Wikimedia India Summit 2024

Wikimedia India Summit 2024 is a pre-event of the Wikimedia Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in Berlin on April 19-21, 2024. This event will be a collaborative effort between CIS-A2K and MCDC members. Discussions were held to strategize and explore possibilities for the event, with input from Movement Charter Ambassadors. The proposed idea was presented to the Wikimedia Foundation through a Rapid Grant application.

Purpose

The purpose of this activity is to convene Indic Wikimedians, representing their user groups and communities, to prepare for the Summit and gain a clear understanding of volunteer involvement. Discussions will encompass the Wikimedia Summit 2024 program, Movement Strategy, recommendations, governance, and more, shaping the program accordingly.

Dates

March 23 and 24, 2024

Attendees

A2K extended invitations to all representatives attending the Wikimedia Summit from India, encouraging participation in discussions to facilitate mutual understanding.

Community Members

CIS-A2K Representatives

User:Subodh (CIS-A2K)
Tanveer (CIS-A2K)

As Organizing Team

Program

Time	Session	Agenda
Day 1
10:00 am - 12:00 pm	Introduction and Overview	Welcome - Nitesh and Tanveer Icebreaker Activity: Building a Collaborative Atmosphere - Pavan and Rachit (TBC) Overview of the Wikimedia Summit's Objectives - Manav and one of the MS Ambassador
01:30 pm - 04:30 pm	Analysing the Movement Charter Drafts	Presentation: Movement Charter: History, status and expected draft- it’s scope and impact - Manav Breakout Groups: In-Depth Analysis GC - Chinmayee Hubs - Rachit Group Discussions: Pavan and Subodh Identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, and Ambiguities Needs Addressing Common Concerns and Questions Reporting Back: Insights from Breakout Groups Q&A Session: Engaging Participants in Clarifications
05:00 pm - 06:30 pm	Communications session by Staff: Forming Collective Opinions - Rachit	Individual to collective voice The objective of this communication session is to empower individuals within the Wikimedia community to effectively channel their voices into a collective force. By exploring communication strategies, collaborative techniques, and community-building initiatives, participants will gain insights into transforming individual voices into a unified and impactful narrative. Brief on upcoming BoT elections
Day 2
09:00 am - 10:00 am	Partnership Insights and Discussions - Praveen and Subodh	This session aims to delve into the dynamics of partnerships within the Wikimedia ecosystem and examine how alternative governance structures influence collaboration and impact. Recommendations for maximising Impact through alternative Governance
10:00 am - 01:00 pm	Collaborative Action Planning - Sandeep and Nitesh	Brainstorming: Priority Areas for Indian Representatives Action Planning: Developing Strategies for Summit Participation Closing Remarks: Encouragement for Active Summit Participation How to review the Movement Charter

Report

Event Overview

The collaborative event between CIS-A2K and MCDC members commenced with strategic discussions and exploration of possibilities, with valuable input from Movement Charter Ambassadors. The proposed idea was presented to the Wikimedia Foundation through a Rapid Grant application. The event's planning and design involved contributions from the CIS-A2K team, WMF staff members, an MCDC member, and Movement Charter ambassadors. The targeted participants were representatives of Wikimedia Summit 2024, with the majority having attended the summit.

Session Highlights

Introductory Session: The event began with an introductory session led by Tanveer Hasan (CIS ED) and Nitesh (CIS-A2K), outlining the event's agenda and purpose. Emphasis was placed on active participation and contribution from all participants.

Ice-Breaker Activities: Rachit (WMF) and Pavan (CIS-A2K) engaged participants with ice-breaker activities, fostering a conducive environment for participation.

Virtual Participation: MCDC member Manavpreet Kaur joined the event virtually for two days, providing insights into the objectives of Wikimedia Summit 2024.

Presentations and Group Discussion:

Presentation by Manav: Provided insights into the Movement Charter's history, status, and expected draft, elucidating its scope and impact.

Group Discussion: Participants engaged in in-depth analysis facilitated by Chinmayee (GC), Rachit (Hubs), and Subodh & Pavan (Group Discussions). Identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, and Ambiguities: Participants worked collaboratively to identify key strengths, weaknesses, and ambiguities within the movement.

Q&A Session: Engaged participants in clarifications, fostering dialogue and addressing common concerns and questions.

