Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Pine W]

Hi Varnet,

I have emailed Affcom or individual members on more than one occasion for
an update about the Cascadia Wikimedians user group application. We
finished our response to Affcom's last question on August 7, which was
almost a month ago. We have projects that we would like to start that are
waiting on Affcom's approval. Is the delay related to the call for new
members and the change to an on-wiki process for user group applications?

Thanks,

Pine


On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 11:06 PM, Gregory Varnum 
wrote:

> Thank you everyone for your feedback and ideas. They're already being
> discussed internally by AffCom and may be reflected in our next call for
> candidates. There will not be any changes to the process for this call.
>
> Some additional information folks may find helpful...
>
> This call will add at least four people to fill some openings on the
> committee created by Cynthia's passing earlier this year, to replace a
> couple members transitioning into non-voting advisor roles (out of personal
> necessity), and expansion by one seat (to help with our growing workload
> and respond to concerns of response time).
>
> This does not replace our usual annual call for members, which will be
> coming later this year. That call will fill vacancies left by members whose
> terms are expiring (or possibly re-elect those members) and another
> possible expansion of the committee, that call is also anticipated to fill
> at least four seats on the committee.
>
> Before each annual call for members, we do a review of the process, and
> sometimes make slight tweaks. Prior to this email, we had committed to
> reviewing the process with our new, recently appointed, WMF board liaisons.
> This feedback is helpful and will be taken into consideration. For a
> variety of reasons, we decided not to delay this call for candidates any
> further (and risk having to delay or merge it with the next call) and
> instead use the process previously established.
>
> As to the specific suggestions, I have heard compelling arguments for our
> existing approach, and for changes. I have not personally come to any final
> conclusions on what changes, if any, should be made, and I suspect the same
> is true for the rest of AffCom. In part, we wanted to fill the vacancies to
> help provide additional input on any changes to this process we may make.
> Keep in mind, we are also engaging in a much larger discussion internally
> and with affiliates, the WMF Board, and WMF staff about AffCom's
> activities, scope, processes, etc. This is done annually (and currently
> ongoing), and has resulted in some already visible changes this year (such
> as the liaisons, introduction of new resources for affiliates, etc.) with
> more to come, and may result in changes to things like the AffCom charter,
> which requires a WMF Board vote. I am not yet sure if that will happen, but
> I want to give you some sense of the overall scope of our current
> conversation and why this specific process was not changed this time
> around.
>
> I generally try to avoid comparisons between the WMF committees as they are
> each rather unique in purpose and composition needs. Speaking specifically
> to AffCom, I can say that we look a great deal at the combined skills
> voting members will bring to the committee, which sometimes means qualified
> candidates are passed for a year to prevent too much overlap of any one
> existing skill area (such as legal or nonprofit capacity building) or
> consideration such as diversity or language. There have been concerns that
> a public process would discourage people from subjecting themselves to the
> process more than once, some candidates also fear retaliation given the
> complex politics within the affiliates world, and the current process is
> believed to have helped us with encouraging candidates to apply who can
> help us fill our diversity or skill gaps. I offer that not as a defense,
> but as some insight into how the process got to this point.
>
> We recently finished the conversion of the Wikimedia user group application
> process from email based to an on-wiki based process and a faster approval
> process based on feedback we received (details are on-wiki and coming
> on-listserv soon). So that is certainly an option we are considering. Our
> last request for an additional committee mailing list took several weeks to
> process, and we try not to burden operations with urgent requests. That
> said, frankly, we have leaned towards convenience and the idea of moving it
> to a WMF hosted address simply has not come up recently and we will seek
> input from WMF operations on their preferences and ideas. I am personally
> intrigued by the suggestion of OTRS usage, but for for broader applications
> as well.
>
> From just a few years ago as ChapCom to today as AffCom, this committee has
> consistently changed and evolved based on feedback and movement needs. I
> appreciate not always to some people's liking, but let's face 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Gregory Varnum]

Thank you everyone for your feedback and ideas. They're already being
discussed internally by AffCom and may be reflected in our next call for
candidates. There will not be any changes to the process for this call.

