Wikimedia chapters (and user groups that apply for recognition as chapters) are expected to demonstrate a history of effective programmatic work. The Affiliations Committee will evaluate groups' history using three main criteria:
1Diversity of Activities. Chapters are expected to plan and conduct a variety of different programs and events; to balance online and offline projects; to strive for continuous activity; and to conduct programs and events at least once every two months.
2Planning and Evaluation. Chapters are expected to set specific goals and targets for programs, projects, and events before executing them; to measure the results of programs, projects, and events against those targets; and to report on those results to the Wikimedia Foundation and the wider Wikimedia movement.
3External Partnerships. Chapters are expected to engage in programmatic partnerships with external groups and organizations (for example, cultural, academic, or government institutions, and so on) to promote the Wikimedia movement and to add and improve content on Wikimedia projects.
All chapters and potential chapters will also continue to be evaluated against the existing legal, governance, and viability criteria:
4Aligned Mission. Chapters are expected to have a mission similar to the mission and vision of the Wikimedia Foundation; and to adhere to the guiding principles of the Wikimedia Foundation and the Wikimedia movement.
5Geographic Focus. Chapters must be based in a single country or region; cannot be based in a country or region where a chapter already exists; and are expected to focus their activities in that region.
6Legal Structure. Chapters must be legally incorporated entities; must be non-profit organizations (or have an equivalent legal status in their home jurisdiction); must be legally independent from the Wikimedia Foundation; and must follow all applicable laws and regulations.
7Open Governance. Chapters are expected to operate under a set of governing documents (such as bylaws) which have been approved by the Affiliations Committee; to allow new members to join; and to have a governing body that is elected by and responsible to their members.
8Active Contributor Involvement. Chapters are expected to involve at least 20 active Wikimedia contributors (individuals with at least 300 contributions to a Wikimedia project under a registered account that has existed for at least 6 months and is in good community standing).
9Capacity. Chapters are expected to demonstrate capacity to meet future responsibilities and expectations (such as organizing programs and activities; recruiting volunteers and obtaining funding; maintaining compliance with legal obligations, chapter and grant agreements, and movement best practices; and so on).
Access to trademarks: Chapters sign a trademark agreement that allows non-commercial use of all Wikimedia trademarks.
Access to fundraising: Chapters may use Wikimedia trademarks for fundraising, and may have access to additional fundraising opportunities (such as payment processing for the annual Wikimedia Foundation fundraiser).
Additional representation: Chapters may send two (or more, in the case of chapters with paid staff) representatives to the annual Wikimedia Conference.
Legal status: Chapters must be legally incorporated entities, and must follow all applicable laws and regulations in their home jurisdiction.
Non-profit status: Chapters must be non-profit organizations (or have an equivalent legal status in their home jurisdiction).
Open governance: Chapters must allow new members to join and have a governing body that is elected by and responsible to the members.
Compliance with bylaws: Chapters must submit their bylaws for approval prior to recognition, comply with those bylaws, and inform the Wikimedia Foundation if their bylaws change.
Compliance with agreements: Chapters must comply with their chapter, trademark, and grant agreements with the Wikimedia Foundation.
Public reporting: Chapters must publish regular activity and financial reports.
Political activities: Chapters must not engage in political activities unrelated to the Wikimedia mission, and may be subject to other restrictions on political activity based on laws in their home jurisdiction or grant agreements with the Wikimedia Foundation.
Public image: Chapters must not engage in activities that damage the reputation of the Wikimedia Foundation or the Wikimedia movement.
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