned the right to influence the work of the organizations»: it ''seems'' that you're stating that the only reason why someone has the "right to influence" the work is that they bring in dollars. --[[User:Nemo_bis|Nemo]] 09:55, 20 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Mm, Nemo, this is a good point. I was meaning to specifically talk about the financial aspect, but I realize from your comment that it reads wrong --- it *does* read like that's the only reason the community members matter, which is of course not true. I've taken a crack at rewording below, let me know what you think.<br />
<br />
''These are the people who build the projects, and they have earned the right to influence the development of the platform, and the work of organizations that receive funding from the movement.''<br />
<br />
Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 20:32, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Transparency ==<br />
<br />
This section says "including employee guidelines". What happened to the public sharing of the [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Employee_Handbook Employee Handbook]? -- [[Special:Contributions/2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A|2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A]] 18:49, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
: I asked about this recently. It doesn't really seem relevant to this kind of document, though. There's a thread on wikimedia-l, I think, if you want to follow up. :-) --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 21:10, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:: It explicitly says "As a matter of general practice, unless there’s a particular reason not to, we aim to publish internal organizational policies and procedures, including employee guidelines, financial policies, etc." I think it does belong here, because what the employees do is relevant, particularly to the donors who are essentially paying us. I agree the current reality around such employee procedures, etc. is not quite consistent with the document. There is some stuff on Office Wiki (a private WMF wiki for employees) that does not need to be confidential. [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 23:08, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::: If only there were someone with access to both wikis with the technical know-how to move the pages. --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 03:53, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::I'm pretty sure the staff handbook contains (amongst other things) access info to our healthcare providers, and other non-public information which should be stripped. I think that if someone did have the access and technical know-how to move the pages and acted on it, they'd swiftly find themselves losing the access ;p. As a general statement, the document ''should'' be moved over - but I imagine they want to get it finished and stable before combing through it to identify elements inappropriate for public consumption (otherwise you end up having to do multiple sweeps). [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 03:58, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::There are also sections which have been vetted by Legal and should not be open for editing by the public. This is one of the problems.--[[User:Jorm (WMF)|Jorm (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jorm (WMF)|talk]]) 23:44, 27 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::::: The legal team has no issue creating redacted PDFs. They just did for the [[NDA]]s. But they shouldn't be releasing documents in this way, of course. I've started some notes at [[legal docs]] for anyone interested. --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 06:11, 28 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Independence ==<br />
<br />
"Skillsets" is not a proper word. -- [[Special:Contributions/2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A|2001:558:1400:10:456A:2BA3:C990:8D0A]] 18:57, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
: Context, "Similarly, our Board of Trustees selection process is designed to encourage representation of different voices and skillsets, rather than recognizing donors or celebrities."<br />
: What would you recommend instead? "skill sets"? Something else? (This level of minor word tweaking you can really just do yourself, but I'm happy to proxy the edit for you from the talk page, if you'd like.) --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 20:53, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: "Skillsets" is a reasonable word, but if the IP objects strenuously, we could use "sets of skills", which is rather po-faced. [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 05:55, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::"Skillsets" is a perfectly cromulent word, even if my spell checker doesn't like it. If you're picky, write it as "skill sets". :) --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 18:56, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Frictionless and copyleft ==<br />
<br />
You might want to clarify this does not mean abandoning copyleft. Though not all WMF wikis use copyleft, many do, and there is general understanding of its benefits. I want to ensure people don't come later and start arguing that e.g. all new wikis should be non-copyleft to avoid "friction". [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 23:12, 21 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Surely by definition, 'avoiding friction in reuse' would be 'copyleft' - it's talking about freedom for others to reuse our work, not freedom for us to reuse the work of others. Which WMF wikis are non-copyleft? [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 04:00, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:: Wikinews and Wikidata, for two. Copyleft licences are overly restrictive for wider re-use in some contexts. [[User:Jdforrester (WMF)|Jdforrester (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Jdforrester (WMF)|talk]]) 05:38, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::Aha, we're talking less- rather than more-restrictive; my mistake :). [[User:Okeyes (WMF)|Okeyes (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Okeyes (WMF)|talk]]) 05:40, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Duplicate of [[wmf:Values]]? ==<br />
<br />
Hi. I wonder if these guiding principles aren't in some ways a duplicate of (or perhaps an update to) [[wmf:Values]]. What's the purpose of this document? Is it going to live alongside the [[wmf:mission|mission statement]], [[wmf:vision|vision statement]], etc.? Or will it end up being a Board resolution? Or something else? --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 04:10, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:It is similar, but more detailed than the values statement. I think the guiding principles are pretty well done, and cover some additional ground. It is worth considering if they could supersede the values statement, but there is some value in having a shorter document too. The guiding principles draft says, "It is likely that these principles will be presented to the Board of Trustees for their approval, at a future Board meeting." [[User:Superm401|Superm401]] | [[User_talk:Superm401|Talk]] 16:16, 30 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Free formats ==<br />
<br />
In re: ''All material in our projects is available in free formats that do not require the user to install proprietary software,'' can you clarify whether or not this is meant to mean that we will provide every file in free formats and thus not ''require'' the use of non-free software to view the file or does this mean that we will not provide the file in non-free formats at all? There seems to be some contention both internally and externally surrounding the possibility of providing non-free formats. I, personally, full appreciate having available to me free-formats, but when all of my devices have hardware-accelerated H.264 decoding, I would prefer to save cpu cycles and my battery when watching videos from commons. Similarly, there are some mobile devices that only support non-free formats and thus we currently do not support those users. -[[User:Pgehres (WMF)|Peter Gehres (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Pgehres (WMF)|talk]]) 05:20, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:We're working on that issue with legal internally... I'm certainly trying to push advocacy for explicit support of multi-format stack as officially acceptable, and would prefer clearer language on this as well. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 18:52, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Quality ==<br />
<br />
It strikes me that there is a glaring omission here. The current list of principles is a good set of ideologies, but surely the Wikimedia Foundation values high-quality content as much as it does the abstract principles like transparency and accountability. I understand that the Foundation does not generally (nor should) directly involve itself in the creation or judging of content on the projects, but certainly one of its core duties is encouraging or enabling the content creation, and one of the core implicit principles is that the content of the projects ought to be high-quality, comprehensive, authoritative, and so on (to the degree such quality descriptors are applicable to each project). To me, it seems like the omission of any principle that actually addresses the content of the projects is likely a matter of something being so obvious it didn't seem to need saying. I think it is important nonetheless, though. [[User:Dominic|Dominic]] ([[User talk:Dominic|talk]]) 06:50, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
: I agree. I think reiterating the [[wmf:mission statement|mission statement]] might be good here. (Related to the section above about [[wmf:values]], this page seems to be doing a bit of wheel reinvention....) --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 06:55, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Ads? ==<br />
<br />
Is being ad-free a guiding principle? Relatedly, is being neutral? --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 07:53, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:On the neutrality issue... that seems perhaps too WIkipedia-specific? Wikivoyage, for instance, has [[:wikivoyage:Wikivoyage:Be fair|no neutrality policy]]. It seems like being independent is really the principle here, related to being ad-free, and that actually extends to other things like not being reliant on a few major donors. <font style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">[[User:Steven (WMF)|Steven Walling (WMF)]]&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;[[User talk:Steven (WMF)|<span style="color: #8080b0">talk</span>]]</font> 18:18, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I think being ad-free is ''something we think is really great'', but the relevant guiding principle is indeed independence. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 18:54, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:Mm, it's a little more than "really great"; Sue, Jimmy, and other board members have repeatedly stated for the record that Wikipedia will never show ads. So it's not accurate to present this as merely a strong preference; it has long been a firm commitment. (All this not to contradict that the principle here ''is'' independence rather than ''no ads''.) [[User:Ijon|Asaf Bartov (WMF Grants)]] [[User_talk:Ijon|talk]] 22:14, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
::IMO a commitment to not put ads on the site is more of a ''position'' than a ''principle''. We certainly don't advocate against advertisement culture the way we advocate for free speech and access to information. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::Agreed. (your first comment did not acknowledge it was a committed position.) [[User:Ijon|Asaf Bartov (WMF Grants)]] [[User_talk:Ijon|talk]] 23:38, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
:::: Independence is the overall meta-principle, but ads come up ''so often'', even today, even after all the times we've said no. I think it's an artifact of our time and place and how every other internet service in the world gets funded, so I think it's worth focusing on ads specifically just to make the very clear point that: we are not the same as google, or facebook, etc. What we show people under our logos ''matters a lot''. -- [[user:phoebe|phoebe]] | <small>[[user_talk:phoebe|talk]]</small> 00:05, 6 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Free speech ==<br />
<br />
"Another crack at alternative wording: We aim to balance appropriately between our goal of being active internationally and our desire to minimize legal risk to the projects."<br />
:^ I worry this version doesn't actually say anything about being pro-free speech or making information available to everyone. One way to improve our international activity and lower our risk profile would be to censor information for certain countries to comply with local censorship or blasphemy laws, but I think we wouldn't consider that acceptable. --[[User:Brion VIBBER|brion]] ([[User talk:Brion VIBBER|talk]]) 19:10, 22 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::Gah, good point Brion. You're right, it could be misread as supporting/allowing censorship, which of course is the opposite of what it's supposed to say. Clumsy writing. (By me.) I'll delete it from the page.<br />
::What about this version (copied from the article page): <br />
::''In making decisions, we will not allow censorship of our content as a means to facilitate other strategic goals: to the contrary, our strategic goal is to preserve content, and other initiatives must be consistent with that mission.''<br />
::Personally I never like use of the word "content" so I might rather word it as "censorship of the projects" and "to preserve the material in the projects," but that aside, do we think this works? <br />
::Thanks [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]]) 21:17, 2 April 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Thank you ==<br />
<br />
I just checked this page because I had a free moment (I am in an all-day annual planning meeting) and I want to say thank you to everyone who's contributing here -- this is a really useful conversation. Some of the language folks are proposing is really helpful, and there are a couple of places where the comments show that the existing language isn't nearly as clear as I thought it was. So this is good. I'll come back sometime over the next week, but please meanwhile continue to develop new needed language through discussion here -- it's very, very helpful. [[User:Sue Gardner|Sue Gardner]] ([[User talk:Sue Gardner|talk]])<br />
<br />
== Wikimedia Brasil Statement of Principles ==<br />
Hi, I would like to suggest also the reading of the Statement of Principles made by the group of volunteers of Wikimedia in Brazil, in 2009, which has nice thoughts and can inspire a little those reading here:<br />
* [[:br:chapter:Wikimedia:Statement of Principles|Wikimedia Brasil - Statement of Principles]]<br />
I would like later, when I find time, to make comments on the internationalization section. --[[User:Ezalvarenga|Tom]] ([[User talk:Ezalvarenga|talk]]) 22:40, 25 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Transparency: lack of IRS Form 990 ==<br />
<br />
Hello,<br />
<br />
The text mention we disclose the IRS form 990. The Financial page at http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Financial_reports only shows the 2010-2011 form, thus we are missing the 2011-2012 form which should have been filled last year. [[User:Hashar|Ashar Voultoiz]] ([[User talk:Hashar|talk]]) 11:41, 27 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:This isn't missing, just not there yet. :) The 2010-2011 form ([[:wmf:File:Form 990 - FY 10-11 - Public.pdf|here]]) was uploaded in May 2012. Previous years have been uploaded in [[:wmf::File:WMF 2009 2010 Form 990.pdf|April]], [[:wmf:File:WMF 2008 Form 990.pdf|May]], [[:wmf:File:WMF 2007 Form 990.pdf|May]] and [[:wmf:File:WMF 2006 Form 990.pdf|September]] of the year following the expiration of the fiscal year. Forms 990 are not due until the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of the fiscal year, with up to 180 days of extension if necessary. Last year's form 990 is still on schedule with previous years, and I'm sure it'll be uploaded sooner if ready. --[[User:Mdennis (WMF)|Maggie Dennis (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Mdennis (WMF)|talk]]) 14:38, 27 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Entities ==<br />
<br />
Thank you Sue for sharing and drafting this document in public! Reading the document – while understanding that it is aimed to describe current practice – I was a bit saddened to not see "movement entities" described in the context of partnership and cooperation in achieving the common goals. (There is some mention about giving movement entities money and freedom to do what they want, but I feel this does not live fully up to the [[mission]] statement, either in practice or at the level of principles.) –[[User:Bdamokos|Bence]] ([[User talk:Bdamokos|talk]]) 13:51, 28 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== "Regardless of their title or position" ==<br />
<br />
"We aim to be careful with donors' money. We pay salaries that are fair but not lavish, and provide reasonable benefits (e.g., health and dental insurance) that are the same for all employees regardless of their title or position. We aim to incur only reasonable travel costs, and to keep work-related entertainment costs moderate."<br />
<br />
Hi. Is this recent? Was this envisioned when people were planning the catalyst programs? What about benefits as laptops and mobiles, how is the policy of WMF defined regading this? Best, --[[User:Ezalvarenga|Tom]] ([[User talk:Ezalvarenga|talk]]) 18:39, 2 April 2013 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution_talk:Appointing_and_authorizing_a_transition_committee_in_the_search_of_a_new_Executive_Director&diff=90990Resolution talk:Appointing and authorizing a transition committee in the search of a new Executive Director2013-03-31T17:37:53Z<p>Phoebe: wikimedia-l</p>
<hr />
<div>I must say, I was just a little surprised to not see some language at the bottom of this resolution thanking Sue for her past and ongoing efforts leading the Wikimedia Foundation. Some bodies/organizations pass resolutions that are unrelated to their official work/duties. I'm not sure if the Wikimedia Foundation Board does this very often (if ever). I guess I'd have to look at the index. Alternately, in place of a resolution, sometimes a body or organization will issue a formal statement. I think it would be nice to have a separate resolution or statement thanking Sue for her service and/or include some language to that effect in the resolution appointing the next Executive Director. --[[User:MZMcBride|MZMcBride]] ([[User talk:MZMcBride|talk]]) 01:54, 30 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
: I expect there will be further statements or resolutions later; for now, there is the statement from [http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimedia-l/2013-March/124853.html Kat on Wikimedia-l] that makes clear everything is cordial between Sue and the Board. -- [[User:Phoebe|Phoebe]] ([[User talk:Phoebe|talk]]) 17:37, 31 March 2013 (UTC)</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Funds_Dissemination_Committee_framework_and_initial_operation&diff=85045Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee framework and initial operation2012-11-15T04:29:01Z<p>Phoebe: this was approved in 2012, not 2011 (my mistake as board secretary at the time)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Funds Dissemination Committee framework and initial operation<br />
|notes = This resolution approved the initial operation and charter of the Funds Dissemination Committee. Passed 9-0, 1 absent, in-person on July 11, 2012. <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Background Recitals'''<br />
<br />
* In its fundraising letter on February 8, 2012, the Board of Trustees expressed its desire to create a Funds Dissemination Committee (FDC) to serve the Wikimedia Foundation by making recommendations for the allocation of funds for activities in support of the global movement;<br />
* In its Funds Dissemination Committee resolution on March 30, 2012, the Board directed the Executive Director to determine the structure and composition of the FDC;<br />
* An advisory group of the FDC was created to assist the Executive Director in these determinations;<br />
* The Executive Director has prepared the framework for the creation and initial operation of the FDC, which the Board has fully reviewed and hereby supports; and<br />
* As guided by the discussions of the FDC advisory group, the Executive Director recommended the formal creation of the FDC subject to its Charter, the Pledge of Personal Commitment, and compliance with the Wikimedia Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy.<br />
<br />
'''Resolutions'''<br />
<br />
Based on the foregoing recitals, the Board resolves to:<br />
<br />
* Establish the FDC, which shall be a volunteer-driven advisory committee created solely for the purpose of making recommendations relating to the allocation of funds for activities and initiatives in support of the mission goals of the Wikimedia movement, and whose membership may include members of the Board and others appointed in accordance with the terms of the Charter;<br />
* Authorize the creation and operation of the FDC subject to the [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Draft Charter of the Funds Dissemination Advisory Committee|Charter]], which is hereby approved and may be modified by the Board from time to time;<br />
* Require all members of the FDC to agree to and sign on an annual basis the Pledge of Personal Commitment;<br />
* Require all members of the FDC to, at all times in the fulfillment of their role as members of the FDC, comply with the Wikimedia Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy;<br />
* Authorize the creation of a position entitled “Ombudsperson,” which shall be a community-elected representative to be responsible for coordinating feedback regarding the FDC, funds dissemination processes, and recommendations; and<br />
* Direct the FDC to establish its rules of conduct, which must be consistent with the FDC Proposal.<br />
<br />
==References== <br />
* [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Draft_Charter of_the_Funds_Dissemination_Advisory_Committee|Draft Charter of the Funds Dissemination Advisory Committee]]<br />
* [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC|Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC]]<br />
* [[m:Talk:Funds Dissemination Committee/Framework for_the Creation_and_Initial_Operation_of_the_FDC|Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC]]<br />
<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West<br />
;Absent: Matt Halprin</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:2012-2013_Annual_Plan&diff=82737Resolution:2012-2013 Annual Plan2012-07-12T23:57:22Z<p>Phoebe: date</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = 2012-2013 Annual Plan<br />
|notes = This resolution approving the 2012-2013 Annual Plan was approved 9-0, with 1 absent, in-person on July 11, 2011. <br />
}}<br />
<br />
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves management's proposed 2012-13 annual plan, which includes $46 million of revenues, $42 million of spending (including $11.4 million in funding associated with the new Funds Dissemination Committee), and a $4 million increase to financial reserves.<br />
<br />
If, during the year, management anticipates the annual reserve at each quarter-end will differ materially from the plan, the Board directs management to consult the Board Treasurer promptly.<br />
<br />
Since the plan was developed, both staff and Board have reflected on the scope of our mandate and the associated rate of growth, and how that impacts our ability to focus on the movement's mission. Therefore, we further direct the Executive Director to carry out an assessment of the Foundation's programs and strategic priorities, considering these recent staff and Board discussions. Based on this review, the Executive Director should present options for adjusting the annual plan, potentially reducing or eliminating lower-priority programs and capabilities, by the October Board meeting.<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West<br />
;Absent: Matt Halprin</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Funds_Dissemination_Committee_framework_and_initial_operation&diff=82736Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee framework and initial operation2012-07-12T23:56:54Z<p>Phoebe: template & votes</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Funds Dissemination Committee framework and initial operation<br />
|notes = This resolution approved the initial operation and charter of the Funds Dissemination Committee. Passed 9-0, 1 absent, in-person on July 11, 2011. <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Background Recitals'''<br />
<br />
* In its fundraising letter on February 8, 2012, the Board of Trustees expressed its desire to create a Funds Dissemination Committee (FDC) to serve the Wikimedia Foundation by making recommendations for the allocation of funds for activities in support of the global movement;<br />
* In its Funds Dissemination Committee resolution on March 30, 2012, the Board directed the Executive Director to determine the structure and composition of the FDC;<br />
* An advisory group of the FDC was created to assist the Executive Director in these determinations;<br />
* The Executive Director has prepared the framework for the creation and initial operation of the FDC, which the Board has fully reviewed and hereby supports; and<br />
* As guided by the discussions of the FDC advisory group, the Executive Director recommended the formal creation of the FDC subject to its Charter, the Pledge of Personal Commitment, and compliance with the Wikimedia Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy.<br />
<br />
'''Resolutions'''<br />
<br />
Based on the foregoing recitals, the Board resolves to:<br />
<br />
* Establish the FDC, which shall be a volunteer-driven advisory committee created solely for the purpose of making recommendations relating to the allocation of funds for activities and initiatives in support of the mission goals of the Wikimedia movement, and whose membership may include members of the Board and others appointed in accordance with the terms of the Charter;<br />
* Authorize the creation and operation of the FDC subject to the [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Draft Charter of the Funds Dissemination Advisory Committee|Charter]], which is hereby approved and may be modified by the Board from time to time;<br />
* Require all members of the FDC to agree to and sign on an annual basis the Pledge of Personal Commitment;<br />
* Require all members of the FDC to, at all times in the fulfillment of their role as members of the FDC, comply with the Wikimedia Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy;<br />
* Authorize the creation of a position entitled “Ombudsperson,” which shall be a community-elected representative to be responsible for coordinating feedback regarding the FDC, funds dissemination processes, and recommendations; and<br />
* Direct the FDC to establish its rules of conduct, which must be consistent with the FDC Proposal.<br />
<br />
==References== <br />
* [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Draft_Charter of_the_Funds_Dissemination_Advisory_Committee|Draft Charter of the Funds Dissemination Advisory Committee]]<br />
* [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC|Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC]]<br />
* [[m:Talk:Funds Dissemination Committee/Framework for_the Creation_and_Initial_Operation_of_the_FDC|Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC]]<br />
<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West<br />
;Absent: Matt Halprin</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Funds_Dissemination_Committee_framework_and_initial_operation&diff=82735Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee framework and initial operation2012-07-12T23:54:21Z<p>Phoebe: res text</p>
<hr />
<div><br />
'''Background Recitals'''<br />
<br />
* In its fundraising letter on February 8, 2012, the Board of Trustees expressed its desire to create a Funds Dissemination Committee (FDC) to serve the Wikimedia Foundation by making recommendations for the allocation of funds for activities in support of the global movement;<br />
* In its Funds Dissemination Committee resolution on March 30, 2012, the Board directed the Executive Director to determine the structure and composition of the FDC;<br />
* An advisory group of the FDC was created to assist the Executive Director in these determinations;<br />
* The Executive Director has prepared the framework for the creation and initial operation of the FDC, which the Board has fully reviewed and hereby supports; and<br />
* As guided by the discussions of the FDC advisory group, the Executive Director recommended the formal creation of the FDC subject to its Charter, the Pledge of Personal Commitment, and compliance with the Wikimedia Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy.<br />
<br />
'''Resolutions'''<br />
<br />
Based on the foregoing recitals, the Board resolves to:<br />
<br />
* Establish the FDC, which shall be a volunteer-driven advisory committee created solely for the purpose of making recommendations relating to the allocation of funds for activities and initiatives in support of the mission goals of the Wikimedia movement, and whose membership may include members of the Board and others appointed in accordance with the terms of the Charter;<br />
* Authorize the creation and operation of the FDC subject to the [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Draft Charter of the Funds Dissemination Advisory Committee|Charter]], which is hereby approved and may be modified by the Board from time to time;<br />
* Require all members of the FDC to agree to and sign on an annual basis the Pledge of Personal Commitment;<br />
* Require all members of the FDC to, at all times in the fulfillment of their role as members of the FDC, comply with the Wikimedia Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy;<br />
* Authorize the creation of a position entitled “Ombudsperson,” which shall be a community-elected representative to be responsible for coordinating feedback regarding the FDC, funds dissemination processes, and recommendations; and<br />
* Direct the FDC to establish its rules of conduct, which must be consistent with the FDC Proposal.<br />
<br />
==References== <br />
* [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Draft_Charter of_the_Funds_Dissemination_Advisory_Committee|Draft Charter of the Funds Dissemination Advisory Committee]]<br />
* [[m:Funds Dissemination Committee/Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC|Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC]]<br />
* [[m:Talk:Funds Dissemination Committee/Framework for_the Creation_and_Initial_Operation_of_the_FDC|Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Main&diff=82734Resolution:Main2012-07-12T23:53:13Z<p>Phoebe: /* July 2012 */ new res</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Resolutions|*]]<br />
{{ResolutionsLang}}<br />
<div style="float:right; padding-left:10px;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
This page lists all resolutions approved by the Wikimedia Foundation [[Board of Trustees]]. You might also be interested in seeing the [[meetings|meeting minutes]] or a [[policies|list of public Foundation policies]]. See below a brief explanation to [[#Understanding resolutions|understand resolutions]].<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2012 ==<br />
===July 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-07-11</small>[[Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee framework and initial operation|Funds Dissemination Committee framework and initial operation]]<br />
*<small>2012-07-11</small> [[Resolution:2012-2013 Annual Plan|2012-2013 Annual Plan]]<br />
<br />
===June 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-06-25</small> [[Resolution:Board Visitors (2012)|Board Visitors (2012)]]<br />
===March 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals|Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Recognizing Models of Affiliations|Recognizing Models of Affiliations]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Affiliations Committee|Affiliations Committee]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Organizational best practices|Organizational best practices]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Committee Standards|Committee Standards]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board Governance Committee Charter|Board Governance Committee Charter]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure|Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee|Funds Dissemination Committee]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising 2012|Fundraising 2012]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board of Trustees Voting Transparency|Board of Trustees Voting Transparency]]<br />
* <small>2012-03-05</small> [[Resolution:Terms of use|Terms of use]]<br />
<br />
===February 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-02-13</small> [[Vote:Committee standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-09</small> [[Vote:Movement accountability standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles Letter, February 2012|Movement roles letter]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Fundraising Letter, February 2012|Fundraising letter]] <br />
* <small>2012-02-06</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya|Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya]]<br />
<br />
===January 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Stu West, 2012|Reappointment of Stu West, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012|Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012|Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-06</small> [[Resolution:Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising|Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2011 ==<br />
===October 2011===<br />
* <small>2011-10-28</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela|Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh|Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011|Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011]]<br />
<br />