Objective of Communication Session: The communication session aimed to empower individuals within the Wikimedia community to effectively channel their voices into a collective force. Through the exploration of communication strategies, collaborative techniques, and community-building initiatives, participants gained insights into transforming individual voices into a unified and impactful narrative.

Brief on Upcoming BoT Elections: Participants were briefed on the upcoming Board of Trustees (BoT) elections, highlighting the importance of community involvement and participation in shaping the future direction of Wikimedia.

Day 1 of the collaborative event provided a platform for fruitful discussions, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning, setting a promising foundation for the subsequent days.

Day 2 of the collaborative event focused on exploring partnership dynamics within the Wikimedia ecosystem and examining the impact of alternative governance structures. Additionally, recommendations were discussed to maximize impact through alternative governance, followed by a collaborative action planning session aimed at prioritizing areas for Indian representatives and developing strategies for summit participation. The day concluded with closing remarks encouraging active summit participation and guidance on reviewing the Movement Charter.

Session Highlights

Partnership Insights and Discussions: Led by Praveen (WMF) and Subodh (WMF), this session delved into the dynamics of partnerships within the Wikimedia ecosystem. Participants examined how alternative governance structures influence collaboration and impact, fostering insightful discussions and sharing of experiences. This session was conducted as an activity which happened in two groups with a role play to plan an immediate activity and present in front of the second group. Those two groups come together with new ideas.

Recommendations for Maximizing Impact through Alternative Governance: Participants explored recommendations aimed at maximizing impact through alternative governance structures, offering innovative approaches to enhance collaboration and effectiveness within the Wikimedia community.

Collaborative Action Planning: Facilitated by Sandeep and Nitesh, this session involved brainstorming priority areas for Indian representatives and developing strategies for summit participation. Participants actively contributed ideas and formulated action plans to address key priorities and maximize their impact at future summits.

Closing Remarks: The session concluded with encouraging remarks, emphasizing the importance of active summit participation and collaborative efforts to drive positive change within the Wikimedia community. The event participants got clarity on Movement charter and provided feedback or opinions to delve into the Movement charter draft before attending the Wikimedia India Summit. Reviewing the Movement Charter: Participants were provided guidance on how to review the Movement Charter, highlighting the significance of community feedback and input in shaping its evolution and effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

Enhanced Understanding of Partnership Dynamics: Participants gained a deeper understanding of partnership dynamics within the Wikimedia ecosystem and explored innovative approaches to collaboration.

Strategic Action Planning: Collaborative action planning enabled participants to prioritize key areas for Indian representatives and develop actionable strategies to maximize impact at future summits.

Community Engagement: The event fostered active community engagement and participation, underscoring the collective commitment to advancing the Wikimedia movement.

Empowerment through Governance: Discussions on alternative governance structures empowered participants to contribute recommendations aimed at enhancing collaboration and effectiveness within the Wikimedia community.

Day 2 of the collaborative event facilitated meaningful discussions, strategic planning, and actionable insights, reinforcing the commitment to collaborative partnership and impactful governance within the Wikimedia ecosystem.

Conclusion

The two-day collaborative event between CIS-A2K and MCDC members proved to be a significant milestone in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning within the Wikimedia ecosystem. Through insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and collaborative action planning, participants explored key themes including partnership dynamics, alternative governance structures, and strategies for maximizing impact at future summits.

The event underscored the collective commitment of participants to advancing the Wikimedia movement through effective collaboration, innovative approaches, and community-driven initiatives. By leveraging diverse perspectives, sharing best practices, and developing actionable strategies, participants demonstrated their dedication to driving positive change and enhancing the effectiveness of Wikimedia initiatives.

As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with valuable insights, actionable plans, and a strengthened network of collaborators. Moving forward, it is imperative for participants to continue building on the momentum generated during the event, fostering ongoing collaboration, and driving collective efforts towards advancing the Wikimedia movement.

Overall, the collaborative event served as a testament to the power of community engagement, collective action, and strategic planning in shaping the future of Wikimedia. By harnessing the collective wisdom and passion of its participants, the event laid a strong foundation for continued progress, innovation, and impact within the Wikimedia ecosystem.

Next Steps

Had a call with the participants after releasing the final draft of the Movement charter.
Had a debrief session with all the South Asia participants on day one during the Wikimedia Summit.
Follow-up event of Wikimedia India Summit in June after coming back from Wikimedia Summit and revising MC draft.