Some additional information folks may find helpful...

This call will add at least four people to fill some openings on the
committee created by Cynthia's passing earlier this year, to replace a
couple members transitioning into non-voting advisor roles (out of personal
necessity), and expansion by one seat (to help with our growing workload
and respond to concerns of response time).

This does not replace our usual annual call for members, which will be
coming later this year. That call will fill vacancies left by members whose
terms are expiring (or possibly re-elect those members) and another
possible expansion of the committee, that call is also anticipated to fill
at least four seats on the committee.

Before each annual call for members, we do a review of the process, and
sometimes make slight tweaks. Prior to this email, we had committed to
reviewing the process with our new, recently appointed, WMF board liaisons.
This feedback is helpful and will be taken into consideration. For a
variety of reasons, we decided not to delay this call for candidates any
further (and risk having to delay or merge it with the next call) and
instead use the process previously established.

As to the specific suggestions, I have heard compelling arguments for our
existing approach, and for changes. I have not personally come to any final
conclusions on what changes, if any, should be made, and I suspect the same
is true for the rest of AffCom. In part, we wanted to fill the vacancies to
help provide additional input on any changes to this process we may make.
Keep in mind, we are also engaging in a much larger discussion internally
and with affiliates, the WMF Board, and WMF staff about AffCom's
activities, scope, processes, etc. This is done annually (and currently
ongoing), and has resulted in some already visible changes this year (such
as the liaisons, introduction of new resources for affiliates, etc.) with
more to come, and may result in changes to things like the AffCom charter,
which requires a WMF Board vote. I am not yet sure if that will happen, but
I want to give you some sense of the overall scope of our current
conversation and why this specific process was not changed this time around.

I generally try to avoid comparisons between the WMF committees as they are
each rather unique in purpose and composition needs. Speaking specifically
to AffCom, I can say that we look a great deal at the combined skills
voting members will bring to the committee, which sometimes means qualified
candidates are passed for a year to prevent too much overlap of any one
existing skill area (such as legal or nonprofit capacity building) or
consideration such as diversity or language. There have been concerns that
a public process would discourage people from subjecting themselves to the
process more than once, some candidates also fear retaliation given the
complex politics within the affiliates world, and the current process is
believed to have helped us with encouraging candidates to apply who can
help us fill our diversity or skill gaps. I offer that not as a defense,
but as some insight into how the process got to this point.

We recently finished the conversion of the Wikimedia user group application
process from email based to an on-wiki based process and a faster approval
process based on feedback we received (details are on-wiki and coming
on-listserv soon). So that is certainly an option we are considering. Our
last request for an additional committee mailing list took several weeks to
process, and we try not to burden operations with urgent requests. That
said, frankly, we have leaned towards convenience and the idea of moving it
to a WMF hosted address simply has not come up recently and we will seek
input from WMF operations on their preferences and ideas. I am personally
intrigued by the suggestion of OTRS usage, but for for broader applications
as well.

From just a few years ago as ChapCom to today as AffCom, this committee has
consistently changed and evolved based on feedback and movement needs. I
appreciate not always to some people's liking, but let's face it, it would
be impossible for us to accommodate every idea and request, if for no other
reason than we often receive conflicting ideas and requests with very
compelling arguments behind them. So it is absolutely a possibility that we
will find ways to address existing concerns and adopt a different approach.
Keep in mind the committee is made up of volunteers that change fairly
regularly (at least four new volunteers are about to join), so I think it
is unfair to make claims or accusations about our possible actions based on
personal biases toward all things related to WMF or resentments about one
specific action (out of dozens each year) or p

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Everton Zanella Alvarenga]

2014-09-04 17:07 GMT-03:00 Michael Peel :

> Another option would be an open process on-wiki, along the same lines as
> the FDC board-selected seat nominations. Is there a need to keep
> applications confidential here?
>
>
That is a good idea. But that will not happen any time soon or ever.