===September 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-09-12</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia|Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Vote:Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011|Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia México|Recognition of Wikimedia México]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy update 2011|Donor privacy policy update 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board reappointments|Advisory Board reappointments]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-06-28</small> [[Resolution:Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan|Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Board Visitor - Doron Weber|Board Visitor - Doron Weber]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler|Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Jessamyn West|Advisory Board - Jessamyn West]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-13</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Chile|Recognition of Wikimedia Chile]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Controversial content|Controversial content]]<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Images of identifiable people|Images of identifiable people]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Canada|Recognition of Wikimedia Canada]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Board visitors|Board visitors]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-04-08:</small> [[Resolution:Openness|Resolution on Openness]]<br />
* <small>2011-04-24:</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Macau|Recognition of Wikimedia Macau]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-03-26:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia South Africa|Recognition of Wikimedia South Africa]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - Founder term|Bylaws amendment - Founder term]]<br />
* <small>2011-02-07:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia España|Recognition of Wikimedia España]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2010 ==<br />
<br />
=== December 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-12-29:</small> [[Vote:Board appointments December 2010|Board appointments December 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-12-19:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - appointed terms|Bylaws amendment - appointed terms]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-10-15:</small> [[Resolution:Strategy project|Strategy project]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Five-year targets|Five-year targets]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia fundraising principles|Wikimedia fundraising principles]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Trustee terms and evaluation|Trustee terms and evaluation]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles October 2010|Movement Roles October 2010]]<br />
<br />
=== September 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-09-08:</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso|Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-08-31:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Estonia|Approval of Wikimedia Estonia]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments July 2010|Board appointments July 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-07-08:</small> [[Vote:Board deliberations|Board deliberations]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:2010-11 Annual Plan|2010-11 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director|Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia India|Approval of Wikimedia India]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-03-17:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment March 2010|Board appointment March 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-03-13:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Philippines|Approval of Wikimedia Philippines]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-02:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment February 2010|Bylaws amendment February 2010]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2009 ==<br />
===December 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-12:</small> Reappointments of [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales|Jimmy Wales]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede|Jan-Bart de Vreede]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Stu West|Stu West]], and [[Resolution:Reappointment of Matt Halprin|Matt Halprin]]<br />
<br />
===November 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment November 2009|Bylaws amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audit charter amendment November 2009|Audit charter amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audited financial statements 2008-2009|Audited financial statements 2008-2009]]<br />
<br />
===September 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Finland|Approval of Wikimedia Finland]]<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia|Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia]]<br />
<br />
===August 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-08:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment August 2009|Board appointment August 2009]]<br />
<br />
===July 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine|Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Portugal|Approval of Wikimedia Portugal]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Denmark|Approval of Wikimedia Denmark]]<br />
<br />
===June 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-06:</small> [[Resolution:2009-10 Plan|2009-10 Annual Plan]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments May 2009|Board appointments May 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing update approval|Licensing update approval]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Long term strategic plan|Long term strategic plan]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Trademark statement|Trademark statement]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Biographies of living people|Biographies of living people]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Committees|Wikimedia Committees]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia New York City|Approval of Wikimedia New York City]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia UK|Approval of Wikimedia UK]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee appointments|Chapters committee membership]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee rules and procedures|Chapters committee rules and procedures]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2008 ==<br />
=== November 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Audited financial statements 2007-08|Audited financial statements 2007-2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Brokerage Account Authorizations|Brokerage account authorizations]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Norway|Approval of Wikimedia Norway]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hungary|Approval of Wikimedia Hungary]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia|Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia]]<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Brasil|Approval of Wikimedia Brasil]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval April 2008|Minutes approval April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Pluralism, Internationalism, and Diversity Policy| Pluralism]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy| Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: 2008-09 Budget| 2008-09 Budget]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-05:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Russia|Approval of Wikimedia Russia]]<br />
<br />
===April 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendments and board structure|Bylaws amendments and board structure]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of December 2007 Minutes|Approval of December 2007 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of March 2008 Minutes|Approval of March 2008 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:New Trustee Appointment April 2008|New Trustee Appointment April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Data Retention Policy|Data Retention Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update April 2008|Privacy policy update April 2008]]<br />
<br />
===March 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Election Committee Officers - March 2008|Election Committee Officers - March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong|Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Secretary, March 2008|Secretary, March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Australia|Approval of Wikimedia Australia]]<br />
<br />
===February 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Austria|Approval of Wikimedia Austria]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic|Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Financial statements June 2006-2007|Financial statements June 2006-2007]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> Board Membership - January 2008 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Vote:_board_membership_-_january_08 not public]; [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2008-February/038528.html|public announcement]])<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Credit Card Usage Policy|Credit Card Usage Policy]] <br />
* <small>2008-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Executive Director Job Description|Executive Director Job Description]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-01:</small> [[Resolution:Update of Gift Policy - January 2008|Update of Gift Policy - January 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-01-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee membership - December 2007|Chapters committee membership - December 2007]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2007 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-12-22:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion - December 2007|Board expansion - December 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Cape Town Open Education Declaration|Cape Town Open Education Declaration]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Sverige|Approval of Wikimedia Sverige]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Argentina|Approval of Wikimedia Argentina]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval October 2007|Minutes approval October 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-01:</small> [[Resolution:License update|License update]]<br />
<br />
===November 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-11-26:</small> [[Resolution:Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED|Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2007 ===<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Annual appointment of the Board [[Resolution:Executive Secretary term 2007-2008|Executive Secretary]], [[Resolution:Board Vice Chair term 2008-2009|Vice Chair]], and [[Resolution:Board Chair term 2007-2008|Chair]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Reappointment of [[Resolution:Jan-Bart de Vreede reappointment|Jan-Bart de Vreede]] and [[Resolution:Jimmy Wales reappointment|Jimmy Wales]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Budget approval 2007|Budget approval 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy|Donor privacy policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Code of conduct|Code of conduct]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Travel approvals policy|Travel approvals policy]]<br />
<br />
===September 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-09-12:</small> [[Resolution:Greenspun illustration project|Greenspun illustration project]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-04:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy, update August 2007|Whistleblower policy, update August 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-03:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval June 2007|Minutes approval June 2007]]<br />
<br />
===July 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 1 2007|Replacement Board member 1 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2 2007|Replacement Board member 2 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 3 2007|Replacement Board member 3 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Board Elections 2007|Board Elections 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Management Consultant|Management Consultant]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Travel Policy|Travel Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> Carolyn Doran ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Carolyn_Doran not public])<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Taiwan|Wikimedia Taiwan]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-01:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator 2|Legal Coordinator 2]]<br />
<br />
===June 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval March 2007|Minutes approval March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Charter 2|Audit Charter 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy|Whistleblower policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data policy update|Access to nonpublic data policy update]]<br />
<br />
===April 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:ED search committee 2|ED search committee 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data|Access to nonpublic data]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-11:</small> [[Resolution:Mission and Vision statement|Mission and Vision statement]]<br />
<br />
===March 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-03-23:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing policy|Licensing policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase March 2007|Hardware purchase March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Volunteer coordinator|Volunteer coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Computer technician|Computer technician]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator|Legal Coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-09:</small> [[Resolution:Brad Patrick's resignation|Brad Patrick's resignation]]<br />
<br />
===February 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Requirements and guidelines for future chapters|Requirements and guidelines for future chapters]]<br />
* <small>2007-02-11:</small> [[Resolution:Chief Research Coordinator|Chief Research Coordinator]]<br />
<br />
===January 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-01-31:</small> Legal tasks February March 2007 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Legal_tasks_feb_march_2007 not public])<br />
* <small>2007-01-27:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard|Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:COO - Carolyn Doran|COO - Carolyn Doran]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search Firm|ED Search Firm]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Officer elections - January 2007|Officer elections - January 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Gift Policy|Gift Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Committee Jan07|Audit Committee Jan07]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2006 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12:</small> [[Resolution:RBC|RBC]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws revision|Bylaws revision]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion|Board expansion]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation|Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation]]<br />
<br />
===November 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Redo events committee|Redo events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search committee|ED Search committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Retreat 2006 Board actions and outcomes]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names workgroup|Domain names workgroup]]<br />
<br />
===October 2006===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-10-21:</small> [[Resolution:Officers election 2006|Officers election 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-10-07:</small> [[Resolution:Freenode Donation|Freenode Donation]]<br />
<br />
===September 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-09-28:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Sept-06|Hardware Sept-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2006|Replacement Board member 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-21:</small> [[Resolution:Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland|Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-02:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials2|Election officials2]]<br />
<br />
===August 2006===<br />
''A meeting of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees was held in person at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, on August 5, 2006. In attendance were Angela Beesley, Michael Davis, Florence Devouard, Tim Shell, Jimmy Wales, and Brad Patrick. Minutes of decisions will apparently not be reported. It was decided to organise a board retreat in October 2006.''<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-08-20:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee/Membership|Fundraising committee/Membership]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-07-31:</small> [[Resolution:Advisory board|Advisory board]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-30:</small> [[Resolution:Wikiversity|Wikiversity]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-24:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Purchase Jul-06|Hardware Purchase Jul-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:Ombudsperson checkuser|Ombudsperson checkuser]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:WiktionaryZ|WiktionaryZ]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-20:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials|Election officials]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-06-26:</small> [[Resolution:Board election|Board election]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-21:</small> [[Resolution:Danish Wikipedia and DR|Danish Wikipedia and DR]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-20:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update, June 2006|Privacy policy update, June 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-07:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee|Fundraising committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-04:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Scope|Special Project committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:CEO|CEO]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Jun-06|Hardware Jun-06]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-05-26:</small> [[Resolution:OTRS|OTRS]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-24:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Access to internal|Chapters committee/Access to internal]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-21:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Members|Special Project committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Scope|Communications committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Members|Communications committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-17:</small> [[Resolution:Foundation wiki accounts|Foundation wiki accounts]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-16:</small> [[Resolution:MarkMonitor|MarkMonitor]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-04-21:</small> [[Resolution:IDPF Conference|IDPF Conference]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-19:</small> [[Resolution:Auditor selection|Auditor selection]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Auditor_Selection full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-04-14:</small> [[Resolution:CH Chapter|CH Chapter]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure|Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope|Chapters committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Delegations|Chapters committee/Delegations]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-03-22:</small> [[Resolution:Spending Authorization Colo Space|Spending Authorization Colo Space]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_Colo_Space full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-03-21:</small> [[Resolution:Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006|Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-15:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names responsibility|Domain names responsibility]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-14:</small> [[Resolution:MobilED partnership|MobilED partnership]]<br />
<br />
===February 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-02&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase February 2006|Hardware purchase February 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Consent resolutions|Consent resolutions]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Additional developer|Additional developer]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-21:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee creation|Communications committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Spending authorization PowerMedium ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_PowerMedium not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee creation|Special projects committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Securities account ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Securities_Account not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:MySQL Conference 2006|MySQL Conference 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee creation|Chapters committee creation]]<br />
<br />
===January 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Spending authorization|Spending authorization]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Office space|Office space]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Financial committee|Financial committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Technical committee|Technical committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Events committee|Events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Executive committee|Executive committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee|Communications committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee|Special projects committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion committee|Board expansion committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> Search committee (not public)<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee|Chapters committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Insurance committee|Insurance committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit committee|Audit committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Nondiscrimination|Nondiscrimination]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Trademarks|Trademarks]] (amended 14 January 2006)<br />
<br />
==Understanding resolutions==<br />
<br />
*'''Approve''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was YES''.<br />
*'''Oppose''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was NO''.<br />
*'''Abstain''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was "no opinion".'' An abstention counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Missing''' means ''the board member was not present at the board meeting, or did not come to vote on the wiki page''. Like abstentions, this counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Recuse''' means ''the board member was present, but did not vote because of a declared conflict-of-interest.'' A recusal does ''not'' count as a vote.<br />
<br />
As of July 2008, there were 8 voting members. A resolution normally passes with 5 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 4 YES votes, as the number of voting members was reduced to 7.<br />
<br />
As of August 2009, there were 9 voting members. A resolution passes with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
As of March 2010, there are 10 voting members. A resolution passes with 6 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
The Board passes Resolutions and Votes; the former are formal decisions that must be made public; the latter are routine decisions such as advisory board appointments, approval of minutes for publication, or changes to internal Board processes. Passed Resolutions [[Vote:Board_deliberations|are published]] unless otherwise requested by the Chair; failed Resolutions are generally not published. Votes are often not published as such, but the result of the Votes is usually made public — for instance, minutes are published once a Vote to approve them has concluded; and [[minutes]] always list any Votes taken during a meeting.<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
*[[Vote:Board deliberations]] (July 2010), [[Resolution:Consent resolutions]] (February 2006)<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/corporate_actions.htm Corporate Actions]<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/how_resolutions_work.htm How Resolutions Work]<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
* [[Resolutions/Archives failed]] (''only some older failed resolutions are posted, see [[#Understanding resolutions|above]]; as of 2010 there is no policy about posting unpassed resolutions'')<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
* [[Meetings]] (with approved minutes of past meetings)<br />
* [[Messages]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Wikimedia organisation]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:2012-2013_Annual_Plan&diff=82733Resolution:2012-2013 Annual Plan2012-07-12T23:51:33Z<p>Phoebe: fmt</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = 2012-2013 Annual Plan<br />
|notes = This resolution approving the 2012-2013 Annual Plan was approved 9-0, with 1 absent<br />
}}<br />
<br />
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves management's proposed 2012-13 annual plan, which includes $46 million of revenues, $42 million of spending (including $11.4 million in funding associated with the new Funds Dissemination Committee), and a $4 million increase to financial reserves.<br />
<br />
If, during the year, management anticipates the annual reserve at each quarter-end will differ materially from the plan, the Board directs management to consult the Board Treasurer promptly.<br />
<br />
Since the plan was developed, both staff and Board have reflected on the scope of our mandate and the associated rate of growth, and how that impacts our ability to focus on the movement's mission. Therefore, we further direct the Executive Director to carry out an assessment of the Foundation's programs and strategic priorities, considering these recent staff and Board discussions. Based on this review, the Executive Director should present options for adjusting the annual plan, potentially reducing or eliminating lower-priority programs and capabilities, by the October Board meeting.<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West<br />
;Absent: Matt Halprin</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:2012-2013_Annual_Plan&diff=82732Resolution:2012-2013 Annual Plan2012-07-12T23:50:02Z<p>Phoebe: res text</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = 2012-2013 Annual Plan<br />
|notes = This resolution approving the 2012-2013 Annual Plan was approved 9-0, with 1 absent<br />
}}<br />
<br />
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves management's proposed 2012-13 annual plan, which includes $46 million of revenues, $42 million of spending (including $11.4 million in funding associated with the new Funds Dissemination Committee), and a $4 million increase to financial reserves.<br />
<br />
If, during the year, management anticipates the annual reserve at each quarter-end will differ materially from the plan, the Board directs management to consult the Board Treasurer promptly.<br />
<br />
Since the plan was developed, both staff and Board have reflected on the scope of our mandate and the associated rate of growth, and how that impacts our ability to focus on the movement's mission. Therefore, we further direct the Executive Director to carry out an assessment of the Foundation's programs and strategic priorities, considering these recent staff and Board discussions. Based on this review, the Executive Director should present options for adjusting the annual plan, potentially reducing or eliminating lower-priority programs and capabilities, by the October Board meeting.<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West; Absent: Matt Halprin</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Main&diff=82731Resolution:Main2012-07-12T23:43:45Z<p>Phoebe: new res</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Resolutions|*]]<br />
{{ResolutionsLang}}<br />
<div style="float:right; padding-left:10px;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
This page lists all resolutions approved by the Wikimedia Foundation [[Board of Trustees]]. You might also be interested in seeing the [[meetings|meeting minutes]] or a [[policies|list of public Foundation policies]]. See below a brief explanation to [[#Understanding resolutions|understand resolutions]].<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2012 ==<br />
===July 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-07-11</small> [[Resolution:2012-2013 Annual Plan|2012-2013 Annual Plan]]<br />
===June 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-06-25</small> [[Resolution:Board Visitors (2012)|Board Visitors (2012)]]<br />
===March 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals|Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Recognizing Models of Affiliations|Recognizing Models of Affiliations]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Affiliations Committee|Affiliations Committee]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Organizational best practices|Organizational best practices]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Committee Standards|Committee Standards]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board Governance Committee Charter|Board Governance Committee Charter]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure|Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee|Funds Dissemination Committee]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising 2012|Fundraising 2012]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board of Trustees Voting Transparency|Board of Trustees Voting Transparency]]<br />
* <small>2012-03-05</small> [[Resolution:Terms of use|Terms of use]]<br />
<br />
===February 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-02-13</small> [[Vote:Committee standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-09</small> [[Vote:Movement accountability standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles Letter, February 2012|Movement roles letter]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Fundraising Letter, February 2012|Fundraising letter]] <br />
* <small>2012-02-06</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya|Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya]]<br />
<br />
===January 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Stu West, 2012|Reappointment of Stu West, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012|Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012|Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-06</small> [[Resolution:Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising|Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2011 ==<br />
===October 2011===<br />
* <small>2011-10-28</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela|Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh|Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011|Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011]]<br />
<br />
===September 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-09-12</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia|Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Vote:Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011|Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia México|Recognition of Wikimedia México]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy update 2011|Donor privacy policy update 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board reappointments|Advisory Board reappointments]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-06-28</small> [[Resolution:Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan|Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Board Visitor - Doron Weber|Board Visitor - Doron Weber]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler|Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Jessamyn West|Advisory Board - Jessamyn West]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-13</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Chile|Recognition of Wikimedia Chile]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Controversial content|Controversial content]]<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Images of identifiable people|Images of identifiable people]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Canada|Recognition of Wikimedia Canada]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Board visitors|Board visitors]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-04-08:</small> [[Resolution:Openness|Resolution on Openness]]<br />
* <small>2011-04-24:</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Macau|Recognition of Wikimedia Macau]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-03-26:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia South Africa|Recognition of Wikimedia South Africa]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - Founder term|Bylaws amendment - Founder term]]<br />
* <small>2011-02-07:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia España|Recognition of Wikimedia España]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2010 ==<br />
<br />
=== December 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-12-29:</small> [[Vote:Board appointments December 2010|Board appointments December 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-12-19:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - appointed terms|Bylaws amendment - appointed terms]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-10-15:</small> [[Resolution:Strategy project|Strategy project]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Five-year targets|Five-year targets]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia fundraising principles|Wikimedia fundraising principles]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Trustee terms and evaluation|Trustee terms and evaluation]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles October 2010|Movement Roles October 2010]]<br />
<br />
