WikiIndaba 2023/Submissions/Collaboration Structures and Models for Africa (A.K.A. Hubs)

ID :	Collaboration Structures and Models for Africa (A.K.A. Hubs)
Author(s): Yop Rwang Pam, Kaarel Vaidla		Username(s): YPam (WMF), KVaidla (WMF)	Type of submission: Workshop
		Affiliation: Wikimedia Foundation	Theme(s): Strategy, Collaboration
Abstract: The Movement Strategy recommendation regarding Regional and Thematic Hubs states: “They will be either an enhancement of existing entities, collaborations between affiliates, or new structures formed for a specific purpose. Following the principle of subsidiarity, they are expected to emerge by "identifying and advocating for the needs of the communities and organizations they serve". Hubs are expected to fill several roles according to their needs, maturity, and resources. Possible roles include: legal support, resource allocation (grantmaking), capacity building, inter-group coordination, technology development, mentorship, evaluation services and more. Some roles (like grantmaking) may require the creation of legal entities. Other roles may be fulfilled by hubs that are not backed by a legal entity, and are entirely volunteer-based.” In practice, many groups across the movement are coming together to answer the questions about Hubs for their respective regions or thematic areas of work. A few key questions remain however for the communities in Africa and this would be an opportunity to begin to find answers and build future pathways collectively. Some of the very high-level questions include: a) What does collaboration or coordination mean for Wikimedia Communities across Africa? b) What are the contextual priorities of each country / language community on the continent? c) What can African communities learn from ongoing hubs initiatives, and how might that inform the current initiatives? d) How might collaboration structures be best designed to provide the most effective and efficient support?			Level of advancement: Medium
			Special requirements:
			Extra information: Etherpad
How will this session be beneficial for the communities in the region? The goal of this session is to enlighten, engage and inspire individuals and groups across Africa to think more strategically about coordination and collaboration. Through a facilitated conversation with many countries and regions represented in the room, this will be the opportunity for people to start discussions about services they need and the channels through which those needs might best be delivered; especially to underrepresented groups.

Interested participants

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