Tom
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Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[David Gerard]

Sorry, clarification: I'm alluding to Wikipedians' tendency to go off
into detailed side-discussions at the drop of a hat. I didn't mean
this as a dig at anyone.

On 4 September 2014 21:28, David Gerard  wrote:
> No yak left unshaven!
>
> On 4 September 2014 21:07, Michael Peel  wrote:
>> Another option would be an open process on-wiki, along the same lines as the 
>> FDC board-selected seat nominations. Is there a need to keep applications 
>> confidential here?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Mike
>>
>> On 4 Sep 2014, at 20:51, Ad Huikeshoven  wrote:
>>
>>> One option to consider is establishing an OTRS queue for AffCom.
>>>
>>> How many vacancies are there to be filled?
>>>
>>> Greetings,
>>>
>>> Ad
>>>
>>>
>>> 2014-09-04 21:45 GMT+02:00 Risker :
>>>
>>>> Committees can have more than one mailing list, Bence.
>>>>
>>>> I suggest that Affcom rethink its approach: there's no good reason to
>>>> assume that the order of candidacy has anything to do with selection,
>>>> particularly if it goes to a second list, and your "nominating
>>>> subcommittee" all has access.  It is always a bad idea for only one person
>>>> to manage anything that results in formal appointments.  Accountability is
>>>> important here.  I don't think it will harm your process whatsoever to get
>>>> a mailing list set up by the weekend, since self-nominations do not close
>>>> until September 30. Indeed, I'm not entirely clear why this isn't happening
>>>> onwiki, but I suppose there may be a reason for that which doesn't come
>>>> through in the original email.
>>>>
>>>> Risker/Anne
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 4 September 2014 15:34, Bence Damokos  wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Thank you for the suggestion, Anne!
>>>>>
>>>>> As some background, the reason the private e-mail address is used instead
>>>>> of the AffCom mailing list is that  it allows the incoming applications
>>>> to
>>>>> be looked at all at the same time - thus not giving anyone an advantage
>>>> or
>>>>> disadvantage based on the time they apply  especially if there are any
>>>>> outgoing AffCom members who are reapplying for another term (which may
>>>> not
>>>>> be relevant this time around, I am not sure, but we tend to rely on
>>>>> existing processes and improve on them iteratively where we can based on
>>>>> suggestions like yours).
>>>>>
>>>>> Having a @wikimedia.org address would be cool, but they are not
>>>> allocated
>>>>> to individual volunteers - we did ask a while ago. AffCom itself does
>>>> have
>>>>> a mailing list on a wikimedia server, which we are not using for this
>>>>> purpose.Setting up a separate mailing list for the purpose might be
>>>>> something to consider next year.
>>>>>
>>>>> Hope this helps.
>>>>>
>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>> Bence
>>>>> (A member of AffCom, with some experience on how this process runs, but
>>>>> this is my personal view)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 8:50 PM, Risker  wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> A gmail address?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I am sure if you ask nicely the committee can be granted a
>>>> wikimedia.org
>>>>>> email address through Mailman that will allow more than one person to
>>>>>> handle applications. It could probably be done pretty quickly.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Risker/Anne
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 4 September 2014 14:35, Carlos M. Colina 
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Dear all,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to
>>>>>>> salvador1...@gmail.com instead.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Kindly apologize for the inconvenience.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Regards,
>>>>>>> Carlos
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sent from Samsung Mobile
>>>>>&g

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[David Gerard]

No yak left unshaven!