=== September 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-09-08:</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso|Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-08-31:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Estonia|Approval of Wikimedia Estonia]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments July 2010|Board appointments July 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-07-08:</small> [[Vote:Board deliberations|Board deliberations]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:2010-11 Annual Plan|2010-11 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director|Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia India|Approval of Wikimedia India]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-03-17:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment March 2010|Board appointment March 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-03-13:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Philippines|Approval of Wikimedia Philippines]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-02:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment February 2010|Bylaws amendment February 2010]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2009 ==<br />
===December 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-12:</small> Reappointments of [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales|Jimmy Wales]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede|Jan-Bart de Vreede]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Stu West|Stu West]], and [[Resolution:Reappointment of Matt Halprin|Matt Halprin]]<br />
<br />
===November 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment November 2009|Bylaws amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audit charter amendment November 2009|Audit charter amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audited financial statements 2008-2009|Audited financial statements 2008-2009]]<br />
<br />
===September 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Finland|Approval of Wikimedia Finland]]<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia|Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia]]<br />
<br />
===August 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-08:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment August 2009|Board appointment August 2009]]<br />
<br />
===July 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine|Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Portugal|Approval of Wikimedia Portugal]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Denmark|Approval of Wikimedia Denmark]]<br />
<br />
===June 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-06:</small> [[Resolution:2009-10 Plan|2009-10 Annual Plan]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments May 2009|Board appointments May 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing update approval|Licensing update approval]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Long term strategic plan|Long term strategic plan]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Trademark statement|Trademark statement]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Biographies of living people|Biographies of living people]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Committees|Wikimedia Committees]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia New York City|Approval of Wikimedia New York City]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia UK|Approval of Wikimedia UK]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee appointments|Chapters committee membership]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee rules and procedures|Chapters committee rules and procedures]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2008 ==<br />
=== November 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Audited financial statements 2007-08|Audited financial statements 2007-2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Brokerage Account Authorizations|Brokerage account authorizations]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Norway|Approval of Wikimedia Norway]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hungary|Approval of Wikimedia Hungary]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia|Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia]]<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Brasil|Approval of Wikimedia Brasil]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval April 2008|Minutes approval April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Pluralism, Internationalism, and Diversity Policy| Pluralism]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy| Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: 2008-09 Budget| 2008-09 Budget]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-05:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Russia|Approval of Wikimedia Russia]]<br />
<br />
===April 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendments and board structure|Bylaws amendments and board structure]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of December 2007 Minutes|Approval of December 2007 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of March 2008 Minutes|Approval of March 2008 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:New Trustee Appointment April 2008|New Trustee Appointment April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Data Retention Policy|Data Retention Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update April 2008|Privacy policy update April 2008]]<br />
<br />
===March 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Election Committee Officers - March 2008|Election Committee Officers - March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong|Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Secretary, March 2008|Secretary, March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Australia|Approval of Wikimedia Australia]]<br />
<br />
===February 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Austria|Approval of Wikimedia Austria]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic|Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Financial statements June 2006-2007|Financial statements June 2006-2007]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> Board Membership - January 2008 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Vote:_board_membership_-_january_08 not public]; [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2008-February/038528.html|public announcement]])<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Credit Card Usage Policy|Credit Card Usage Policy]] <br />
* <small>2008-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Executive Director Job Description|Executive Director Job Description]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-01:</small> [[Resolution:Update of Gift Policy - January 2008|Update of Gift Policy - January 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-01-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee membership - December 2007|Chapters committee membership - December 2007]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2007 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-12-22:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion - December 2007|Board expansion - December 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Cape Town Open Education Declaration|Cape Town Open Education Declaration]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Sverige|Approval of Wikimedia Sverige]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Argentina|Approval of Wikimedia Argentina]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval October 2007|Minutes approval October 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-01:</small> [[Resolution:License update|License update]]<br />
<br />
===November 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-11-26:</small> [[Resolution:Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED|Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2007 ===<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Annual appointment of the Board [[Resolution:Executive Secretary term 2007-2008|Executive Secretary]], [[Resolution:Board Vice Chair term 2008-2009|Vice Chair]], and [[Resolution:Board Chair term 2007-2008|Chair]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Reappointment of [[Resolution:Jan-Bart de Vreede reappointment|Jan-Bart de Vreede]] and [[Resolution:Jimmy Wales reappointment|Jimmy Wales]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Budget approval 2007|Budget approval 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy|Donor privacy policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Code of conduct|Code of conduct]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Travel approvals policy|Travel approvals policy]]<br />
<br />
===September 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-09-12:</small> [[Resolution:Greenspun illustration project|Greenspun illustration project]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-04:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy, update August 2007|Whistleblower policy, update August 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-03:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval June 2007|Minutes approval June 2007]]<br />
<br />
===July 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 1 2007|Replacement Board member 1 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2 2007|Replacement Board member 2 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 3 2007|Replacement Board member 3 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Board Elections 2007|Board Elections 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Management Consultant|Management Consultant]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Travel Policy|Travel Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> Carolyn Doran ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Carolyn_Doran not public])<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Taiwan|Wikimedia Taiwan]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-01:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator 2|Legal Coordinator 2]]<br />
<br />
===June 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval March 2007|Minutes approval March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Charter 2|Audit Charter 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy|Whistleblower policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data policy update|Access to nonpublic data policy update]]<br />
<br />
===April 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:ED search committee 2|ED search committee 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data|Access to nonpublic data]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-11:</small> [[Resolution:Mission and Vision statement|Mission and Vision statement]]<br />
<br />
===March 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-03-23:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing policy|Licensing policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase March 2007|Hardware purchase March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Volunteer coordinator|Volunteer coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Computer technician|Computer technician]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator|Legal Coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-09:</small> [[Resolution:Brad Patrick's resignation|Brad Patrick's resignation]]<br />
<br />
===February 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Requirements and guidelines for future chapters|Requirements and guidelines for future chapters]]<br />
* <small>2007-02-11:</small> [[Resolution:Chief Research Coordinator|Chief Research Coordinator]]<br />
<br />
===January 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-01-31:</small> Legal tasks February March 2007 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Legal_tasks_feb_march_2007 not public])<br />
* <small>2007-01-27:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard|Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:COO - Carolyn Doran|COO - Carolyn Doran]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search Firm|ED Search Firm]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Officer elections - January 2007|Officer elections - January 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Gift Policy|Gift Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Committee Jan07|Audit Committee Jan07]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2006 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12:</small> [[Resolution:RBC|RBC]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws revision|Bylaws revision]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion|Board expansion]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation|Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation]]<br />
<br />
===November 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Redo events committee|Redo events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search committee|ED Search committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Retreat 2006 Board actions and outcomes]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names workgroup|Domain names workgroup]]<br />
<br />
===October 2006===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-10-21:</small> [[Resolution:Officers election 2006|Officers election 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-10-07:</small> [[Resolution:Freenode Donation|Freenode Donation]]<br />
<br />
===September 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-09-28:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Sept-06|Hardware Sept-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2006|Replacement Board member 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-21:</small> [[Resolution:Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland|Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-02:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials2|Election officials2]]<br />
<br />
===August 2006===<br />
''A meeting of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees was held in person at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, on August 5, 2006. In attendance were Angela Beesley, Michael Davis, Florence Devouard, Tim Shell, Jimmy Wales, and Brad Patrick. Minutes of decisions will apparently not be reported. It was decided to organise a board retreat in October 2006.''<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-08-20:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee/Membership|Fundraising committee/Membership]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-07-31:</small> [[Resolution:Advisory board|Advisory board]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-30:</small> [[Resolution:Wikiversity|Wikiversity]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-24:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Purchase Jul-06|Hardware Purchase Jul-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:Ombudsperson checkuser|Ombudsperson checkuser]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:WiktionaryZ|WiktionaryZ]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-20:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials|Election officials]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-06-26:</small> [[Resolution:Board election|Board election]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-21:</small> [[Resolution:Danish Wikipedia and DR|Danish Wikipedia and DR]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-20:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update, June 2006|Privacy policy update, June 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-07:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee|Fundraising committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-04:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Scope|Special Project committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:CEO|CEO]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Jun-06|Hardware Jun-06]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-05-26:</small> [[Resolution:OTRS|OTRS]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-24:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Access to internal|Chapters committee/Access to internal]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-21:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Members|Special Project committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Scope|Communications committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Members|Communications committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-17:</small> [[Resolution:Foundation wiki accounts|Foundation wiki accounts]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-16:</small> [[Resolution:MarkMonitor|MarkMonitor]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-04-21:</small> [[Resolution:IDPF Conference|IDPF Conference]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-19:</small> [[Resolution:Auditor selection|Auditor selection]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Auditor_Selection full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-04-14:</small> [[Resolution:CH Chapter|CH Chapter]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure|Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope|Chapters committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Delegations|Chapters committee/Delegations]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-03-22:</small> [[Resolution:Spending Authorization Colo Space|Spending Authorization Colo Space]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_Colo_Space full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-03-21:</small> [[Resolution:Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006|Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-15:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names responsibility|Domain names responsibility]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-14:</small> [[Resolution:MobilED partnership|MobilED partnership]]<br />
<br />
===February 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-02&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase February 2006|Hardware purchase February 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Consent resolutions|Consent resolutions]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Additional developer|Additional developer]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-21:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee creation|Communications committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Spending authorization PowerMedium ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_PowerMedium not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee creation|Special projects committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Securities account ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Securities_Account not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:MySQL Conference 2006|MySQL Conference 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee creation|Chapters committee creation]]<br />
<br />
===January 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Spending authorization|Spending authorization]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Office space|Office space]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Financial committee|Financial committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Technical committee|Technical committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Events committee|Events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Executive committee|Executive committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee|Communications committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee|Special projects committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion committee|Board expansion committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> Search committee (not public)<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee|Chapters committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Insurance committee|Insurance committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit committee|Audit committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Nondiscrimination|Nondiscrimination]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Trademarks|Trademarks]] (amended 14 January 2006)<br />
<br />
==Understanding resolutions==<br />
<br />
*'''Approve''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was YES''.<br />
*'''Oppose''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was NO''.<br />
*'''Abstain''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was "no opinion".'' An abstention counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Missing''' means ''the board member was not present at the board meeting, or did not come to vote on the wiki page''. Like abstentions, this counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Recuse''' means ''the board member was present, but did not vote because of a declared conflict-of-interest.'' A recusal does ''not'' count as a vote.<br />
<br />
As of July 2008, there were 8 voting members. A resolution normally passes with 5 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 4 YES votes, as the number of voting members was reduced to 7.<br />
<br />
As of August 2009, there were 9 voting members. A resolution passes with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
As of March 2010, there are 10 voting members. A resolution passes with 6 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
The Board passes Resolutions and Votes; the former are formal decisions that must be made public; the latter are routine decisions such as advisory board appointments, approval of minutes for publication, or changes to internal Board processes. Passed Resolutions [[Vote:Board_deliberations|are published]] unless otherwise requested by the Chair; failed Resolutions are generally not published. Votes are often not published as such, but the result of the Votes is usually made public — for instance, minutes are published once a Vote to approve them has concluded; and [[minutes]] always list any Votes taken during a meeting.<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
*[[Vote:Board deliberations]] (July 2010), [[Resolution:Consent resolutions]] (February 2006)<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/corporate_actions.htm Corporate Actions]<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/how_resolutions_work.htm How Resolutions Work]<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
* [[Resolutions/Archives failed]] (''only some older failed resolutions are posted, see [[#Understanding resolutions|above]]; as of 2010 there is no policy about posting unpassed resolutions'')<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
* [[Meetings]] (with approved minutes of past meetings)<br />
* [[Messages]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Wikimedia organisation]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Board_meetings&diff=82627Board meetings2012-06-30T22:21:11Z<p>Phoebe: add in missing IRC meetings; minutes to come soon (still need to be voted on)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Message}}<br />
<div style="float:right;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
Decisions are available at '''[[Resolutions]]'''; policies and charters can be found at [[Policies]]. Financial statements and audit reports may be found at [[Finance report]]. See also [[Messages]] for more information. Some minutes (or parts of the minutes) are confidential and recorded on the [http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Minutes BoardWiki]. <br />
<br />
== Recent meetings ==<br />
{| cellpadding=3 cellspacing=1<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2012</h3><br />
|-<br />
| October 26-27 || [[Minutes/2012-10-26|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q4 meeting || <br />
|-<br />
| July 11 || [[Minutes/2012-07-11|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q3 meeting || Washington, DC ([http://wikimania2012.wikimedia.org Wikimania 2012])<br />
|-<br />
| June 6 || [[Minutes/2012-06-06|Minutes]] || Annual plan review (2) || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 7 || [[Minutes/2012-05-07|Minutes]] || Annual plan review (1) || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| March 30-31 || [[Minutes/2012-03-30|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q2 meeting || [[m:Wikimedia Conference 2012|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| March 21 || [[Minutes/2012-03-21|Minutes]] || Fundraising and Funds Dissemination Discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| February 3-4 || [[Minutes/2012-02-03|Minutes]] || Scheduled Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
<br />
<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2011</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 6 || [[Minutes/2011-11-06|Minutes]] || Movement roles discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 7–8 || [[Minutes/2011-10-07|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| August 28 || [[Minutes/2011-08-28|Minutes]] || Fundraising discussion || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| August 3 || [[Minutes/2011-08-03|Minutes]] || Q3 meeting || Haifa, Israel<br />
|-<br />
| June 20 || [[Minutes/2011-06-20|Minutes]] || Annual Plan review || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 11 || [[Minutes/2011-05-11|Minutes]] || Annual Plan preview || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 8 || [[Minutes/2011-04-08|Minutes]] || Openness & participation || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| March 25–26 || [[Minutes/2011-03-25|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting || [[m:Chapters Meeting 2011|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| February 22 || [[Minutes/2011-02-22|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || IRC<ref>starting July 2010, we began scheduling at least one regular IRC meeting between each pair of physical meetings, and experimented with just 3 physical meetings in 2010-2011</ref><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2010</h3><br />
|-<br />
| October 8–9 || [[Minutes/October 8-9, 2010|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| August 31 || [[Minutes/August 31, 2010|Minutes]] || Strategy and Targets || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| July 7-8 || [[Minutes/July 8, 2010|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Gdansk, Poland<br />
|-<br />
| June 18 || [[Minutes/June 18, 2010|Minutes]] || Annual plan || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| May 18 || [[Minutes/May 18, 2010|Minutes]] || Makeup for short Q2 meeting || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 17 || [[Minutes/April 17, 2010|Minutes]] || Q2 meeting, [[w:Eyjafjallajökull|cut short]] || [[m:Chapters Meeting 2010|Berlin, Germany]]<br />
|-<br />
| February 5–6 || [[Minutes/February 5-6, 2010|Minutes]] || Q1 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2009</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 13–15 || [[Minutes/November 13-15, 2009|Minutes]] || Q4 meeting || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| October 28 || [[Minutes/October 28, 2009|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| August 24–25 || [[Minutes/August 24-25, 2009|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Buenos Aires, Argentina<br />
|-<br />
| June 16 || [[Minutes/June 16, 2009|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| April 3–5 || [[Minutes/April 3-5, 2009|Minutes]] || Wikimedia meeting || Berlin, Germany<br />
|-<br />
| January 9–11 || [[Minutes/January 9-11, 2009|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2008</h3><br />
|-<br />
| November 3 || [[Minutes/November 3, 2008|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 3–5 || [[Minutes/October 3-5, 2008|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| July 16–17 || [[Minutes/July 16-17,_2008|Minutes]] || Wikimania || Alexandria, Egypt<br />
|-<br />
| April 5–7 || [[Minutes/April 5-7, 2008|Minutes]] || || San Francisco, CA<br />
|-<br />
| March 1 || [[Minutes/March 1, 2008|Minutes]] || || IRC <br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" style="background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #AAA;" | <h3 style="padding:0; margin:0;">2007</h3><br />
|-<br />
| December 11 || [[Minutes/December 11, 2007|Minutes]] || || IRC<br />
|-<br />
| October 6–7 || [[Minutes/October 6-7, 2007|Minutes]] || [[Meetings/October 6-7, 2007|Board meeting]] || St. Petersburg, FL<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== 2004–2007 ==<br />
''A mix of meeting notes, agendas, and minutes''<br />
<br />
=== 2007 ===<br />
# very short board meeting during Wikimania, Taipei, Taiwan, August 2007 (no notes)<br />
# [http://advisory.wikimedia.org/wiki/Meeting_August_2007/Notes Advisory board meeting], Taipei, Taiwan, August 2007<br />
# [[Meetings/June 1-3, 2007|Board meeting]], Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 2007 (summary only)<br />
# [[Meetings/March 2007|Board meeting]], Tampa, Florida, March 2007 (summary only)<br />
# [[Meetings/Jan, 2007|Board Meeting]], Rotterdam, Netherlands, January 2007 (summary only)<br />
<br />
=== 2006 ===<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/Florida, November 2006|Board Meeting]], November, 2006, St. Petersburg, Florida<br />
# Board Meeting, October, 2006, Frankfurt, Germany (general summary only, by mail [http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/foundation-l/2006-October/024615.html Election of board officers], [http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/foundation-l/2006-October/024619.html Statement of new chair])<br />
# [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Board_retreat Board Retreat], October 2006, Frankfurt, Germany ([http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/foundation-l/2006-November/024825.html])<br />
# Board Meeting at Wikimania August 2006, Cambridge, MA (no notes)<br />
#* Board Panel Discussion at Wikimania, a practice continued in future years <br />
# Board meeting, January 14-15, 2006, St. Petersburg, Florida (no notes? resulting notes were sent by email about Committees and other structural ideas)<br />
# Two unofficial [[m:Wikimedia meetings#open meetings|open meetings]] were also held in early January, a practice resumed in 2009.<br />
<br />
*Note: Following the 2006 Board Retreat, the Executive Director and Chair started a weekly IRC meeting attended by most/all Board members, that ran from November through March of 2007. It also recorded minutes.<br />
<br />
=== 2005 ===<br />
<br />
''Please note that meetings listed here were not necessarily official "Board meetings", but simply meetings attending by several members of the Board. ''<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/November 13, 2005|Board meeting]], November 13, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/October 1, 2005|Budget meeting]], October 1, 2005<br />
# Board meeting with officers and chapters. September 18, 2005 (no summary?) <br />
# [[m:Fundraising_meeting%2C_September_2005|Fundraising meeting: What lessons did we learn?]] September 17, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/August 27, 2005|Open meeting]], IRC, August 27, 2005 ([[m:Open Board meeting, August 2005|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/August 18, 2005|Chapters]], August 18, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/August 14, 2005|Q3 finances]], August 14, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/June 9, 2005|Second meeting in June]], June 9, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/June 7, 2005|Bylaws meeting]], June 7, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/May 24, 2005|Second meeting in May]], May 24, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/May 16, 2005|First meeting in May]], May 16, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/March 30, 2005|Short meeting]], March 30, 2005<br />
# [[Meetings/February 15, 2005|Open Board meeting]], IRC, February 15, 2005 ([[m:Open Board meeting, February 2005|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/February 7, 2005|Finance]], February 7, 2005<br />
<br />
=== 2004 ===<br />
<br />
''Please note that meetings listed here were not necessarily official "Board meetings", but simply meetings attending by several members of the Board. ''<br />
<br />
# [[Meetings/November 6, 2004|Open Board meeting]], IRC, November 6 2004 ([[m:Open Board meeting, November 2004|full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/October 22, 2004|Membership]], October 22, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/October 16, 2004|General Board meeting]], October 16, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/October 9, 2004|General Board meeting]], October 9, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/September 17, 2004|Fundraising and grants]], IRC, September 17, 2004 ([[m:Fundraising_meeting%2C_September_2004/Log|Full transcript]])<br />
# [[Meetings/September 5, 2004|Wikispecies]], IRC, September 5, 2004<br />
# [[Meetings/July 24, 2004|Foundation website]], July 24, 2004 ([[m:Foundation_website_meeting%2C_July_2004|summary and other links]])<br />
# [[Meetings/July 4, 2004|Initial meeting in Paris]], July 4, 2004<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Meetings|{{PAGENAME}}]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Board_Visitors_(2012)&diff=82617Resolution:Board Visitors (2012)2012-06-27T22:48:00Z<p>Phoebe: fmt</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Board Visitors (2012)<br />
|notes = This vote unanimously approved extending and formalizing the [[Resolution:Board visitors|Board visitors trial]] initially begun in 2011. Passed online 6/25/2012. <br />
}}<br />
<br />
Resolved, that the Board of Trustees will allow up to two Board visitors per year for significant content, financial or expertise contributors. Each Board visitor shall have a one-year term. <br />
<br />
The Wikimedia Foundation and projects benefit from significant content, financial support and other contributions from both individuals and institutions, and the WMF Board will benefit from building closer ties with and learning from our significant individual and institutional contributors.<br />
<br />
'''Criteria for selection as a board visitor:'''<br />
<br />
* Contribution of significant content, financial support or unique expertise;<br />
* Institution and/or individual shows strong philosophical alignment with WMF mission; and,<br />
* Board approval required prior to board visitor status being granted.<br />
<br />
'''Board Visitor Privileges:'''<br />
<br />
* Attendance at in-person board meetings once per year for most but not all agenda items (e.g. attendance for budget and strategic discussions, not for executive sessions);<br />
* Inclusion in formal materials sent to other trustees (e.g. pre-read materials, Committee reports, Board minutes);<br />
* No participation in Board voting on resolutions, or Board IRC meetings; no inclusion on board email list;<br />
<br />
'''Board Visitor Responsibilities''' <br />
* Visitor must treat conversations with the same confidentiality as the rest of the Board.<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Matt Halprin, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Main&diff=82616Resolution:Main2012-06-27T22:47:40Z<p>Phoebe: /* Passed resolutions 2012 */ fmt</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Resolutions|*]]<br />
{{ResolutionsLang}}<br />
