Strategy/Wikimedia movement/2017/Cycle 2/Reach/Apply

Wikimedia is part of a larger ecosystem of partners and organizations that care about the future of free knowledge. We work with educational institutions, GLAMs (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums), technology partners, civil society and digital rights organizations and governments.

When we work together, our impact grows. Experts and organizations who share our free knowledge mission can add to our discussion about the future of Wikimedia. Their voices will help us find our way and improve how we collaborate in the future.

What you can do

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Do you want to include local partners, institutions or experts in your conversation about the future of Wikimedia? The Wikimedia 2030 team wants to help.

  1. Invite experts/partners to your affiliate conversations: include partners in your planned events about movement strategy to add their perspective on Wikimedia.
  2. Talk to local experts and partners: include local experts and partners in the Wikimedia 2030 discussion by having one-on-one conversations with them and sharing what you learn. We provide templates and guidance for these informal conversations and a space to publish what you learn on-wiki.
  3. Apply for funding to host a partner event: we will give small strategy grants to affiliate organizations to host an event (meal or meet-up) with local partners or experts to discuss the future of Wikimedia. If interested, please apply at least two weeks before you want to host your event. If your proposal is accepted, we will share an event and discussion guide with you. Applications deadline is July 15, 2017 12:00 AM PDT.
    • Apply for a strategy grant (up to $1500 depending on local costs and needs)
    • Discussion guide for partner event
    • Template email for event invitation, below
    • Email your event summary notes to jmorrison wikimedia.org

Have questions? Please use the Talk page!

Frequently asked questions

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CONVERSATIONS with local expert and partners

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Why should I talk to local experts and partners?
One of the goals of the the Wikimedia 2030 team is to allow our movement to tap into people who have valuable expertise but have not yet had the chance to contribute to the Wikimedia Strategy Process. These conversations led by members of all our communities will give us a chance to engage these individuals in shaping Wikimedia’s direction for years to come.
Who should I talk to?
We want to hear from people whose insights will help us define the movement strategic direction. They should be smart, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do and also our mission: university professors, scientists, technology experts, policy players in the internet space, and leaders of social impact movements.
How should I ask people to participate?
Here is an email template you may use to invite local experts and partners to participate in a conversation. You can customize it and change it as needed.
What should I ask in a conversation?
We have created a conversation guide with questions that you can use. You should also feel free to ask whatever questions you want to about the future of Wikimedia.
How will I share what I learn?
You can share what you have learned with us using this form. We would also love to receive pictures, audio/video recordings, illustrations, etc from your interaction. Remember that you can fill out the form in your own language. No need to translate anything! Please let your creative juices flow. :)

HOSTING EVENTS with local experts and partners

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What is my commitment?
We ask everyone to bring what they learned into the larger strategy discussion. We also ask you to fill out a questionnaire after the event to share who attended and what they learned. Ideally, you can also provide one or more photos from your event.
What kind of event should we host?
If your proposal is accepted, we will share an event and discussion guide with you, including a sample event format. We recommend one of two event formats: (1) a dinner (or other meal) with a structured conversation about the future of Wikimedia or (2) a meet-up with a structured conversation. We are happy to consider other formats.
How many events will be funded?
We do not have an exact number. We will provide funding for as many events as we can!
How much money will be awarded?
Grants will be awarded based on an estimated cost decided on between the affiliate and the Wikimedia 2030 strategy team.
What expenses will be covered?
The Wikimedia 2030 team will cover food, beverages and other supplies needed for the event. We expect the budget per event to be approximately US$500 - $1,500 depending on local costs and needs.
Can we only invite official partners?
No. You can invite organizations that you might want to partner with in the future or experts who would have interesting insight about our future.
How will the Wikimedia 2030 team decide who receives a grant?
We will evaluate proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. We will try to accommodate everyone who completes a full proposal until we have reached the maximum number of events we can support. Exceptions include geographies where we have already conducted strategy events in collaboration with community members. If you have a question about whether you qualify, please contact Juliet Barbara at jbarbara wikimedia org.
Why are only affiliates invited to participate?
We recognize that affiliates are not the only members of the Wikimedia movement who have partnerships. We are inviting affiliates specifically because they often do form local partnerships and can bring value back to Wikimedia communities. If you are an individual contributor and want to host an event, we recommend contacting your local affiliate to express your interest in a proposal. We will consider proposals that are in collaboration between an affiliate and an individual community member if funds can be distributed directly to the affiliate.

Template email to invite local experts and partners to a conversation

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Dear [insert name],

Would you be willing to have a one-hour conversation with [list your Wikimedia affiliation] to discuss the future of free knowledge over the next 15 years?

Wikimedia is a movement to share free knowledge with every person on the planet. Today, we work toward this vision by supporting Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects, with the help of nearly 100,000 volunteers across 290 languages around the globe. This year, Wikimedia is hosting a global and strategic dialogue to define Wikimedia's future role in the world and develop a collaborative strategy to fulfill that role. We are interviewing a selected group of key individuals and organizations across the world, and would like you to be among them.

Please let us know if you are interested in scheduling time to talk with us. We appreciate your consideration.

Thank you and all the best,

[insert your name]

Template email to invite partners to a local event

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Dear [insert name],

We cordially invite you to attend a [insert type of event] to join us in a discussion about the future of free knowledge. The [insert your local affiliate name] is hosting this event on [insert date] at [insert time] at [insert location]. The event will last approximately [insert # hours].

Wikimedia is a movement to share free knowledge with every person on the planet. Today, we work toward this vision by supporting Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects, with the help of nearly 100,000 volunteers across 290 languages around the globe. This year, Wikimedia is hosting a global and strategic dialogue to define Wikimedia's future role in the world and develop a collaborative strategy to fulfill that role. We are interviewing a selected group of key individuals and organizations across the world, and would like you to be among them.

Please let us know if you are interested in attending. [insert information about when response is needed, other local details]

Thank you and all the best,

[insert your name]