On 4 September 2014 21:07, Michael Peel  wrote:
> Another option would be an open process on-wiki, along the same lines as the 
> FDC board-selected seat nominations. Is there a need to keep applications 
> confidential here?
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
>
> On 4 Sep 2014, at 20:51, Ad Huikeshoven  wrote:
>
>> One option to consider is establishing an OTRS queue for AffCom.
>>
>> How many vacancies are there to be filled?
>>
>> Greetings,
>>
>> Ad
>>
>>
>> 2014-09-04 21:45 GMT+02:00 Risker :
>>
>>> Committees can have more than one mailing list, Bence.
>>>
>>> I suggest that Affcom rethink its approach: there's no good reason to
>>> assume that the order of candidacy has anything to do with selection,
>>> particularly if it goes to a second list, and your "nominating
>>> subcommittee" all has access.  It is always a bad idea for only one person
>>> to manage anything that results in formal appointments.  Accountability is
>>> important here.  I don't think it will harm your process whatsoever to get
>>> a mailing list set up by the weekend, since self-nominations do not close
>>> until September 30. Indeed, I'm not entirely clear why this isn't happening
>>> onwiki, but I suppose there may be a reason for that which doesn't come
>>> through in the original email.
>>>
>>> Risker/Anne
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 4 September 2014 15:34, Bence Damokos  wrote:
>>>
>>>> Thank you for the suggestion, Anne!
>>>>
>>>> As some background, the reason the private e-mail address is used instead
>>>> of the AffCom mailing list is that  it allows the incoming applications
>>> to
>>>> be looked at all at the same time - thus not giving anyone an advantage
>>> or
>>>> disadvantage based on the time they apply  especially if there are any
>>>> outgoing AffCom members who are reapplying for another term (which may
>>> not
>>>> be relevant this time around, I am not sure, but we tend to rely on
>>>> existing processes and improve on them iteratively where we can based on
>>>> suggestions like yours).
>>>>
>>>> Having a @wikimedia.org address would be cool, but they are not
>>> allocated
>>>> to individual volunteers - we did ask a while ago. AffCom itself does
>>> have
>>>> a mailing list on a wikimedia server, which we are not using for this
>>>> purpose.Setting up a separate mailing list for the purpose might be
>>>> something to consider next year.
>>>>
>>>> Hope this helps.
>>>>
>>>> Best regards,
>>>> Bence
>>>> (A member of AffCom, with some experience on how this process runs, but
>>>> this is my personal view)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 8:50 PM, Risker  wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> A gmail address?
>>>>>
>>>>> I am sure if you ask nicely the committee can be granted a
>>> wikimedia.org
>>>>> email address through Mailman that will allow more than one person to
>>>>> handle applications. It could probably be done pretty quickly.
>>>>>
>>>>> Risker/Anne
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 4 September 2014 14:35, Carlos M. Colina 
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Dear all,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to
>>>>>> salvador1...@gmail.com instead.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Kindly apologize for the inconvenience.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Regards,
>>>>>> Carlos
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sent from Samsung Mobile
>>>>>>
>>>>>>  Original message 
>>>>>> From: "Carlos M. Colina" 
>>>>>> Date: 03/09/2014  19:58  (GMT+02:00)
>>>>>> To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org,Wikimedia Chapters general
>>>>>> discussions 
>>>>>> Subject: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015
>>>>>>
>>>>>> (in the case you received it already, sorry for re-sending it, my
>>>>>> Thunderbird crashed just as I clicked the "send" button :-( )
>>>>>>
&

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Martin Rulsch]

Just what Risker suggested. ;-) (And I'd also support.)

Cheers,
Martin


2014-09-04 22:07 GMT+02:00 Michael Peel :