<div style="float:right; padding-left:10px;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
This page lists all resolutions approved by the Wikimedia Foundation [[Board of Trustees]]. You might also be interested in seeing the [[meetings|meeting minutes]] or a [[policies|list of public Foundation policies]]. See below a brief explanation to [[#Understanding resolutions|understand resolutions]].<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2012 ==<br />
===June 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-06-25</small> [[Resolution:Board Visitors (2012)|Board Visitors (2012)]]<br />
===March 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals|Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Recognizing Models of Affiliations|Recognizing Models of Affiliations]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Affiliations Committee|Affiliations Committee]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Organizational best practices|Organizational best practices]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Committee Standards|Committee Standards]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board Governance Committee Charter|Board Governance Committee Charter]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure|Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee|Funds Dissemination Committee]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising 2012|Fundraising 2012]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board of Trustees Voting Transparency|Board of Trustees Voting Transparency]]<br />
* <small>2012-03-05</small> [[Resolution:Terms of use|Terms of use]]<br />
<br />
===February 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-02-13</small> [[Vote:Committee standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-09</small> [[Vote:Movement accountability standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles Letter, February 2012|Movement roles letter]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Fundraising Letter, February 2012|Fundraising letter]] <br />
* <small>2012-02-06</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya|Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya]]<br />
<br />
===January 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Stu West, 2012|Reappointment of Stu West, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012|Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012|Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-06</small> [[Resolution:Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising|Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2011 ==<br />
===October 2011===<br />
* <small>2011-10-28</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela|Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh|Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011|Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011]]<br />
<br />
===September 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-09-12</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia|Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Vote:Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011|Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia México|Recognition of Wikimedia México]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy update 2011|Donor privacy policy update 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board reappointments|Advisory Board reappointments]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-06-28</small> [[Resolution:Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan|Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Board Visitor - Doron Weber|Board Visitor - Doron Weber]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler|Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Jessamyn West|Advisory Board - Jessamyn West]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-13</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Chile|Recognition of Wikimedia Chile]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Controversial content|Controversial content]]<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Images of identifiable people|Images of identifiable people]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Canada|Recognition of Wikimedia Canada]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Board visitors|Board visitors]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-04-08:</small> [[Resolution:Openness|Resolution on Openness]]<br />
* <small>2011-04-24:</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Macau|Recognition of Wikimedia Macau]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-03-26:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia South Africa|Recognition of Wikimedia South Africa]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - Founder term|Bylaws amendment - Founder term]]<br />
* <small>2011-02-07:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia España|Recognition of Wikimedia España]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2010 ==<br />
<br />
=== December 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-12-29:</small> [[Vote:Board appointments December 2010|Board appointments December 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-12-19:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - appointed terms|Bylaws amendment - appointed terms]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-10-15:</small> [[Resolution:Strategy project|Strategy project]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Five-year targets|Five-year targets]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia fundraising principles|Wikimedia fundraising principles]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Trustee terms and evaluation|Trustee terms and evaluation]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles October 2010|Movement Roles October 2010]]<br />
<br />
=== September 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-09-08:</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso|Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-08-31:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Estonia|Approval of Wikimedia Estonia]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments July 2010|Board appointments July 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-07-08:</small> [[Vote:Board deliberations|Board deliberations]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:2010-11 Annual Plan|2010-11 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director|Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia India|Approval of Wikimedia India]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-03-17:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment March 2010|Board appointment March 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-03-13:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Philippines|Approval of Wikimedia Philippines]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-02:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment February 2010|Bylaws amendment February 2010]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2009 ==<br />
===December 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-12:</small> Reappointments of [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales|Jimmy Wales]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede|Jan-Bart de Vreede]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Stu West|Stu West]], and [[Resolution:Reappointment of Matt Halprin|Matt Halprin]]<br />
<br />
===November 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment November 2009|Bylaws amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audit charter amendment November 2009|Audit charter amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audited financial statements 2008-2009|Audited financial statements 2008-2009]]<br />
<br />
===September 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Finland|Approval of Wikimedia Finland]]<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia|Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia]]<br />
<br />
===August 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-08:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment August 2009|Board appointment August 2009]]<br />
<br />
===July 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine|Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Portugal|Approval of Wikimedia Portugal]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Denmark|Approval of Wikimedia Denmark]]<br />
<br />
===June 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-06:</small> [[Resolution:2009-10 Plan|2009-10 Annual Plan]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments May 2009|Board appointments May 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing update approval|Licensing update approval]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Long term strategic plan|Long term strategic plan]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Trademark statement|Trademark statement]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Biographies of living people|Biographies of living people]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Committees|Wikimedia Committees]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia New York City|Approval of Wikimedia New York City]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia UK|Approval of Wikimedia UK]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee appointments|Chapters committee membership]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee rules and procedures|Chapters committee rules and procedures]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2008 ==<br />
=== November 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Audited financial statements 2007-08|Audited financial statements 2007-2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Brokerage Account Authorizations|Brokerage account authorizations]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Norway|Approval of Wikimedia Norway]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hungary|Approval of Wikimedia Hungary]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia|Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia]]<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Brasil|Approval of Wikimedia Brasil]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval April 2008|Minutes approval April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Pluralism, Internationalism, and Diversity Policy| Pluralism]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy| Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: 2008-09 Budget| 2008-09 Budget]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-05:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Russia|Approval of Wikimedia Russia]]<br />
<br />
===April 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendments and board structure|Bylaws amendments and board structure]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of December 2007 Minutes|Approval of December 2007 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of March 2008 Minutes|Approval of March 2008 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:New Trustee Appointment April 2008|New Trustee Appointment April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Data Retention Policy|Data Retention Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update April 2008|Privacy policy update April 2008]]<br />
<br />
===March 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Election Committee Officers - March 2008|Election Committee Officers - March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong|Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Secretary, March 2008|Secretary, March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Australia|Approval of Wikimedia Australia]]<br />
<br />
===February 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Austria|Approval of Wikimedia Austria]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic|Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Financial statements June 2006-2007|Financial statements June 2006-2007]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> Board Membership - January 2008 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Vote:_board_membership_-_january_08 not public]; [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2008-February/038528.html|public announcement]])<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Credit Card Usage Policy|Credit Card Usage Policy]] <br />
* <small>2008-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Executive Director Job Description|Executive Director Job Description]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-01:</small> [[Resolution:Update of Gift Policy - January 2008|Update of Gift Policy - January 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-01-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee membership - December 2007|Chapters committee membership - December 2007]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2007 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-12-22:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion - December 2007|Board expansion - December 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Cape Town Open Education Declaration|Cape Town Open Education Declaration]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Sverige|Approval of Wikimedia Sverige]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Argentina|Approval of Wikimedia Argentina]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval October 2007|Minutes approval October 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-01:</small> [[Resolution:License update|License update]]<br />
<br />
===November 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-11-26:</small> [[Resolution:Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED|Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2007 ===<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Annual appointment of the Board [[Resolution:Executive Secretary term 2007-2008|Executive Secretary]], [[Resolution:Board Vice Chair term 2008-2009|Vice Chair]], and [[Resolution:Board Chair term 2007-2008|Chair]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Reappointment of [[Resolution:Jan-Bart de Vreede reappointment|Jan-Bart de Vreede]] and [[Resolution:Jimmy Wales reappointment|Jimmy Wales]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Budget approval 2007|Budget approval 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy|Donor privacy policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Code of conduct|Code of conduct]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Travel approvals policy|Travel approvals policy]]<br />
<br />
===September 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-09-12:</small> [[Resolution:Greenspun illustration project|Greenspun illustration project]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-04:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy, update August 2007|Whistleblower policy, update August 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-03:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval June 2007|Minutes approval June 2007]]<br />
<br />
===July 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 1 2007|Replacement Board member 1 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2 2007|Replacement Board member 2 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 3 2007|Replacement Board member 3 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Board Elections 2007|Board Elections 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Management Consultant|Management Consultant]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Travel Policy|Travel Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> Carolyn Doran ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Carolyn_Doran not public])<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Taiwan|Wikimedia Taiwan]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-01:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator 2|Legal Coordinator 2]]<br />
<br />
===June 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval March 2007|Minutes approval March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Charter 2|Audit Charter 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy|Whistleblower policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data policy update|Access to nonpublic data policy update]]<br />
<br />
===April 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:ED search committee 2|ED search committee 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data|Access to nonpublic data]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-11:</small> [[Resolution:Mission and Vision statement|Mission and Vision statement]]<br />
<br />
===March 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-03-23:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing policy|Licensing policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase March 2007|Hardware purchase March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Volunteer coordinator|Volunteer coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Computer technician|Computer technician]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator|Legal Coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-09:</small> [[Resolution:Brad Patrick's resignation|Brad Patrick's resignation]]<br />
<br />
===February 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Requirements and guidelines for future chapters|Requirements and guidelines for future chapters]]<br />
* <small>2007-02-11:</small> [[Resolution:Chief Research Coordinator|Chief Research Coordinator]]<br />
<br />
===January 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-01-31:</small> Legal tasks February March 2007 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Legal_tasks_feb_march_2007 not public])<br />
* <small>2007-01-27:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard|Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:COO - Carolyn Doran|COO - Carolyn Doran]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search Firm|ED Search Firm]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Officer elections - January 2007|Officer elections - January 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Gift Policy|Gift Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Committee Jan07|Audit Committee Jan07]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2006 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12:</small> [[Resolution:RBC|RBC]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws revision|Bylaws revision]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion|Board expansion]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation|Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation]]<br />
<br />
===November 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Redo events committee|Redo events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search committee|ED Search committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Retreat 2006 Board actions and outcomes]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names workgroup|Domain names workgroup]]<br />
<br />
===October 2006===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-10-21:</small> [[Resolution:Officers election 2006|Officers election 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-10-07:</small> [[Resolution:Freenode Donation|Freenode Donation]]<br />
<br />
===September 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-09-28:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Sept-06|Hardware Sept-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2006|Replacement Board member 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-21:</small> [[Resolution:Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland|Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-02:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials2|Election officials2]]<br />
<br />
===August 2006===<br />
''A meeting of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees was held in person at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, on August 5, 2006. In attendance were Angela Beesley, Michael Davis, Florence Devouard, Tim Shell, Jimmy Wales, and Brad Patrick. Minutes of decisions will apparently not be reported. It was decided to organise a board retreat in October 2006.''<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-08-20:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee/Membership|Fundraising committee/Membership]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-07-31:</small> [[Resolution:Advisory board|Advisory board]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-30:</small> [[Resolution:Wikiversity|Wikiversity]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-24:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Purchase Jul-06|Hardware Purchase Jul-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:Ombudsperson checkuser|Ombudsperson checkuser]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:WiktionaryZ|WiktionaryZ]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-20:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials|Election officials]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-06-26:</small> [[Resolution:Board election|Board election]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-21:</small> [[Resolution:Danish Wikipedia and DR|Danish Wikipedia and DR]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-20:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update, June 2006|Privacy policy update, June 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-07:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee|Fundraising committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-04:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Scope|Special Project committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:CEO|CEO]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Jun-06|Hardware Jun-06]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-05-26:</small> [[Resolution:OTRS|OTRS]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-24:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Access to internal|Chapters committee/Access to internal]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-21:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Members|Special Project committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Scope|Communications committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Members|Communications committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-17:</small> [[Resolution:Foundation wiki accounts|Foundation wiki accounts]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-16:</small> [[Resolution:MarkMonitor|MarkMonitor]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-04-21:</small> [[Resolution:IDPF Conference|IDPF Conference]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-19:</small> [[Resolution:Auditor selection|Auditor selection]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Auditor_Selection full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-04-14:</small> [[Resolution:CH Chapter|CH Chapter]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure|Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope|Chapters committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Delegations|Chapters committee/Delegations]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-03-22:</small> [[Resolution:Spending Authorization Colo Space|Spending Authorization Colo Space]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_Colo_Space full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-03-21:</small> [[Resolution:Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006|Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-15:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names responsibility|Domain names responsibility]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-14:</small> [[Resolution:MobilED partnership|MobilED partnership]]<br />
<br />
===February 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-02&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase February 2006|Hardware purchase February 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Consent resolutions|Consent resolutions]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Additional developer|Additional developer]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-21:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee creation|Communications committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Spending authorization PowerMedium ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_PowerMedium not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee creation|Special projects committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Securities account ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Securities_Account not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:MySQL Conference 2006|MySQL Conference 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee creation|Chapters committee creation]]<br />
<br />
===January 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Spending authorization|Spending authorization]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Office space|Office space]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Financial committee|Financial committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Technical committee|Technical committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Events committee|Events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Executive committee|Executive committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee|Communications committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee|Special projects committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion committee|Board expansion committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> Search committee (not public)<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee|Chapters committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Insurance committee|Insurance committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit committee|Audit committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Nondiscrimination|Nondiscrimination]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Trademarks|Trademarks]] (amended 14 January 2006)<br />
<br />
==Understanding resolutions==<br />
<br />
*'''Approve''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was YES''.<br />
*'''Oppose''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was NO''.<br />
*'''Abstain''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was "no opinion".'' An abstentions count as a vote.<br />
*'''Missing''' means ''the board member was not present at the board meeting, or did not come to vote on the wiki page''. Like abstentions, this counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Recuse''' means ''the board member was present, but did not vote because of a declared conflict-of-interest.'' A recusal does ''not'' count as a vote.<br />
<br />
As of July 2008, there were 8 voting members. A resolution normally passes with 5 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 4 YES votes, as the number of voting members was reduced to 7.<br />
<br />
As of August 2009, there were 9 voting members. A resolution passes with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
As of March 2010, there are 10 voting members. A resolution passes with 6 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
The Board passes Resolutions and Votes; the former are formal decisions that must be made public; the latter are routine decisions such as advisory board appointments, approval of minutes for publication, or changes to internal Board processes. Passed Resolutions [[Vote:Board_deliberations|are published]] unless otherwise requested by the Chair; failed Resolutions are generally not published. Votes are often not published as such, but the result of the Votes is usually made public — for instance, minutes are published once a Vote to approve them has concluded; and [[minutes]] always list any Votes taken during a meeting.<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
*[[Vote:Board deliberations]] (July 2010), [[Resolution:Consent resolutions]] (February 2006)<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/corporate_actions.htm Corporate Actions]<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/how_resolutions_work.htm How Resolutions Work]<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
* [[Resolutions/Archives failed]] (''only some older failed resolutions are posted, see [[#Understanding resolutions|above]]; as of 2010 there is no policy about posting unpassed resolutions'')<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
* [[Meetings]] (with approved minutes of past meetings)<br />
* [[Messages]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Wikimedia organisation]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Board_Visitors_(2012)&diff=82615Resolution:Board Visitors (2012)2012-06-27T22:47:12Z<p>Phoebe: lnk</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Board Visitors (2012)<br />
|notes = This vote unanimously approved extending and formalizing the [[Resolution:Board Visitors|Board Visitors trial]] initially begun in 2011. Passed online 6/25/2012. <br />
}}<br />
<br />
Resolved, that the Board of Trustees will allow up to two Board visitors per year for significant content, financial or expertise contributors. Each Board visitor shall have a one-year term. <br />
<br />
The Wikimedia Foundation and projects benefit from significant content, financial support and other contributions from both individuals and institutions, and the WMF Board will benefit from building closer ties with and learning from our significant individual and institutional contributors.<br />
<br />
'''Criteria for selection as a board visitor:'''<br />
<br />
* Contribution of significant content, financial support or unique expertise;<br />
* Institution and/or individual shows strong philosophical alignment with WMF mission; and,<br />
* Board approval required prior to board visitor status being granted.<br />
<br />
'''Board Visitor Privileges:'''<br />
<br />
* Attendance at in-person board meetings once per year for most but not all agenda items (e.g. attendance for budget and strategic discussions, not for executive sessions);<br />
* Inclusion in formal materials sent to other trustees (e.g. pre-read materials, Committee reports, Board minutes);<br />
* No participation in Board voting on resolutions, or Board IRC meetings; no inclusion on board email list;<br />
<br />
'''Board Visitor Responsibilities''' <br />
* Visitor must treat conversations with the same confidentiality as the rest of the Board.<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Matt Halprin, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Board_Visitors_(2012)&diff=82614Resolution:Board Visitors (2012)2012-06-27T22:46:43Z<p>Phoebe: + bv resolution</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Board Visitors (2012)<br />
|notes = This vote unanimously approved extending and formalizing the Board Visitors trial initially begun in 2011. Passed online 6/25/2012. <br />
}}<br />
<br />
Resolved, that the Board of Trustees will allow up to two Board visitors per year for significant content, financial or expertise contributors. Each Board visitor shall have a one-year term. <br />
<br />
The Wikimedia Foundation and projects benefit from significant content, financial support and other contributions from both individuals and institutions, and the WMF Board will benefit from building closer ties with and learning from our significant individual and institutional contributors.<br />
<br />
'''Criteria for selection as a board visitor:'''<br />
<br />
* Contribution of significant content, financial support or unique expertise;<br />
* Institution and/or individual shows strong philosophical alignment with WMF mission; and,<br />
* Board approval required prior to board visitor status being granted.<br />
<br />
'''Board Visitor Privileges:'''<br />
<br />
* Attendance at in-person board meetings once per year for most but not all agenda items (e.g. attendance for budget and strategic discussions, not for executive sessions);<br />
* Inclusion in formal materials sent to other trustees (e.g. pre-read materials, Committee reports, Board minutes);<br />
* No participation in Board voting on resolutions, or Board IRC meetings; no inclusion on board email list;<br />
<br />
'''Board Visitor Responsibilities''' <br />
* Visitor must treat conversations with the same confidentiality as the rest of the Board.<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Matt Halprin, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Main&diff=82613Resolution:Main2012-06-27T22:45:01Z<p>Phoebe: /* Passed resolutions 2012 */ +board visitors</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Resolutions|*]]<br />
{{ResolutionsLang}}<br />
<div style="float:right; padding-left:10px;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
This page lists all resolutions approved by the Wikimedia Foundation [[Board of Trustees]]. You might also be interested in seeing the [[meetings|meeting minutes]] or a [[policies|list of public Foundation policies]]. See below a brief explanation to [[#Understanding resolutions|understand resolutions]].<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2012 ==<br />
===June 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-06-25</small>[[Resolution:Board Visitors (2012)|Board Visitors (2012)]]<br />
===March 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals|Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Recognizing Models of Affiliations|Recognizing Models of Affiliations]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Affiliations Committee|Affiliations Committee]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Organizational best practices|Organizational best practices]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Committee Standards|Committee Standards]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board Governance Committee Charter|Board Governance Committee Charter]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure|Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee|Funds Dissemination Committee]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising 2012|Fundraising 2012]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board of Trustees Voting Transparency|Board of Trustees Voting Transparency]]<br />
* <small>2012-03-05</small> [[Resolution:Terms of use|Terms of use]]<br />
<br />
===February 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-02-13</small> [[Vote:Committee standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-09</small> [[Vote:Movement accountability standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles Letter, February 2012|Movement roles letter]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Fundraising Letter, February 2012|Fundraising letter]] <br />
* <small>2012-02-06</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya|Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya]]<br />
<br />
