Wikimedia Conference 2015/Programme/14

14: Regional Cooperation

Original Description

Some distilled best practices from the CEE and Iberocoop regional Wikimedia networks; discussion of challenges and open conversation with those interested in starting/joining regional cooperation.

Desired Outcome

Presenting learnings and experiences identifying common challenges. Participants get useful advice from peers about problems they face.

Audience

Wikimedia affiliates who want to work with their neighbours

Session Format

Presentations (~45m) + discussion (~75m); 120 min in total

Speaker

for CEE: Kaarel Vaidla (WMEE) + Nataliia Tymkiv (WMUA); for Iberocoop: Anna Torres (WMAR)

Summary of the session

Both speaker teams (Anna and Salvador for Iberocoop, Nataliia and Kaarel for CEE) presented the regional networks. Nataliia pointed out that their presentation focussed on problems of regional cooperations and possible solutions. One of the main questions is how to generate impact on Wikimedia projects from the CEE cooperation.

In the Q&A part both networks explained how they came up (Iberocoop at the Wikimania in Argentina 2009, CEE at the Wikimania in Haifa 2011). Both explained that face-to-face meet-up are really useful and necessary for the networks, additionally CEE works with virtual meet-ups. Anna pointed out, that the development of such a network takes time to grow and become stable.

One of the main interests of the audience was to understand how both networks work. E.g., Iberocoop appointed coordinator for certain topics. Osmar (one of the coordinators) added that despite having democratic processes (every voice is heard) are quite slow, they’re absolutely necessary. The networks are financed through chapters with APG funding and/or other grants. Asaf Bartov added that the WMF can (and is happy to) fund regional gatherings via grants, but the networks have to argue why the meet-ups make sense and are necessary. Physical meet-ups are especially appropriate for kick-offs / initial meetings. WMF only provides funding, not organization.

Regarding whether the network work only with chapters, both denied this. As well as CEE as Iberocoop, both work also with user groups, yet-to-be-user groups and independent volunteers. Both have the aim to promote independent volunteers and to support them in creating new groups.

After a discussion about the structures of both networks, the questions shifted to a more general level, e.g. what are the necessary steps (or tools) that a network becomes successful. Asaf explained that champions (ambassadors) are necessary to promote such a network and get the critical mass going. There was a question how to include thematic organisations in regional cooperation, which remained mainly unanswered.

Thematically, both networks have a focus on Gender Gap.