===January 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Stu West, 2012|Reappointment of Stu West, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012|Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012|Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-06</small> [[Resolution:Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising|Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2011 ==<br />
===October 2011===<br />
* <small>2011-10-28</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela|Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh|Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011|Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011]]<br />
<br />
===September 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-09-12</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia|Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Vote:Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011|Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia México|Recognition of Wikimedia México]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy update 2011|Donor privacy policy update 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board reappointments|Advisory Board reappointments]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-06-28</small> [[Resolution:Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan|Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Board Visitor - Doron Weber|Board Visitor - Doron Weber]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler|Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Jessamyn West|Advisory Board - Jessamyn West]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-13</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Chile|Recognition of Wikimedia Chile]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Controversial content|Controversial content]]<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Images of identifiable people|Images of identifiable people]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Canada|Recognition of Wikimedia Canada]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Board visitors|Board visitors]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-04-08:</small> [[Resolution:Openness|Resolution on Openness]]<br />
* <small>2011-04-24:</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Macau|Recognition of Wikimedia Macau]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-03-26:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia South Africa|Recognition of Wikimedia South Africa]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - Founder term|Bylaws amendment - Founder term]]<br />
* <small>2011-02-07:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia España|Recognition of Wikimedia España]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2010 ==<br />
<br />
=== December 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-12-29:</small> [[Vote:Board appointments December 2010|Board appointments December 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-12-19:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - appointed terms|Bylaws amendment - appointed terms]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-10-15:</small> [[Resolution:Strategy project|Strategy project]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Five-year targets|Five-year targets]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia fundraising principles|Wikimedia fundraising principles]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Trustee terms and evaluation|Trustee terms and evaluation]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles October 2010|Movement Roles October 2010]]<br />
<br />
=== September 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-09-08:</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso|Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-08-31:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Estonia|Approval of Wikimedia Estonia]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments July 2010|Board appointments July 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-07-08:</small> [[Vote:Board deliberations|Board deliberations]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:2010-11 Annual Plan|2010-11 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director|Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia India|Approval of Wikimedia India]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-03-17:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment March 2010|Board appointment March 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-03-13:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Philippines|Approval of Wikimedia Philippines]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-02:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment February 2010|Bylaws amendment February 2010]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2009 ==<br />
===December 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-12:</small> Reappointments of [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales|Jimmy Wales]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede|Jan-Bart de Vreede]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Stu West|Stu West]], and [[Resolution:Reappointment of Matt Halprin|Matt Halprin]]<br />
<br />
===November 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment November 2009|Bylaws amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audit charter amendment November 2009|Audit charter amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audited financial statements 2008-2009|Audited financial statements 2008-2009]]<br />
<br />
===September 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Finland|Approval of Wikimedia Finland]]<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia|Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia]]<br />
<br />
===August 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-08:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment August 2009|Board appointment August 2009]]<br />
<br />
===July 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine|Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Portugal|Approval of Wikimedia Portugal]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Denmark|Approval of Wikimedia Denmark]]<br />
<br />
===June 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-06:</small> [[Resolution:2009-10 Plan|2009-10 Annual Plan]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments May 2009|Board appointments May 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing update approval|Licensing update approval]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Long term strategic plan|Long term strategic plan]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Trademark statement|Trademark statement]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Biographies of living people|Biographies of living people]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Committees|Wikimedia Committees]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia New York City|Approval of Wikimedia New York City]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia UK|Approval of Wikimedia UK]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee appointments|Chapters committee membership]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee rules and procedures|Chapters committee rules and procedures]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2008 ==<br />
=== November 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Audited financial statements 2007-08|Audited financial statements 2007-2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Brokerage Account Authorizations|Brokerage account authorizations]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Norway|Approval of Wikimedia Norway]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hungary|Approval of Wikimedia Hungary]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia|Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia]]<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Brasil|Approval of Wikimedia Brasil]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval April 2008|Minutes approval April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Pluralism, Internationalism, and Diversity Policy| Pluralism]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy| Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: 2008-09 Budget| 2008-09 Budget]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-05:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Russia|Approval of Wikimedia Russia]]<br />
<br />
===April 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendments and board structure|Bylaws amendments and board structure]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of December 2007 Minutes|Approval of December 2007 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of March 2008 Minutes|Approval of March 2008 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:New Trustee Appointment April 2008|New Trustee Appointment April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Data Retention Policy|Data Retention Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update April 2008|Privacy policy update April 2008]]<br />
<br />
===March 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Election Committee Officers - March 2008|Election Committee Officers - March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong|Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Secretary, March 2008|Secretary, March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Australia|Approval of Wikimedia Australia]]<br />
<br />
===February 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Austria|Approval of Wikimedia Austria]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic|Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Financial statements June 2006-2007|Financial statements June 2006-2007]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> Board Membership - January 2008 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Vote:_board_membership_-_january_08 not public]; [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2008-February/038528.html|public announcement]])<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Credit Card Usage Policy|Credit Card Usage Policy]] <br />
* <small>2008-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Executive Director Job Description|Executive Director Job Description]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-01:</small> [[Resolution:Update of Gift Policy - January 2008|Update of Gift Policy - January 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-01-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee membership - December 2007|Chapters committee membership - December 2007]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2007 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-12-22:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion - December 2007|Board expansion - December 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Cape Town Open Education Declaration|Cape Town Open Education Declaration]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Sverige|Approval of Wikimedia Sverige]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Argentina|Approval of Wikimedia Argentina]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval October 2007|Minutes approval October 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-01:</small> [[Resolution:License update|License update]]<br />
<br />
===November 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-11-26:</small> [[Resolution:Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED|Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2007 ===<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Annual appointment of the Board [[Resolution:Executive Secretary term 2007-2008|Executive Secretary]], [[Resolution:Board Vice Chair term 2008-2009|Vice Chair]], and [[Resolution:Board Chair term 2007-2008|Chair]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Reappointment of [[Resolution:Jan-Bart de Vreede reappointment|Jan-Bart de Vreede]] and [[Resolution:Jimmy Wales reappointment|Jimmy Wales]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Budget approval 2007|Budget approval 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy|Donor privacy policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Code of conduct|Code of conduct]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Travel approvals policy|Travel approvals policy]]<br />
<br />
===September 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-09-12:</small> [[Resolution:Greenspun illustration project|Greenspun illustration project]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-04:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy, update August 2007|Whistleblower policy, update August 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-03:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval June 2007|Minutes approval June 2007]]<br />
<br />
===July 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 1 2007|Replacement Board member 1 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2 2007|Replacement Board member 2 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 3 2007|Replacement Board member 3 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Board Elections 2007|Board Elections 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Management Consultant|Management Consultant]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Travel Policy|Travel Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> Carolyn Doran ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Carolyn_Doran not public])<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Taiwan|Wikimedia Taiwan]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-01:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator 2|Legal Coordinator 2]]<br />
<br />
===June 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval March 2007|Minutes approval March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Charter 2|Audit Charter 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy|Whistleblower policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data policy update|Access to nonpublic data policy update]]<br />
<br />
===April 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:ED search committee 2|ED search committee 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data|Access to nonpublic data]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-11:</small> [[Resolution:Mission and Vision statement|Mission and Vision statement]]<br />
<br />
===March 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-03-23:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing policy|Licensing policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase March 2007|Hardware purchase March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Volunteer coordinator|Volunteer coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Computer technician|Computer technician]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator|Legal Coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-09:</small> [[Resolution:Brad Patrick's resignation|Brad Patrick's resignation]]<br />
<br />
===February 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Requirements and guidelines for future chapters|Requirements and guidelines for future chapters]]<br />
* <small>2007-02-11:</small> [[Resolution:Chief Research Coordinator|Chief Research Coordinator]]<br />
<br />
===January 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-01-31:</small> Legal tasks February March 2007 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Legal_tasks_feb_march_2007 not public])<br />
* <small>2007-01-27:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard|Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:COO - Carolyn Doran|COO - Carolyn Doran]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search Firm|ED Search Firm]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Officer elections - January 2007|Officer elections - January 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Gift Policy|Gift Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Committee Jan07|Audit Committee Jan07]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2006 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12:</small> [[Resolution:RBC|RBC]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws revision|Bylaws revision]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion|Board expansion]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation|Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation]]<br />
<br />
===November 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Redo events committee|Redo events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search committee|ED Search committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Retreat 2006 Board actions and outcomes]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names workgroup|Domain names workgroup]]<br />
<br />
===October 2006===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-10-21:</small> [[Resolution:Officers election 2006|Officers election 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-10-07:</small> [[Resolution:Freenode Donation|Freenode Donation]]<br />
<br />
===September 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-09-28:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Sept-06|Hardware Sept-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2006|Replacement Board member 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-21:</small> [[Resolution:Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland|Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-02:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials2|Election officials2]]<br />
<br />
===August 2006===<br />
''A meeting of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees was held in person at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, on August 5, 2006. In attendance were Angela Beesley, Michael Davis, Florence Devouard, Tim Shell, Jimmy Wales, and Brad Patrick. Minutes of decisions will apparently not be reported. It was decided to organise a board retreat in October 2006.''<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-08-20:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee/Membership|Fundraising committee/Membership]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-07-31:</small> [[Resolution:Advisory board|Advisory board]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-30:</small> [[Resolution:Wikiversity|Wikiversity]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-24:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Purchase Jul-06|Hardware Purchase Jul-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:Ombudsperson checkuser|Ombudsperson checkuser]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:WiktionaryZ|WiktionaryZ]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-20:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials|Election officials]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-06-26:</small> [[Resolution:Board election|Board election]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-21:</small> [[Resolution:Danish Wikipedia and DR|Danish Wikipedia and DR]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-20:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update, June 2006|Privacy policy update, June 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-07:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee|Fundraising committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-04:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Scope|Special Project committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:CEO|CEO]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Jun-06|Hardware Jun-06]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-05-26:</small> [[Resolution:OTRS|OTRS]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-24:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Access to internal|Chapters committee/Access to internal]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-21:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Members|Special Project committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Scope|Communications committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Members|Communications committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-17:</small> [[Resolution:Foundation wiki accounts|Foundation wiki accounts]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-16:</small> [[Resolution:MarkMonitor|MarkMonitor]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-04-21:</small> [[Resolution:IDPF Conference|IDPF Conference]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-19:</small> [[Resolution:Auditor selection|Auditor selection]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Auditor_Selection full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-04-14:</small> [[Resolution:CH Chapter|CH Chapter]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure|Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope|Chapters committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Delegations|Chapters committee/Delegations]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-03-22:</small> [[Resolution:Spending Authorization Colo Space|Spending Authorization Colo Space]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_Colo_Space full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-03-21:</small> [[Resolution:Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006|Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-15:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names responsibility|Domain names responsibility]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-14:</small> [[Resolution:MobilED partnership|MobilED partnership]]<br />
<br />
===February 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-02&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase February 2006|Hardware purchase February 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Consent resolutions|Consent resolutions]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Additional developer|Additional developer]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-21:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee creation|Communications committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Spending authorization PowerMedium ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_PowerMedium not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee creation|Special projects committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Securities account ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Securities_Account not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:MySQL Conference 2006|MySQL Conference 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee creation|Chapters committee creation]]<br />
<br />
===January 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Spending authorization|Spending authorization]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Office space|Office space]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Financial committee|Financial committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Technical committee|Technical committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Events committee|Events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Executive committee|Executive committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee|Communications committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee|Special projects committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion committee|Board expansion committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> Search committee (not public)<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee|Chapters committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Insurance committee|Insurance committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit committee|Audit committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Nondiscrimination|Nondiscrimination]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Trademarks|Trademarks]] (amended 14 January 2006)<br />
<br />
==Understanding resolutions==<br />
<br />
*'''Approve''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was YES''.<br />
*'''Oppose''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was NO''.<br />
*'''Abstain''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was "no opinion".'' An abstentions count as a vote.<br />
*'''Missing''' means ''the board member was not present at the board meeting, or did not come to vote on the wiki page''. Like abstentions, this counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Recuse''' means ''the board member was present, but did not vote because of a declared conflict-of-interest.'' A recusal does ''not'' count as a vote.<br />
<br />
As of July 2008, there were 8 voting members. A resolution normally passes with 5 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 4 YES votes, as the number of voting members was reduced to 7.<br />
<br />
As of August 2009, there were 9 voting members. A resolution passes with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
As of March 2010, there are 10 voting members. A resolution passes with 6 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
The Board passes Resolutions and Votes; the former are formal decisions that must be made public; the latter are routine decisions such as advisory board appointments, approval of minutes for publication, or changes to internal Board processes. Passed Resolutions [[Vote:Board_deliberations|are published]] unless otherwise requested by the Chair; failed Resolutions are generally not published. Votes are often not published as such, but the result of the Votes is usually made public — for instance, minutes are published once a Vote to approve them has concluded; and [[minutes]] always list any Votes taken during a meeting.<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
*[[Vote:Board deliberations]] (July 2010), [[Resolution:Consent resolutions]] (February 2006)<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/corporate_actions.htm Corporate Actions]<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/how_resolutions_work.htm How Resolutions Work]<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
* [[Resolutions/Archives failed]] (''only some older failed resolutions are posted, see [[#Understanding resolutions|above]]; as of 2010 there is no policy about posting unpassed resolutions'')<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
* [[Meetings]] (with approved minutes of past meetings)<br />
* [[Messages]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Wikimedia organisation]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minutes:2012-02&diff=82360Minutes:2012-022012-06-07T20:31:47Z<p>Phoebe: feb minutes</p>
<hr />
<div>;Wikimedia Foundation Board meeting minutes <br />
;3-4 February, 2012<br />
* Present: Ting Chen (Chair), Jan-Bart de Vreede (Vice-Chair), Phoebe Ayers (Secretary), Stu West (Treasurer), Arne Klempert, Bishakha Datta, Samuel Klein, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, and Matt Halprin<br />
<br />
Also present for some or all of the meeting: Sue Gardner, Erik Moeller, Barry Newstead, Zack Exley, Garfield Byrd, Geoff Brigham, Gayle Karen Young. <br />
<br />
Ting opened the meeting at 8:40am on Friday 3 February 2012. <br />
<br />
;Housekeeping<br />
* Introduction of Gayle Karen Young, the new Wikimedia Foundation Chief Talent and Culture Officer (CTCO)<br />
* Phoebe noted that the resolution approving Wikimedia Kenya was approved online; this was [http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Resolution:Recognition_of_Wikimedia_Kenya published] after the meeting. <br />
<br />
;Annual Planning<br />
<br />
Sue presented a review of 2011-12 Wikimedia Foundation activities year-to-date, and a look ahead to annual planning for 2012-13. This was a chance to share with the Board what has happened in the first six months of 2011-2012, what the WMF has accomplished and lessons that have been learned. She noted that what the WMF is learning is also relevant to the work the Board does in the community, <br />
<br />
These presentations were also the first formal opportunity for the Board to discuss planning priorities for next year's annual plan, as well as receive an assessment of where the Foundation is against plan targets for this year. Trustees were also provided an opportunity to give feedback on the WMF's activities to date.<br />
<br />
For the first time individual presentations were given to the Board by the head of three departments (technology, community and global development), rather than Sue presenting the whole overview. There was general consensus that this format worked well and should be repeated in future if possible. <br />
The presentations, including an overview of WMF progress year-to-date, are available here: <br />
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/File:Wikimedia_Foundation_Mid-Year_Review_February_2012.pdf<br />
<br />
;Fundraising and funds dissemination<br />
<br />
Geoff Brigham, WMF general counsel, was present for this discussion. <br />
<br />
This discussion session began with a round-robin of Trustees expressing what they wanted to accomplish in this meeting. The ultimate consensus of the weekend was to issue a statement on the direction the Board was going, but make final decisions at the regularly scheduled meeting in Berlin (March 30-31, after the Paris finance meeting and after Sue's final recommendations are delivered to the Board in mid-March). <br />
<br />
There was also a discussion of whether the Board should focus first on reaching a decision on funds dissemination or fundraising questions (including payment processing); there was a consensus that funds dissemination had been neglected as a topic to date and that focusing on this question would set the tone and direction for how fundraising should happen. <br />
<br />
Sue walked the Board through options regarding processing of donations that come in through project websites that are operated by the WMF (“payment processing”), including whether payment processors should have any exclusive right to retain the funds that they raise. She also presented options for who in the movement would make funds dissemination decisions, including the potential creation of a new global volunteer-driven body (the “funds dissemination committee”, or FDC), which would independently recommend where to allocate program money (with possible variations, such as excluding core operations). <br />
<br />
On the question of funds dissemination options, there was strong consensus in favor of a FDC model for funds dissemination decisions. Board discussion around the FDC acknowledged that the details of any such model were crucial, and that such a body would have to be well-structured (much like the Board of Trustees itself) and well-supported. Because of the WMF Board's fiduciary duty, the FDC would have to recommend decisions to the WMF, but there was general agreement that a successful system would be one where the vast majority of recommendations were approved. There was also discussion about building in an appeal process to the Board, and what level of staff support would be needed, with agreement that staff could participate and help keep the committee working without dominating it. <br />
<br />
On the question of payment processing and fundraising decisions, there were significant differences among Trustees. There was extensive discussion of the question of whether payment-processing entities should have the right to keep the money that they raise in their geography; there was agreement that this was not desirable, and that chapter budgets and programs should be determined separately from how much money could be raised in that geography. There was also discussion of the difficulties in moving money between geographies, and when it might make sense for a chapter to fundraise.<br />
<br />
A letter summarizing these decisions was written and sent to the community directly following the Board meeting. Trustees agreed that the issue would be further discussed at the Paris finance meeting and online until the next meeting. The letter can be found here: <br />
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Vote:Fundraising_Letter,_February_2012<br />
<br />
;Paid editing and paid advocacy <br />
<br />
Jimmy presented an overview of some of the recent discussions around paid editing and paid advocacy (people being paid to advocate for a point of view in Wikipedia articles), noting that it is advocacy that is the problematic component of this, including editing by PR firms. There was discussion of possible responses, ways to communicate existing rules and best practices, and current work that is going on around conflict-of-interest issues.<br />
<br />
;Movement roles<br />
<br />
This was an update on movement roles discussions, as well as a presentation by Bishakha and Sam of the movement roles workgroup on a workplan to move forward with movement roles recommendations to the Board. <br />
<br />
Recommendations regarding new models and an affiliations committee that would approve new movement entities will be put out for community discussion for four weeks and then will be submitted to the Board for a vote. There was agreement that the Board wanted to move forward on these two recommendations, which had also been discussed at the October in-person meeting and November IRC meeting. <br />
<br />
In addition, there are additional recommendations to the Board to create accountability standards, minimum standards for committees, and an annual planning review cycle that were suggested for voting. Bishakha noted that at this point the Board is not being asked to make a recommendation on a movement charter. <br />
<br />
There was discussion around terminology, the difference between types of entities, how to make it easy for groups to flourish, the notion of exclusivity within a geography, and whether approving new entities would affect the Board seat model.<br />
<br />
A letter was drafted and voted on to send to the community immediately following the meeting, explaining what's next and the process. In addition, Board liaisons to the chapters committee will consult with the chapters committee about taking on the role of an affiliations committee, including for new non-chapters entities; the Board Governance Committee will be asked to develop committee standards, and the Audit committee in consultation with the staff and community will be asked to develop accountability standards. <br />
The letter can be found here: <br />
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Vote:Movement_Roles_Letter,_February_2012<br />
<br />
and votes approving asking for committee and accountability standards can be found here: <br />
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Vote:Committee_standards<br />
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Vote:Movement_accountability_standards<br />
<br />
;Executive session <br />
Each meeting, as a general good practice, the Board holds an executive session without the Executive Director present. Minutes are not kept for this item. <br />
<br />
;Closing<br />
The Board reviewed the various action items it had agreed to over the course of the meeting, and discussed the schedule of future meetings. <br />
<br />
The next in-person meeting will occur in conjunction with the chapters conference planned for Berlin, on March 30 and 31st; 2012; the Board meeting will happen on Friday and Saturday, while the conference is planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Ting noted that the agenda for the Berlin meeting is largely set, with further discussions planned on movement roles and fundraising/funds dissemination, and with reports from the BGC and HR committees expected. Additional IRC meetings will likely happened before the next in-person meeting. The next annual planning meeting will be on IRC, after the March meeting but before the Wikimania meeting. <br />
<br />
The meeting concluded with final remarks from each Trustee about how they felt about the meeting and the progress made. Ting closed the meeting at 5:00pm on Saturday, February 4, 2012.</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda:2012-06-06&diff=326048Agenda:2012-06-062012-06-01T20:50:45Z<p>Phoebe: ++</p>
<hr />
<div>Board of Trustees meeting <br />
June 6, 2012 <br />
IRC <br />
<br />
==Agenda== <br />
* Review and discuss the final draft of the 2012-13 Annual plan for the Wikimedia Foundation<br />
** 2011-12 plan, for reference: [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/foundation/3/37/2011-12_Wikimedia_Foundation_Plan_FINAL_FOR_WEBSITE_.pdf] | 2011-12 FAQ: [[:wmf:2011-2012_Annual_Plan_Questions_and_Answers]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda:2012-06-06&diff=326047Agenda:2012-06-062012-06-01T20:50:06Z<p>Phoebe: ++</p>
<hr />
<div>Board of Trustees meeting <br />
June 6, 2012 <br />
IRC <br />
<br />
==Agenda== <br />
* Review and discuss the final draft of the 2012-13 Annual plan for the Wikimedia Foundation<br />
** (2011-12 plan, for reference: [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/foundation/3/37/2011-12_Wikimedia_Foundation_Plan_FINAL_FOR_WEBSITE_.pdf])</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda:2012-07&diff=326060Agenda:2012-072012-06-01T20:45:13Z<p>Phoebe: agenda to date</p>
<hr />
<div>;WMF Board of Trustees meeting <br />
;July 11, 2012 (before Wikimania) <br />
;Washington, DC<br />
<br />
==Proposed Agenda== <br />
*''still being finalized'' <br />
* Resolution housekeeping<br />
* Board [[Wikimedia_board_manual#Roles_and_responsibilities|officer elections]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agenda:2012-06-06&diff=326046Agenda:2012-06-062012-06-01T20:39:32Z<p>Phoebe: brief agenda</p>
<hr />
<div>Board of Trustees meeting <br />
June 6, 2012 <br />
IRC <br />
<br />
==Agenda== <br />
* Review and discuss the final draft of the 2012-13 Annual plan for the Wikimedia Foundation</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Main&diff=80042Resolution:Main2012-04-05T18:02:58Z<p>Phoebe: /* Passed resolutions 2012 */ fmt</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Resolutions|*]]<br />
{{ResolutionsLang}}<br />
<div style="float:right; padding-left:10px;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
This page lists all resolutions approved by the Wikimedia Foundation [[Board of Trustees]]. You might also be interested in seeing the [[meetings|meeting minutes]] or a [[policies|list of public Foundation policies]]. See below a brief explanation to [[#Understanding resolutions|understand resolutions]].<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2012 ==<br />
===March 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals|Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Recognizing Models of Affiliations|Recognizing Models of Affiliations]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Affiliations Committee|Affiliations Committee]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Organizational best practices|Organizational best practices]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Committee Standards|Committee Standards]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board Governance Committee Charter|Board Governance Committee Charter]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure|Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee|Funds Dissemination Committee]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising 2012|Fundraising 2012]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board of Trustees Voting Transparency|Board of Trustees Voting Transparency]]<br />
* <small>2012-03-05</small> [[Resolution:Terms of use|Terms of use]]<br />
<br />
===February 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-02-13</small> [[Vote:Committee standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-09</small> [[Vote:Movement accountability standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles Letter, February 2012|Movement roles letter]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Fundraising Letter, February 2012|Fundraising letter]] <br />
* <small>2012-02-06</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya|Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya]]<br />
<br />
===January 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Stu West, 2012|Reappointment of Stu West, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012|Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012|Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-06</small> [[Resolution:Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising|Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2011 ==<br />
===October 2011===<br />
* <small>2011-10-28</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela|Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh|Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011|Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011]]<br />
<br />
===September 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-09-12</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia|Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Vote:Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011|Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia México|Recognition of Wikimedia México]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy update 2011|Donor privacy policy update 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board reappointments|Advisory Board reappointments]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-06-28</small> [[Resolution:Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan|Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Board Visitor - Doron Weber|Board Visitor - Doron Weber]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler|Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Jessamyn West|Advisory Board - Jessamyn West]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-13</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Chile|Recognition of Wikimedia Chile]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Controversial content|Controversial content]]<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Images of identifiable people|Images of identifiable people]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Canada|Recognition of Wikimedia Canada]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Board visitors|Board visitors]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-04-08:</small> [[Resolution:Openness|Resolution on Openness]]<br />
* <small>2011-04-24:</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Macau|Recognition of Wikimedia Macau]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-03-26:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia South Africa|Recognition of Wikimedia South Africa]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - Founder term|Bylaws amendment - Founder term]]<br />
* <small>2011-02-07:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia España|Recognition of Wikimedia España]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2010 ==<br />
<br />
=== December 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-12-29:</small> [[Vote:Board appointments December 2010|Board appointments December 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-12-19:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - appointed terms|Bylaws amendment - appointed terms]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-10-15:</small> [[Resolution:Strategy project|Strategy project]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Five-year targets|Five-year targets]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia fundraising principles|Wikimedia fundraising principles]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Trustee terms and evaluation|Trustee terms and evaluation]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles October 2010|Movement Roles October 2010]]<br />
<br />
=== September 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-09-08:</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso|Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-08-31:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Estonia|Approval of Wikimedia Estonia]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments July 2010|Board appointments July 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-07-08:</small> [[Vote:Board deliberations|Board deliberations]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:2010-11 Annual Plan|2010-11 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director|Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia India|Approval of Wikimedia India]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-03-17:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment March 2010|Board appointment March 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-03-13:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Philippines|Approval of Wikimedia Philippines]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-02:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment February 2010|Bylaws amendment February 2010]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2009 ==<br />
===December 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-12:</small> Reappointments of [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales|Jimmy Wales]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede|Jan-Bart de Vreede]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Stu West|Stu West]], and [[Resolution:Reappointment of Matt Halprin|Matt Halprin]]<br />
<br />
===November 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment November 2009|Bylaws amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audit charter amendment November 2009|Audit charter amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audited financial statements 2008-2009|Audited financial statements 2008-2009]]<br />
<br />
===September 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Finland|Approval of Wikimedia Finland]]<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia|Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia]]<br />
<br />
===August 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-08:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment August 2009|Board appointment August 2009]]<br />
<br />
===July 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine|Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Portugal|Approval of Wikimedia Portugal]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Denmark|Approval of Wikimedia Denmark]]<br />
<br />
===June 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-06:</small> [[Resolution:2009-10 Plan|2009-10 Annual Plan]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments May 2009|Board appointments May 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing update approval|Licensing update approval]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Long term strategic plan|Long term strategic plan]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Trademark statement|Trademark statement]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Biographies of living people|Biographies of living people]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Committees|Wikimedia Committees]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia New York City|Approval of Wikimedia New York City]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia UK|Approval of Wikimedia UK]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee appointments|Chapters committee membership]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee rules and procedures|Chapters committee rules and procedures]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2008 ==<br />
=== November 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Audited financial statements 2007-08|Audited financial statements 2007-2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Brokerage Account Authorizations|Brokerage account authorizations]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Norway|Approval of Wikimedia Norway]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hungary|Approval of Wikimedia Hungary]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia|Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia]]<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Brasil|Approval of Wikimedia Brasil]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval April 2008|Minutes approval April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Pluralism, Internationalism, and Diversity Policy| Pluralism]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy| Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: 2008-09 Budget| 2008-09 Budget]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-05:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Russia|Approval of Wikimedia Russia]]<br />
<br />
===April 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendments and board structure|Bylaws amendments and board structure]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of December 2007 Minutes|Approval of December 2007 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of March 2008 Minutes|Approval of March 2008 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:New Trustee Appointment April 2008|New Trustee Appointment April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Data Retention Policy|Data Retention Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update April 2008|Privacy policy update April 2008]]<br />
<br />
===March 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Election Committee Officers - March 2008|Election Committee Officers - March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong|Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Secretary, March 2008|Secretary, March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Australia|Approval of Wikimedia Australia]]<br />
<br />
===February 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Austria|Approval of Wikimedia Austria]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic|Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Financial statements June 2006-2007|Financial statements June 2006-2007]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> Board Membership - January 2008 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Vote:_board_membership_-_january_08 not public]; [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2008-February/038528.html|public announcement]])<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Credit Card Usage Policy|Credit Card Usage Policy]] <br />
* <small>2008-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Executive Director Job Description|Executive Director Job Description]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-01:</small> [[Resolution:Update of Gift Policy - January 2008|Update of Gift Policy - January 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-01-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee membership - December 2007|Chapters committee membership - December 2007]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2007 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-12-22:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion - December 2007|Board expansion - December 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Cape Town Open Education Declaration|Cape Town Open Education Declaration]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Sverige|Approval of Wikimedia Sverige]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Argentina|Approval of Wikimedia Argentina]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval October 2007|Minutes approval October 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-01:</small> [[Resolution:License update|License update]]<br />
<br />
===November 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-11-26:</small> [[Resolution:Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED|Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2007 ===<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Annual appointment of the Board [[Resolution:Executive Secretary term 2007-2008|Executive Secretary]], [[Resolution:Board Vice Chair term 2008-2009|Vice Chair]], and [[Resolution:Board Chair term 2007-2008|Chair]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Reappointment of [[Resolution:Jan-Bart de Vreede reappointment|Jan-Bart de Vreede]] and [[Resolution:Jimmy Wales reappointment|Jimmy Wales]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Budget approval 2007|Budget approval 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy|Donor privacy policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Code of conduct|Code of conduct]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Travel approvals policy|Travel approvals policy]]<br />
<br />
===September 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-09-12:</small> [[Resolution:Greenspun illustration project|Greenspun illustration project]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-04:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy, update August 2007|Whistleblower policy, update August 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-03:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval June 2007|Minutes approval June 2007]]<br />
<br />
===July 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 1 2007|Replacement Board member 1 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2 2007|Replacement Board member 2 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 3 2007|Replacement Board member 3 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Board Elections 2007|Board Elections 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Management Consultant|Management Consultant]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Travel Policy|Travel Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> Carolyn Doran ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Carolyn_Doran not public])<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Taiwan|Wikimedia Taiwan]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-01:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator 2|Legal Coordinator 2]]<br />
<br />
===June 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval March 2007|Minutes approval March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Charter 2|Audit Charter 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy|Whistleblower policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data policy update|Access to nonpublic data policy update]]<br />
<br />
===April 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:ED search committee 2|ED search committee 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data|Access to nonpublic data]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-11:</small> [[Resolution:Mission and Vision statement|Mission and Vision statement]]<br />
<br />
===March 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-03-23:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing policy|Licensing policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase March 2007|Hardware purchase March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Volunteer coordinator|Volunteer coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Computer technician|Computer technician]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator|Legal Coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-09:</small> [[Resolution:Brad Patrick's resignation|Brad Patrick's resignation]]<br />
<br />
===February 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Requirements and guidelines for future chapters|Requirements and guidelines for future chapters]]<br />
* <small>2007-02-11:</small> [[Resolution:Chief Research Coordinator|Chief Research Coordinator]]<br />
<br />
===January 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-01-31:</small> Legal tasks February March 2007 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Legal_tasks_feb_march_2007 not public])<br />
* <small>2007-01-27:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard|Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:COO - Carolyn Doran|COO - Carolyn Doran]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search Firm|ED Search Firm]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Officer elections - January 2007|Officer elections - January 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Gift Policy|Gift Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Committee Jan07|Audit Committee Jan07]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2006 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12:</small> [[Resolution:RBC|RBC]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws revision|Bylaws revision]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion|Board expansion]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation|Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation]]<br />
<br />
===November 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Redo events committee|Redo events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search committee|ED Search committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Retreat 2006 Board actions and outcomes]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names workgroup|Domain names workgroup]]<br />
<br />
===October 2006===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-10-21:</small> [[Resolution:Officers election 2006|Officers election 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-10-07:</small> [[Resolution:Freenode Donation|Freenode Donation]]<br />
<br />
===September 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-09-28:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Sept-06|Hardware Sept-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2006|Replacement Board member 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-21:</small> [[Resolution:Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland|Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-02:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials2|Election officials2]]<br />
<br />
===August 2006===<br />
''A meeting of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees was held in person at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, on August 5, 2006. In attendance were Angela Beesley, Michael Davis, Florence Devouard, Tim Shell, Jimmy Wales, and Brad Patrick. Minutes of decisions will apparently not be reported. It was decided to organise a board retreat in October 2006.''<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-08-20:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee/Membership|Fundraising committee/Membership]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-07-31:</small> [[Resolution:Advisory board|Advisory board]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-30:</small> [[Resolution:Wikiversity|Wikiversity]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-24:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Purchase Jul-06|Hardware Purchase Jul-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:Ombudsperson checkuser|Ombudsperson checkuser]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:WiktionaryZ|WiktionaryZ]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-20:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials|Election officials]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-06-26:</small> [[Resolution:Board election|Board election]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-21:</small> [[Resolution:Danish Wikipedia and DR|Danish Wikipedia and DR]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-20:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update, June 2006|Privacy policy update, June 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-07:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee|Fundraising committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-04:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Scope|Special Project committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:CEO|CEO]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Jun-06|Hardware Jun-06]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-05-26:</small> [[Resolution:OTRS|OTRS]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-24:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Access to internal|Chapters committee/Access to internal]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-21:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Members|Special Project committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Scope|Communications committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Members|Communications committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-17:</small> [[Resolution:Foundation wiki accounts|Foundation wiki accounts]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-16:</small> [[Resolution:MarkMonitor|MarkMonitor]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-04-21:</small> [[Resolution:IDPF Conference|IDPF Conference]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-19:</small> [[Resolution:Auditor selection|Auditor selection]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Auditor_Selection full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-04-14:</small> [[Resolution:CH Chapter|CH Chapter]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure|Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope|Chapters committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Delegations|Chapters committee/Delegations]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-03-22:</small> [[Resolution:Spending Authorization Colo Space|Spending Authorization Colo Space]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_Colo_Space full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-03-21:</small> [[Resolution:Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006|Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-15:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names responsibility|Domain names responsibility]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-14:</small> [[Resolution:MobilED partnership|MobilED partnership]]<br />
<br />
===February 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-02&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase February 2006|Hardware purchase February 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Consent resolutions|Consent resolutions]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Additional developer|Additional developer]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-21:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee creation|Communications committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Spending authorization PowerMedium ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_PowerMedium not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee creation|Special projects committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Securities account ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Securities_Account not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:MySQL Conference 2006|MySQL Conference 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee creation|Chapters committee creation]]<br />
<br />
===January 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Spending authorization|Spending authorization]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Office space|Office space]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Financial committee|Financial committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Technical committee|Technical committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Events committee|Events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Executive committee|Executive committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee|Communications committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee|Special projects committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion committee|Board expansion committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> Search committee (not public)<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee|Chapters committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Insurance committee|Insurance committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit committee|Audit committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Nondiscrimination|Nondiscrimination]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Trademarks|Trademarks]] (amended 14 January 2006)<br />
<br />
==Understanding resolutions==<br />
<br />
*'''Approve''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was YES''.<br />
*'''Oppose''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was NO''.<br />
*'''Abstain''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was "no opinion".'' An abstentions count as a vote.<br />
*'''Missing''' means ''the board member was not present at the board meeting, or did not come to vote on the wiki page''. Like abstentions, this counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Recuse''' means ''the board member was present, but did not vote because of a declared conflict-of-interest.'' A recusal does ''not'' count as a vote.<br />
<br />
As of July 2008, there were 8 voting members. A resolution normally passes with 5 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 4 YES votes, as the number of voting members was reduced to 7.<br />
<br />
As of August 2009, there were 9 voting members. A resolution passes with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
As of March 2010, there are 10 voting members. A resolution passes with 6 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
The Board passes Resolutions and Votes; the former are formal decisions that must be made public; the latter are routine decisions such as advisory board appointments, approval of minutes for publication, or changes to internal Board processes. Passed Resolutions [[Vote:Board_deliberations|are published]] unless otherwise requested by the Chair; failed Resolutions are generally not published. Votes are often not published as such, but the result of the Votes is usually made public — for instance, minutes are published once a Vote to approve them has concluded; and [[minutes]] always list any Votes taken during a meeting.<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
*[[Vote:Board deliberations]] (July 2010), [[Resolution:Consent resolutions]] (February 2006)<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/corporate_actions.htm Corporate Actions]<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/how_resolutions_work.htm How Resolutions Work]<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
* [[Resolutions/Archives failed]] (''only some older failed resolutions are posted, see [[#Understanding resolutions|above]]; as of 2010 there is no policy about posting unpassed resolutions'')<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
* [[Meetings]] (with approved minutes of past meetings)<br />
* [[Messages]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Wikimedia organisation]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Revision_of_open-ended_Chapter_approvals&diff=80041Resolution:Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals2012-04-05T18:02:43Z<p>Phoebe: open-ended approvals resolution</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals<br />
|notes = This vote unanimously approved tying up the last open-ended chapter approvals.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The Board hereby revises the existing resolutions passed prior to February, 2011 which recognized Wikimedia Chapters "pending signature of the Chapters Agreement," so that this open-ended status is revoked if an Agreement has not been signed by September 1, 2012. This deadline may be extended on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Foundation's Executive Director.<br />
<br />
;Reference<br />
The two groups affected by this that have not yet signed a [[m:Chapter_Agreements|Chapter agreement]] are in Brasil and Macedonia:<br />
* [[wmf:Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Brasil|Approval of Wikimedia Brasil]] (10/2008)<br />
* [[wmf:Resolution:Macedonian Chapter|Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia]] (9/2009)<br />
<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Matt Halprin, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Main&diff=80040Resolution:Main2012-04-05T18:00:32Z<p>Phoebe: /* March 2012 */ one more resolution; passed during the meeting, delay to confirm w/ affected chapters</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Resolutions|*]]<br />
{{ResolutionsLang}}<br />
<div style="float:right; padding-left:10px;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
This page lists all resolutions approved by the Wikimedia Foundation [[Board of Trustees]]. You might also be interested in seeing the [[meetings|meeting minutes]] or a [[policies|list of public Foundation policies]]. See below a brief explanation to [[#Understanding resolutions|understand resolutions]].<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2012 ==<br />
===March 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small>[[Resolution:Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals|Revision of open-ended Chapter approvals]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Recognizing Models of Affiliations|Recognizing Models of Affiliations]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Affiliations Committee|Affiliations Committee]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Organizational best practices|Organizational best practices]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Committee Standards|Committee Standards]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board Governance Committee Charter|Board Governance Committee Charter]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure|Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee|Funds Dissemination Committee]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising 2012|Fundraising 2012]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board of Trustees Voting Transparency|Board of Trustees Voting Transparency]]<br />
* <small>2012-03-05</small> [[Resolution:Terms of use|Terms of use]]<br />
<br />
===February 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-02-13</small> [[Vote:Committee standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-09</small> [[Vote:Movement accountability standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles Letter, February 2012|Movement roles letter]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Fundraising Letter, February 2012|Fundraising letter]] <br />
* <small>2012-02-06</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya|Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya]]<br />
<br />
===January 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Stu West, 2012|Reappointment of Stu West, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012|Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012|Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-06</small> [[Resolution:Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising|Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2011 ==<br />
===October 2011===<br />
* <small>2011-10-28</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela|Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh|Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011|Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011]]<br />
<br />
===September 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-09-12</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia|Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Vote:Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011|Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia México|Recognition of Wikimedia México]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy update 2011|Donor privacy policy update 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board reappointments|Advisory Board reappointments]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-06-28</small> [[Resolution:Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan|Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Board Visitor - Doron Weber|Board Visitor - Doron Weber]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler|Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Jessamyn West|Advisory Board - Jessamyn West]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-13</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Chile|Recognition of Wikimedia Chile]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Controversial content|Controversial content]]<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Images of identifiable people|Images of identifiable people]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Canada|Recognition of Wikimedia Canada]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Board visitors|Board visitors]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-04-08:</small> [[Resolution:Openness|Resolution on Openness]]<br />
* <small>2011-04-24:</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Macau|Recognition of Wikimedia Macau]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-03-26:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia South Africa|Recognition of Wikimedia South Africa]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - Founder term|Bylaws amendment - Founder term]]<br />
* <small>2011-02-07:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia España|Recognition of Wikimedia España]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2010 ==<br />
<br />
=== December 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-12-29:</small> [[Vote:Board appointments December 2010|Board appointments December 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-12-19:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - appointed terms|Bylaws amendment - appointed terms]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-10-15:</small> [[Resolution:Strategy project|Strategy project]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Five-year targets|Five-year targets]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia fundraising principles|Wikimedia fundraising principles]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Trustee terms and evaluation|Trustee terms and evaluation]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles October 2010|Movement Roles October 2010]]<br />
<br />
=== September 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-09-08:</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso|Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-08-31:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Estonia|Approval of Wikimedia Estonia]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments July 2010|Board appointments July 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-07-08:</small> [[Vote:Board deliberations|Board deliberations]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:2010-11 Annual Plan|2010-11 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director|Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia India|Approval of Wikimedia India]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-03-17:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment March 2010|Board appointment March 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-03-13:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Philippines|Approval of Wikimedia Philippines]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-02:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment February 2010|Bylaws amendment February 2010]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2009 ==<br />
===December 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-12:</small> Reappointments of [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales|Jimmy Wales]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede|Jan-Bart de Vreede]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Stu West|Stu West]], and [[Resolution:Reappointment of Matt Halprin|Matt Halprin]]<br />
<br />
===November 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment November 2009|Bylaws amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audit charter amendment November 2009|Audit charter amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audited financial statements 2008-2009|Audited financial statements 2008-2009]]<br />
<br />
===September 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Finland|Approval of Wikimedia Finland]]<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia|Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia]]<br />
<br />
===August 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-08:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment August 2009|Board appointment August 2009]]<br />
<br />
===July 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine|Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Portugal|Approval of Wikimedia Portugal]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Denmark|Approval of Wikimedia Denmark]]<br />
<br />
===June 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-06:</small> [[Resolution:2009-10 Plan|2009-10 Annual Plan]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments May 2009|Board appointments May 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing update approval|Licensing update approval]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Long term strategic plan|Long term strategic plan]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Trademark statement|Trademark statement]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Biographies of living people|Biographies of living people]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Committees|Wikimedia Committees]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia New York City|Approval of Wikimedia New York City]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia UK|Approval of Wikimedia UK]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee appointments|Chapters committee membership]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee rules and procedures|Chapters committee rules and procedures]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2008 ==<br />
=== November 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Audited financial statements 2007-08|Audited financial statements 2007-2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Brokerage Account Authorizations|Brokerage account authorizations]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Norway|Approval of Wikimedia Norway]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hungary|Approval of Wikimedia Hungary]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia|Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia]]<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Brasil|Approval of Wikimedia Brasil]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval April 2008|Minutes approval April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Pluralism, Internationalism, and Diversity Policy| Pluralism]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy| Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: 2008-09 Budget| 2008-09 Budget]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-05:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Russia|Approval of Wikimedia Russia]]<br />
<br />
===April 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendments and board structure|Bylaws amendments and board structure]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of December 2007 Minutes|Approval of December 2007 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of March 2008 Minutes|Approval of March 2008 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:New Trustee Appointment April 2008|New Trustee Appointment April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Data Retention Policy|Data Retention Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update April 2008|Privacy policy update April 2008]]<br />
<br />
===March 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Election Committee Officers - March 2008|Election Committee Officers - March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong|Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Secretary, March 2008|Secretary, March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Australia|Approval of Wikimedia Australia]]<br />
<br />
===February 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Austria|Approval of Wikimedia Austria]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic|Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Financial statements June 2006-2007|Financial statements June 2006-2007]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> Board Membership - January 2008 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Vote:_board_membership_-_january_08 not public]; [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2008-February/038528.html|public announcement]])<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Credit Card Usage Policy|Credit Card Usage Policy]] <br />
* <small>2008-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Executive Director Job Description|Executive Director Job Description]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-01:</small> [[Resolution:Update of Gift Policy - January 2008|Update of Gift Policy - January 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-01-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee membership - December 2007|Chapters committee membership - December 2007]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2007 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-12-22:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion - December 2007|Board expansion - December 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Cape Town Open Education Declaration|Cape Town Open Education Declaration]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Sverige|Approval of Wikimedia Sverige]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Argentina|Approval of Wikimedia Argentina]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval October 2007|Minutes approval October 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-01:</small> [[Resolution:License update|License update]]<br />
<br />
===November 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-11-26:</small> [[Resolution:Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED|Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2007 ===<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Annual appointment of the Board [[Resolution:Executive Secretary term 2007-2008|Executive Secretary]], [[Resolution:Board Vice Chair term 2008-2009|Vice Chair]], and [[Resolution:Board Chair term 2007-2008|Chair]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Reappointment of [[Resolution:Jan-Bart de Vreede reappointment|Jan-Bart de Vreede]] and [[Resolution:Jimmy Wales reappointment|Jimmy Wales]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Budget approval 2007|Budget approval 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy|Donor privacy policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Code of conduct|Code of conduct]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Travel approvals policy|Travel approvals policy]]<br />
<br />
===September 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-09-12:</small> [[Resolution:Greenspun illustration project|Greenspun illustration project]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-04:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy, update August 2007|Whistleblower policy, update August 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-03:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval June 2007|Minutes approval June 2007]]<br />
<br />
===July 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 1 2007|Replacement Board member 1 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2 2007|Replacement Board member 2 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 3 2007|Replacement Board member 3 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Board Elections 2007|Board Elections 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Management Consultant|Management Consultant]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Travel Policy|Travel Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> Carolyn Doran ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Carolyn_Doran not public])<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Taiwan|Wikimedia Taiwan]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-01:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator 2|Legal Coordinator 2]]<br />
<br />
===June 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval March 2007|Minutes approval March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Charter 2|Audit Charter 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy|Whistleblower policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data policy update|Access to nonpublic data policy update]]<br />
<br />
===April 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:ED search committee 2|ED search committee 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data|Access to nonpublic data]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-11:</small> [[Resolution:Mission and Vision statement|Mission and Vision statement]]<br />
<br />
===March 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-03-23:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing policy|Licensing policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase March 2007|Hardware purchase March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Volunteer coordinator|Volunteer coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Computer technician|Computer technician]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator|Legal Coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-09:</small> [[Resolution:Brad Patrick's resignation|Brad Patrick's resignation]]<br />
<br />
===February 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Requirements and guidelines for future chapters|Requirements and guidelines for future chapters]]<br />
* <small>2007-02-11:</small> [[Resolution:Chief Research Coordinator|Chief Research Coordinator]]<br />
<br />
===January 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-01-31:</small> Legal tasks February March 2007 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Legal_tasks_feb_march_2007 not public])<br />
* <small>2007-01-27:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard|Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:COO - Carolyn Doran|COO - Carolyn Doran]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search Firm|ED Search Firm]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Officer elections - January 2007|Officer elections - January 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Gift Policy|Gift Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Committee Jan07|Audit Committee Jan07]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2006 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12:</small> [[Resolution:RBC|RBC]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws revision|Bylaws revision]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion|Board expansion]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation|Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation]]<br />
<br />
===November 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Redo events committee|Redo events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search committee|ED Search committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Retreat 2006 Board actions and outcomes]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names workgroup|Domain names workgroup]]<br />
<br />
===October 2006===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-10-21:</small> [[Resolution:Officers election 2006|Officers election 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-10-07:</small> [[Resolution:Freenode Donation|Freenode Donation]]<br />
<br />
===September 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-09-28:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Sept-06|Hardware Sept-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2006|Replacement Board member 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-21:</small> [[Resolution:Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland|Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-02:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials2|Election officials2]]<br />
<br />
===August 2006===<br />
''A meeting of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees was held in person at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, on August 5, 2006. In attendance were Angela Beesley, Michael Davis, Florence Devouard, Tim Shell, Jimmy Wales, and Brad Patrick. Minutes of decisions will apparently not be reported. It was decided to organise a board retreat in October 2006.''<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-08-20:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee/Membership|Fundraising committee/Membership]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-07-31:</small> [[Resolution:Advisory board|Advisory board]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-30:</small> [[Resolution:Wikiversity|Wikiversity]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-24:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Purchase Jul-06|Hardware Purchase Jul-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:Ombudsperson checkuser|Ombudsperson checkuser]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:WiktionaryZ|WiktionaryZ]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-20:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials|Election officials]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-06-26:</small> [[Resolution:Board election|Board election]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-21:</small> [[Resolution:Danish Wikipedia and DR|Danish Wikipedia and DR]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-20:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update, June 2006|Privacy policy update, June 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-07:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee|Fundraising committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-04:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Scope|Special Project committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:CEO|CEO]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Jun-06|Hardware Jun-06]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-05-26:</small> [[Resolution:OTRS|OTRS]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-24:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Access to internal|Chapters committee/Access to internal]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-21:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Members|Special Project committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Scope|Communications committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Members|Communications committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-17:</small> [[Resolution:Foundation wiki accounts|Foundation wiki accounts]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-16:</small> [[Resolution:MarkMonitor|MarkMonitor]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-04-21:</small> [[Resolution:IDPF Conference|IDPF Conference]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-19:</small> [[Resolution:Auditor selection|Auditor selection]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Auditor_Selection full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-04-14:</small> [[Resolution:CH Chapter|CH Chapter]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure|Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope|Chapters committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Delegations|Chapters committee/Delegations]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-03-22:</small> [[Resolution:Spending Authorization Colo Space|Spending Authorization Colo Space]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_Colo_Space full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-03-21:</small> [[Resolution:Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006|Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-15:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names responsibility|Domain names responsibility]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-14:</small> [[Resolution:MobilED partnership|MobilED partnership]]<br />
<br />
===February 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-02&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase February 2006|Hardware purchase February 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Consent resolutions|Consent resolutions]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Additional developer|Additional developer]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-21:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee creation|Communications committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Spending authorization PowerMedium ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_PowerMedium not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee creation|Special projects committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Securities account ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Securities_Account not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:MySQL Conference 2006|MySQL Conference 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee creation|Chapters committee creation]]<br />
<br />
===January 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Spending authorization|Spending authorization]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Office space|Office space]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Financial committee|Financial committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Technical committee|Technical committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Events committee|Events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Executive committee|Executive committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee|Communications committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee|Special projects committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion committee|Board expansion committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> Search committee (not public)<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee|Chapters committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Insurance committee|Insurance committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit committee|Audit committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Nondiscrimination|Nondiscrimination]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Trademarks|Trademarks]] (amended 14 January 2006)<br />
<br />
==Understanding resolutions==<br />
<br />
*'''Approve''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was YES''.<br />
*'''Oppose''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was NO''.<br />
*'''Abstain''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was "no opinion".'' An abstentions count as a vote.<br />
*'''Missing''' means ''the board member was not present at the board meeting, or did not come to vote on the wiki page''. Like abstentions, this counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Recuse''' means ''the board member was present, but did not vote because of a declared conflict-of-interest.'' A recusal does ''not'' count as a vote.<br />
<br />
As of July 2008, there were 8 voting members. A resolution normally passes with 5 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 4 YES votes, as the number of voting members was reduced to 7.<br />
<br />
As of August 2009, there were 9 voting members. A resolution passes with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
As of March 2010, there are 10 voting members. A resolution passes with 6 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
The Board passes Resolutions and Votes; the former are formal decisions that must be made public; the latter are routine decisions such as advisory board appointments, approval of minutes for publication, or changes to internal Board processes. Passed Resolutions [[Vote:Board_deliberations|are published]] unless otherwise requested by the Chair; failed Resolutions are generally not published. Votes are often not published as such, but the result of the Votes is usually made public — for instance, minutes are published once a Vote to approve them has concluded; and [[minutes]] always list any Votes taken during a meeting.<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
*[[Vote:Board deliberations]] (July 2010), [[Resolution:Consent resolutions]] (February 2006)<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/corporate_actions.htm Corporate Actions]<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/how_resolutions_work.htm How Resolutions Work]<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
* [[Resolutions/Archives failed]] (''only some older failed resolutions are posted, see [[#Understanding resolutions|above]]; as of 2010 there is no policy about posting unpassed resolutions'')<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
* [[Meetings]] (with approved minutes of past meetings)<br />
* [[Messages]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Wikimedia organisation]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Committee_Standards&diff=79964Resolution:Committee Standards2012-04-01T15:52:38Z<p>Phoebe: wording</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Committee Standards<br />
|notes = This vote unanimously approved recommended committee standards for Wikimedia committees. <br />
}}<br />
<br />
<br />
Resolved, that the Board of Trustees approves the following Committee standards, laying out the standards and practices the Board of Trustees recommends all Wikimedia Committees aspire to achieve. The Board thanks the Board Governance Committee for its help preparing these.<br />
<br />
==Recommended Committee Standards== <br />
'''Charter'''<br><br />
Committees should have a clear charter outlining its mandate, role and responsibility. What authority does it have? What does it not have? What is its composition and what comprises a quorum?<br />
<br />
'''Composition'''<br />
* Committees should be staffed by people with the relevant skills, experience and expertise to perform the committee's mandate<br />
* Committees should be staffed with enough diversity to ensure it appropriately represents the important different voices of its stakeholders, not to advocate for special interests, but to voice different perspectives<br />
* Committee members must be able to commit the necessary time to perform their functions<br />
* Committees should have an odd number of members for voting reasons (note: the current WMF Board of Trustees has an even number, which is not ideal. On the other hand, our three board committees all have three members)<br />
* Committees should establish term limits – which balance a good practice of rotating committee members with a need for committee stability and institutional knowledge<br />
<br />
'''Working Dynamics'''<br />
* Committee members need to be able to work effectively together and resolve conflict constructively<br />
* Committee members should strive to build consensus based on both fact-based arguments and the willingness to change one's mind after listening to everyone's perspective<br />
* Committees should be staffed with people committed to building constructive, trust-based working relationships with the other members of the committee<br />
* Members should attend meetings well prepared and actively participate in the meetings<br />
* Members should understand their duty is to the committee, not to any specific interest group or individual<br />
<br />
'''Practices and Procedures''' <br />
* Committees should decide how they will handle decision-making: while consensus seeking is ideal, committees need to explicitly decide how to vote when final consensus cannot be reached to avoid unreasonable delay and associated absence of progress. Can members abstain for reasons other than conflict? What about absence? How long can discussion continue until a final vote is called and how long do members have to vote?<br />
* The committee should explicitly discuss and decide it wants to interact: Email lists? IRC chats? Are regular, in-person meetings, IRC or skype meetings to be scheduled? How?<br />
* Agendas for each meeting should be built 2 or more weeks in advance of each meeting<br />
* Agendas should provide ample time to discuss, debate and come to good conclusions for each item<br />
* Pre-reading should be circulated at least 1 week in advance of the meeting. Committee members must commit to reading these materials in advance of each meeting<br />
* One individual, typically the Board Chair, should ensure that the meeting follows the agenda and time constraints and track decisions made and follow up items<br />
* Meeting dates for in-person meetings should be scheduled 9-12 months in advance so every member can commit to attending the meetings<br />
* Meeting dates should be frequent enough to serve its mandate and its constituents<br />
* Follow up communication should include topics covered, decisions taken and next steps – and should be communicated to all stakeholders. Minutes should capture this.<br />
* Each subsequent meeting should compare committed action items from the prior meeting against what actually was accomplished<br />
<br />
'''Committee Chair''' <br />
* The Chair should be capable of following good practices and procedures and cultivating (and ensuring) good working dynamics<br />
* The Chair should be respected by the Committee's members and continue to work to earn their respect<br />
* The Chair is ultimately accountable for the committee achieving its mandate<br />
* The Chair is responsible for addressing conflict that has proven unresolvable by the committee members on their own<br />
* Committees may decide if a Deputy Chair is also needed, to ensure continuity in the absence of the Chair, when the Chair is travelling, or when the workload is too high<br />
<br />
'''Performance Assessment''' <br />
* Committees should set annual goals for their performance and project-related goals as appropriate with clear timelines. Individual goals should be set as well.<br />
* Committees should be assessed annually against the goals they set<br />
* Committees should regularly evaluate their structures to ensure they are well suited to achieving their mandates <br />
* Individuals should be evaluated annually on their performance against goals as well as how they interacted with their fellow committee members. Here is an example of WMF's Board of Trustees' evaluation criteria http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2010_Trustee_Assessment_Questionnaire.pdf<br />
<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Matt Halprin, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Affiliations_Committee&diff=79963Resolution:Affiliations Committee2012-04-01T15:47:28Z<p>Phoebe: not all</p>
<hr />
<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Affiliations Committee <br />
|notes = This vote unanimously approved expanding the Chapters Committee to cover recognizing affiliated Wikimedia groups. <br />
<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<br />
The Board of Trustees expands the mandate of the Chapters Committee to include Chapters, Thematic Organizations and User Groups, and directs it to develop a charter defining its scope and annual duties, and a plan for its first year of expanded work, including:<br />
<br />
* Recognizing the above affiliation models<br />
* Mentoring would-be affiliated groups until their recognition<br />
<br />
The proposed charter and plan should be submitted to the Board by 15 June, for approval by its July 2012 meeting.<br />
<br />
; References:<br />
* [[wmf:Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope|ChapCom Scope]]<br />
* [[wmf:Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure|ChapCom rules of procedure]]<br />
* A sample charter: from the [[wmf:Audit charter|Audit committee]]<br />
* [[wmf:Resolution:Recognizing_Models_of_Affiliation|Resolution:Recognizing Models of Affiliation]]<br />
<br />
<br />
;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Matt Halprin, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Main&diff=79962Resolution:Main2012-04-01T12:39:15Z<p>Phoebe: /* March 2012 */ fmt</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Resolutions|*]]<br />
{{ResolutionsLang}}<br />
<div style="float:right; padding-left:10px;"><br />
__TOC__<br />
</div><br />
<br />
This page lists all resolutions approved by the Wikimedia Foundation [[Board of Trustees]]. You might also be interested in seeing the [[meetings|meeting minutes]] or a [[policies|list of public Foundation policies]]. See below a brief explanation to [[#Understanding resolutions|understand resolutions]].<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2012 ==<br />
===March 2012===<br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Recognizing Models of Affiliations|Recognizing Models of Affiliations]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Affiliations Committee|Affiliations Committee]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-31</small> [[Resolution:Organizational best practices|Organizational best practices]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Committee Standards|Committee Standards]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board Governance Committee Charter|Board Governance Committee Charter]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure|Amendment to Chapter Committee Rules of Procedure]] <br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Funds Dissemination Committee|Funds Dissemination Committee]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising 2012|Fundraising 2012]]<br />
*<small>2012-03-30</small> [[Resolution:Board of Trustees Voting Transparency|Board of Trustees Voting Transparency]]<br />
* <small>2012-03-05</small> [[Resolution:Terms of use|Terms of use]]<br />
<br />
===February 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-02-13</small>[[Vote:Committee standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-09</small>[[Vote:Movement accountability standards]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles Letter, February 2012|Movement roles letter]]<br />
* <small>2012-02-08</small> [[Vote:Fundraising Letter, February 2012|Fundraising letter]] <br />
* <small>2012-02-06</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya|Recognition of Wikimedia Kenya]]<br />
<br />
===January 2012===<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Stu West, 2012|Reappointment of Stu West, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012|Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-27</small> [[Vote:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012|Reappointment of Jimmy Wales, 2012]]<br />
* <small>2012-01-06</small> [[Resolution:Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising|Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2011 ==<br />
===October 2011===<br />
* <small>2011-10-28</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela|Recognition of Wikimedia Venezuela]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh|Recognition of Wikimedia Bangladesh]]<br />
* <small>2011-10-03</small> [[Resolution:Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011|Donor Privacy Policy Amendment 2011]]<br />
<br />
===September 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-09-12</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia|Recognition of Wikimedia District of Columbia]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Vote:Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011|Board appointments - Community Trustees, 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-08-03</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia México|Recognition of Wikimedia México]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy update 2011|Donor privacy policy update 2011]]<br />
* <small>2011-07-18</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board reappointments|Advisory Board reappointments]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-06-28</small> [[Resolution:Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan|Approval of the 2011-2012 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Board Visitor - Doron Weber|Board Visitor - Doron Weber]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler|Advisory Board - Veronique Kessler]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-20</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Jessamyn West|Advisory Board - Jessamyn West]]<br />
* <small>2011-06-13</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Chile|Recognition of Wikimedia Chile]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Controversial content|Controversial content]]<br />
* <small>2011-05-29</small> [[Resolution:Images of identifiable people|Images of identifiable people]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Canada|Recognition of Wikimedia Canada]]<br />
* <small>2011-05</small> [[Resolution:Board visitors|Board visitors]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-04-08:</small> [[Resolution:Openness|Resolution on Openness]]<br />
* <small>2011-04-24:</small> [[Resolution:Recognition of Wikimedia Macau|Recognition of Wikimedia Macau]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-03-26:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia South Africa|Recognition of Wikimedia South Africa]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2011 ===<br />
* <small>2011-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - Founder term|Bylaws amendment - Founder term]]<br />
* <small>2011-02-07:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia España|Recognition of Wikimedia España]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2010 ==<br />
<br />
=== December 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-12-29:</small> [[Vote:Board appointments December 2010|Board appointments December 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-12-19:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment - appointed terms|Bylaws amendment - appointed terms]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-10-15:</small> [[Resolution:Strategy project|Strategy project]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Five-year targets|Five-year targets]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia fundraising principles|Wikimedia fundraising principles]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Resolution:Trustee terms and evaluation|Trustee terms and evaluation]]<br />
* <small>2010-10-09:</small> [[Vote:Movement Roles October 2010|Movement Roles October 2010]]<br />
<br />
=== September 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-09-08:</small> [[Vote:Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso|Advisory Board - Nhlanhla Mabaso]]<br />
<br />
=== August 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-08-31:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Estonia|Approval of Wikimedia Estonia]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments July 2010|Board appointments July 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-07-08:</small> [[Vote:Board deliberations|Board deliberations]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:2010-11 Annual Plan|2010-11 Annual Plan]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director|Commissioning Recommendations from the Executive Director]]<br />
* <small>2010-06:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia India|Approval of Wikimedia India]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-03-17:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment March 2010|Board appointment March 2010]]<br />
* <small>2010-03-13:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Philippines|Approval of Wikimedia Philippines]]<br />
<br />
=== February 2010 ===<br />
* <small>2010-02:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment February 2010|Bylaws amendment February 2010]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2009 ==<br />
===December 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-12:</small> Reappointments of [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jimmy Wales|Jimmy Wales]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Jan-Bart de Vreede|Jan-Bart de Vreede]], [[Resolution:Reappointment of Stu West|Stu West]], and [[Resolution:Reappointment of Matt Halprin|Matt Halprin]]<br />
<br />
===November 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendment November 2009|Bylaws amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audit charter amendment November 2009|Audit charter amendment November 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-11-13:</small> [[Resolution:Audited financial statements 2008-2009|Audited financial statements 2008-2009]]<br />
<br />
===September 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Finland|Approval of Wikimedia Finland]]<br />
* <small>2009-09:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia|Approval of Wikimedia Macedonia]]<br />
<br />
===August 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-08:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointment August 2009|Board appointment August 2009]]<br />
<br />
===July 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine|Approval of Wikimedia Ukraine]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Portugal|Approval of Wikimedia Portugal]]<br />
* <small>2009-07-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Denmark|Approval of Wikimedia Denmark]]<br />
<br />
===June 2009===<br />
* <small>2009-06:</small> [[Resolution:2009-10 Plan|2009-10 Annual Plan]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Board appointments May 2009|Board appointments May 2009]]<br />
* <small>2009-05:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing update approval|Licensing update approval]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Long term strategic plan|Long term strategic plan]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Trademark statement|Trademark statement]]<br />
* <small>2009-04:</small> [[Resolution:Biographies of living people|Biographies of living people]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2009 ===<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Committees|Wikimedia Committees]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia New York City|Approval of Wikimedia New York City]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia UK|Approval of Wikimedia UK]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee appointments|Chapters committee membership]]<br />
* <small>2009-01:</small> [[Resolution: Chapters committee rules and procedures|Chapters committee rules and procedures]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2008 ==<br />
=== November 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Audited financial statements 2007-08|Audited financial statements 2007-2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution: Brokerage Account Authorizations|Brokerage account authorizations]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Norway|Approval of Wikimedia Norway]]<br />
* <small>2008-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hungary|Approval of Wikimedia Hungary]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia|Approval of Wikimedia Indonesia]]<br />
* <small>2008-10:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Brasil|Approval of Wikimedia Brasil]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval April 2008|Minutes approval April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Pluralism, Internationalism, and Diversity Policy| Pluralism]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy| Duty Entertainment Guidelines Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-06-22:</small> [[Resolution: 2008-09 Budget| 2008-09 Budget]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-05:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Russia|Approval of Wikimedia Russia]]<br />
<br />
===April 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws amendments and board structure|Bylaws amendments and board structure]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of December 2007 Minutes|Approval of December 2007 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of March 2008 Minutes|Approval of March 2008 Minutes]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:New Trustee Appointment April 2008|New Trustee Appointment April 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Data Retention Policy|Data Retention Policy]]<br />
* <small>2008-04:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update April 2008|Privacy policy update April 2008]]<br />
<br />
===March 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Election Committee Officers - March 2008|Election Committee Officers - March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong|Approval of Wikimedia Hong Kong]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Secretary, March 2008|Secretary, March 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-03:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Australia|Approval of Wikimedia Australia]]<br />
<br />
===February 2008===<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Austria|Approval of Wikimedia Austria]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic|Approval of Wikimedia Czech Republic]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Financial statements June 2006-2007|Financial statements June 2006-2007]]<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> Board Membership - January 2008 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Vote:_board_membership_-_january_08 not public]; [[mailarchive:foundation-l/2008-February/038528.html|public announcement]])<br />
* <small>2008-02:</small> [[Resolution:Credit Card Usage Policy|Credit Card Usage Policy]] <br />
* <small>2008-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Executive Director Job Description|Executive Director Job Description]]<br />
<br />
=== January 2008 ===<br />
* <small>2008-01:</small> [[Resolution:Update of Gift Policy - January 2008|Update of Gift Policy - January 2008]]<br />
* <small>2008-01-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee membership - December 2007|Chapters committee membership - December 2007]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2007 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-12-22:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion - December 2007|Board expansion - December 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Cape Town Open Education Declaration|Cape Town Open Education Declaration]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Sverige|Approval of Wikimedia Sverige]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Approval of Wikimedia Argentina|Approval of Wikimedia Argentina]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-11:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval October 2007|Minutes approval October 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-12-01:</small> [[Resolution:License update|License update]]<br />
<br />
===November 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-11-26:</small> [[Resolution:Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED|Appointment of Sue Gardner as ED]]<br />
<br />
=== October 2007 ===<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Annual appointment of the Board [[Resolution:Executive Secretary term 2007-2008|Executive Secretary]], [[Resolution:Board Vice Chair term 2008-2009|Vice Chair]], and [[Resolution:Board Chair term 2007-2008|Chair]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-07:</small> Reappointment of [[Resolution:Jan-Bart de Vreede reappointment|Jan-Bart de Vreede]] and [[Resolution:Jimmy Wales reappointment|Jimmy Wales]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Budget approval 2007|Budget approval 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Donor privacy policy|Donor privacy policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Code of conduct|Code of conduct]]<br />
* <small>2007-10-06:</small> [[Resolution:Travel approvals policy|Travel approvals policy]]<br />
<br />
===September 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-09-12:</small> [[Resolution:Greenspun illustration project|Greenspun illustration project]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-04:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy, update August 2007|Whistleblower policy, update August 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-09-03:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval June 2007|Minutes approval June 2007]]<br />
<br />
===July 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 1 2007|Replacement Board member 1 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2 2007|Replacement Board member 2 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 3 2007|Replacement Board member 3 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-12:</small> [[Resolution:Board Elections 2007|Board Elections 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Management Consultant|Management Consultant]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-05:</small> [[Resolution:Travel Policy|Travel Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> Carolyn Doran ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Carolyn_Doran not public])<br />
* <small>2007-07-04:</small> [[Resolution:Wikimedia Taiwan|Wikimedia Taiwan]]<br />
* <small>2007-07-01:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator 2|Legal Coordinator 2]]<br />
<br />
===June 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Minutes approval March 2007|Minutes approval March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Charter 2|Audit Charter 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-12:</small> [[Resolution:Whistleblower policy|Whistleblower policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data policy update|Access to nonpublic data policy update]]<br />
<br />
===April 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:ED search committee 2|ED search committee 2]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-16:</small> [[Resolution:Access to nonpublic data|Access to nonpublic data]]<br />
* <small>2007-04-11:</small> [[Resolution:Mission and Vision statement|Mission and Vision statement]]<br />
<br />
===March 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-03-23:</small> [[Resolution:Licensing policy|Licensing policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase March 2007|Hardware purchase March 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Volunteer coordinator|Volunteer coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Computer technician|Computer technician]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-18:</small> [[Resolution:Legal Coordinator|Legal Coordinator]]<br />
* <small>2007-03-09:</small> [[Resolution:Brad Patrick's resignation|Brad Patrick's resignation]]<br />
<br />
===February 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-02-28:</small> [[Resolution:Requirements and guidelines for future chapters|Requirements and guidelines for future chapters]]<br />
* <small>2007-02-11:</small> [[Resolution:Chief Research Coordinator|Chief Research Coordinator]]<br />
<br />
===January 2007===<br />
* <small>2007-01-31:</small> Legal tasks February March 2007 ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Legal_tasks_feb_march_2007 not public])<br />
* <small>2007-01-27:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard|Chapters coordinator - Delphine Ménard]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:COO - Carolyn Doran|COO - Carolyn Doran]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-24:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search Firm|ED Search Firm]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Officer elections - January 2007|Officer elections - January 2007]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Gift Policy|Gift Policy]]<br />
* <small>2007-01-12/14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit Committee Jan07|Audit Committee Jan07]]<br />
<br />
== Passed resolutions 2006 ==<br />
<br />
===December 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12:</small> [[Resolution:RBC|RBC]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Bylaws revision|Bylaws revision]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion|Board expansion]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-07:</small> [[Resolution:Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation|Agreement between chapters and Wikimedia Foundation]]<br />
<br />
===November 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Redo events committee|Redo events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:ED Search committee|ED Search committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Retreat 2006 Board actions and outcomes]]<br />
* <small>2006-12-08:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names workgroup|Domain names workgroup]]<br />
<br />
===October 2006===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-10-21:</small> [[Resolution:Officers election 2006|Officers election 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-10-07:</small> [[Resolution:Freenode Donation|Freenode Donation]]<br />
<br />
===September 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-09-28:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Sept-06|Hardware Sept-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Replacement Board member 2006|Replacement Board member 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-25:</small> [[Resolution:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-21:</small> [[Resolution:Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland|Vereniging Wikimedia Nederland]]<br />
* <small>2006-09-02:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials2|Election officials2]]<br />
<br />
===August 2006===<br />
''A meeting of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees was held in person at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, on August 5, 2006. In attendance were Angela Beesley, Michael Davis, Florence Devouard, Tim Shell, Jimmy Wales, and Brad Patrick. Minutes of decisions will apparently not be reported. It was decided to organise a board retreat in October 2006.''<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-08-20:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee/Membership|Fundraising committee/Membership]]<br />
<br />
=== July 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-07-31:</small> [[Resolution:Advisory board|Advisory board]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-30:</small> [[Resolution:Wikiversity|Wikiversity]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-24:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Purchase Jul-06|Hardware Purchase Jul-06]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:Ombudsperson checkuser|Ombudsperson checkuser]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-23:</small> [[Resolution:WiktionaryZ|WiktionaryZ]]<br />
* <small>2006-07-20:</small> [[Resolution:Election officials|Election officials]]<br />
<br />
=== June 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-06-26:</small> [[Resolution:Board election|Board election]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-21:</small> [[Resolution:Danish Wikipedia and DR|Danish Wikipedia and DR]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-20:</small> [[Resolution:Privacy policy update, June 2006|Privacy policy update, June 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-07:</small> [[Resolution:Fundraising committee|Fundraising committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-04:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Scope|Special Project committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:CEO|CEO]]<br />
* <small>2006-06-02:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware Jun-06|Hardware Jun-06]]<br />
<br />
=== May 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-05-26:</small> [[Resolution:OTRS|OTRS]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-24:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Access to internal|Chapters committee/Access to internal]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-21:</small> [[Resolution:Special Project committee/Members|Special Project committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Scope|Communications committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-20:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee/Members|Communications committee/Members]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-17:</small> [[Resolution:Foundation wiki accounts|Foundation wiki accounts]]<br />
* <small>2006-05-16:</small> [[Resolution:MarkMonitor|MarkMonitor]]<br />
<br />
=== April 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-04-21:</small> [[Resolution:IDPF Conference|IDPF Conference]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-19:</small> [[Resolution:Auditor selection|Auditor selection]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Auditor_Selection full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-04-14:</small> [[Resolution:CH Chapter|CH Chapter]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Rules of procedure|Chapters committee/Rules of procedure]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Scope|Chapters committee/Scope]]<br />
* <small>2006-04-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee/Delegations|Chapters committee/Delegations]]<br />
<br />
=== March 2006 ===<br />
<br />
* <small>2006-03-22:</small> [[Resolution:Spending Authorization Colo Space|Spending Authorization Colo Space]] ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_Colo_Space full resolution not public])<br />
* <small>2006-03-21:</small> [[Resolution:Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006|Travel costs for chapter meetups Q2 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-15:</small> [[Resolution:Domain names responsibility|Domain names responsibility]]<br />
* <small>2006-03-14:</small> [[Resolution:MobilED partnership|MobilED partnership]]<br />
<br />
===February 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-02&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;:</small> [[Resolution:Hardware purchase February 2006|Hardware purchase February 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Consent resolutions|Consent resolutions]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-27:</small> [[Resolution:Additional developer|Additional developer]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-21:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee creation|Communications committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Spending authorization PowerMedium ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Spending_Authorization_PowerMedium not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee creation|Special projects committee creation]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-15:</small> Securities account ([http://board.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution_Securities_Account not public])<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:MySQL Conference 2006|MySQL Conference 2006]]<br />
* <small>2006-02-04:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee creation|Chapters committee creation]]<br />
<br />
===January 2006===<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Spending authorization|Spending authorization]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-23:</small> [[Resolution:Office space|Office space]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Financial committee|Financial committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Technical committee|Technical committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Events committee|Events committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Executive committee|Executive committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Communications committee|Communications committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Special projects committee|Special projects committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Board expansion committee|Board expansion committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> Search committee (not public)<br />
* <small>2006-01-15:</small> [[Resolution:Chapters committee|Chapters committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Insurance committee|Insurance committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Audit committee|Audit committee]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Nondiscrimination|Nondiscrimination]]<br />
* <small>2006-01-14:</small> [[Resolution:Trademarks|Trademarks]] (amended 14 January 2006)<br />
<br />
==Understanding resolutions==<br />
<br />
*'''Approve''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was YES''.<br />
*'''Oppose''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was NO''.<br />
*'''Abstain''' means ''the board member voted and this vote was "no opinion".'' An abstentions count as a vote.<br />
*'''Missing''' means ''the board member was not present at the board meeting, or did not come to vote on the wiki page''. Like abstentions, this counts as a vote.<br />
*'''Recuse''' means ''the board member was present, but did not vote because of a declared conflict-of-interest.'' A recusal does ''not'' count as a vote.<br />
<br />
As of July 2008, there were 8 voting members. A resolution normally passes with 5 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 4 YES votes, as the number of voting members was reduced to 7.<br />
<br />
As of August 2009, there were 9 voting members. A resolution passes with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
As of March 2010, there are 10 voting members. A resolution passes with 6 YES votes. When there is a recusal, a resolution can pass with 5 YES votes.<br />
<br />
The Board passes Resolutions and Votes; the former are formal decisions that must be made public; the latter are routine decisions such as advisory board appointments, approval of minutes for publication, or changes to internal Board processes. Passed Resolutions [[Vote:Board_deliberations|are published]] unless otherwise requested by the Chair; failed Resolutions are generally not published. Votes are often not published as such, but the result of the Votes is usually made public — for instance, minutes are published once a Vote to approve them has concluded; and [[minutes]] always list any Votes taken during a meeting.<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
*[[Vote:Board deliberations]] (July 2010), [[Resolution:Consent resolutions]] (February 2006)<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/corporate_actions.htm Corporate Actions]<br />
*[http://www.activefilings.com/resources/content/how_resolutions_work.htm How Resolutions Work]<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
* [[Resolutions/Archives failed]] (''only some older failed resolutions are posted, see [[#Understanding resolutions|above]]; as of 2010 there is no policy about posting unpassed resolutions'')<br />
<br />
'''See also'''<br />
* [[Meetings]] (with approved minutes of past meetings)<br />
* [[Messages]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:English]]<br />
[[Category:Wikimedia organisation]]<br />
[[Category:Board of Trustees]]</div>Phoebehttps://foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resolution:Board_Governance_Committee_Charter&diff=79961Resolution:Board Governance Committee Charter2012-04-01T12:37:59Z<p>Phoebe: /* Board Governance Committee Charter */ typo</p>
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<div>{{resolution<br />
|title = Board Governance Committee Charter<br />
|notes = This vote unanimously approved the charter for the Board Governance Committee, an internal Board of Trustees committee that was [[Minutes/July_8,_2010#Recommended_Committee_Structures|approved as a permanent committee in July 2010]]. <br />
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}}<br />
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Resolved, that the Board of Trustees approves the Board Governance Committee Charter, laying out the scope and duties of the Board Governance Committee. <br />
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==Board Governance Committee Charter==<br />
'''PURPOSE'''<br />
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The Board Governance Committee's ultimate purpose is to ensure the Board of Trustees fulfills its responsibilities. It works to enable the Board of Trustees to operate appropriately, effectively and efficiently in keeping with its legal and fiduciary obligations. It also works to enable the board to improve its effectiveness over time. <br />
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'''MEMBERSHIP'''<br />
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The committee shall be comprised of three trustees from the WMF Board of Trustees. There shall be one chairperson of the committee who shall be appointed by the Chair of WMF's Board of Trustees. Typically, a discussion amongst the ten trustees about who should chair this committee will occur. There may even be a straw poll between different potential chair persons. However, the ultimate authority to appoint the committee chair person is the resides with the Board Chair.<br />
Once a chair is in place, the chair will appoint two other members to the committee from the other nine trustees of the WMF Board.<br />
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'''RESPONSIBILITIES'''<br />
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Overall, the Board Governance Committee is responsible for recommending to the board policies and procedures necessary for effective and efficient governance of the WMF. Specifically, these include:<br />
# Evaluating of the board as a whole.<br />
# Evaluating each individual trustee via a third party, annual process. Goal is to provide developmental feedback to each trustee to aid each trustee in improving her/his performance and to help the board interact constructively.<br />
# Assessing the board’s current composition and identifying missing qualities and characteristics (gap analysis).<br />
# Creating and updating a description of the desired skills, experience and traits for WMF Board members<br />
# Recruiting new appointed board members when a vacancy exists or is anticipated.<br />
# Liaising with the chapters and community for election and selection of community and chapter board members. Includes approving the process for these selections / elections include suffrage rights and timetables.<br />
# Creating a process for vetting the fitness of prospective candidates and ultimately managing the approval or rejection of these candidates.<br />
# Developing education materials for new board members and ensuring smooth onboarding.<br />
# Continuing to educate all board members of their responsibilities.<br />
# Running the annual officer election process for WMF's Board's four officer positions (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary).<br />
# Facilitating the annual committee appointment process for Board committees.<br />
# Reviewing the foundation bylaws annually and recommending any needed changes to the full board.<br />
# Recommending plans for board education and a potential annual board retreat.<br />
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'''MEETINGS AND PROCESS'''<br />
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The Board Governance Committee shall meet at such times and places as the Board Governance Committee shall determine. Generally, the Board Governance Committee will solicit input from the full Board on Governance priorities and agree to meet as a Committee to address agreed upon priorities.<br />
The Board Governance Committee shall engage an outside consultant to facilitate the annual Board of Trustee peer survey. This process shall occur in the summer of each year and be complete by September 1st to allow for time to seek new appointed trustees by the end of each calendar year.<br />
The Chair of the Board Governance Committee shall report on Board Governance Committee activities to the full Board.<br />
The Board Governance will engage in an annual self-assessment with the goal of continuing improvement, and will annually review and reassess the adequacy of its charter, and recommend any changes to the full Board.<br />
The Board Governance Committee shall have the authority to engage independent legal and consulting advisers, as it determines necessary to carry out its duties. The Board Governance Committee shall have sole authority to approve related fees and retention terms.<br />
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;Approve: Phoebe Ayers, Ting Chen, Bishakha Datta, Matt Halprin, Samuel Klein, Arne Klempert, Jan-Bart de Vreede, Jimmy Wales, Kat Walsh, Stu West</div>Phoebe