> Another option would be an open process on-wiki, along the same lines as
> the FDC board-selected seat nominations. Is there a need to keep
> applications confidential here?
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
>
> On 4 Sep 2014, at 20:51, Ad Huikeshoven  wrote:
>
> > One option to consider is establishing an OTRS queue for AffCom.
> >
> > How many vacancies are there to be filled?
> >
> > Greetings,
> >
> > Ad
> >
> >
> > 2014-09-04 21:45 GMT+02:00 Risker :
> >
> >> Committees can have more than one mailing list, Bence.
> >>
> >> I suggest that Affcom rethink its approach: there's no good reason to
> >> assume that the order of candidacy has anything to do with selection,
> >> particularly if it goes to a second list, and your "nominating
> >> subcommittee" all has access.  It is always a bad idea for only one
> person
> >> to manage anything that results in formal appointments.  Accountability
> is
> >> important here.  I don't think it will harm your process whatsoever to
> get
> >> a mailing list set up by the weekend, since self-nominations do not
> close
> >> until September 30. Indeed, I'm not entirely clear why this isn't
> happening
> >> onwiki, but I suppose there may be a reason for that which doesn't come
> >> through in the original email.
> >>
> >> Risker/Anne
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> On 4 September 2014 15:34, Bence Damokos  wrote:
> >>
> >>> Thank you for the suggestion, Anne!
> >>>
> >>> As some background, the reason the private e-mail address is used
> instead
> >>> of the AffCom mailing list is that  it allows the incoming applications
> >> to
> >>> be looked at all at the same time - thus not giving anyone an advantage
> >> or
> >>> disadvantage based on the time they apply  especially if there are any
> >>> outgoing AffCom members who are reapplying for another term (which may
> >> not
> >>> be relevant this time around, I am not sure, but we tend to rely on
> >>> existing processes and improve on them iteratively where we can based
> on
> >>> suggestions like yours).
> >>>
> >>> Having a @wikimedia.org address would be cool, but they are not
> >> allocated
> >>> to individual volunteers - we did ask a while ago. AffCom itself does
> >> have
> >>> a mailing list on a wikimedia server, which we are not using for this
> >>> purpose.Setting up a separate mailing list for the purpose might be
> >>> something to consider next year.
> >>>
> >>> Hope this helps.
> >>>
> >>> Best regards,
> >>> Bence
> >>> (A member of AffCom, with some experience on how this process runs, but
> >>> this is my personal view)
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 8:50 PM, Risker  wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> A gmail address?
> >>>>
> >>>> I am sure if you ask nicely the committee can be granted a
> >> wikimedia.org
> >>>> email address through Mailman that will allow more than one person to
> >>>> handle applications. It could probably be done pretty quickly.
> >>>>
> >>>> Risker/Anne
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> On 4 September 2014 14:35, Carlos M. Colina 
> >>>> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>> Dear all,
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to
> >>>>> salvador1...@gmail.com instead.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Kindly apologize for the inconvenience.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Regards,
> >>>>> Carlos
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Sent from Samsung Mobile
> >>>>>
> >>>>>  Original message 
> >>>>> From: "Carlos M. Colina" 
> >>>>> Date: 03/09/2014  19:58  (GMT+02:00)
> >>>>> To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org,Wikimedia Chapters general
> >>>>> discussions 
> >>>>> Subject: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015
> >>>>>
> >>>>> (in the case you

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Michael Peel]

Another option would be an open process on-wiki, along the same lines as the 
FDC board-selected seat nominations. Is there a need to keep applications 
confidential here?

Thanks,
Mike

On 4 Sep 2014, at 20:51, Ad Huikeshoven  wrote:

> One option to consider is establishing an OTRS queue for AffCom.
> 
> How many vacancies are there to be filled?
> 
> Greetings,
> 
> Ad
> 
> 
> 2014-09-04 21:45 GMT+02:00 Risker :
> 
>> Committees can have more than one mailing list, Bence.
>> 
>> I suggest that Affcom rethink its approach: there's no good reason to
>> assume that the order of candidacy has anything to do with selection,
>> particularly if it goes to a second list, and your "nominating
>> subcommittee" all has access.  It is always a bad idea for only one person
>> to manage anything that results in formal appointments.  Accountability is
>> important here.  I don't think it will harm your process whatsoever to get
>> a mailing list set up by the weekend, since self-nominations do not close
>> until September 30. Indeed, I'm not entirely clear why this isn't happening
>> onwiki, but I suppose there may be a reason for that which doesn't come
>> through in the original email.
>> 
>> Risker/Anne
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 4 September 2014 15:34, Bence Damokos  wrote:
>> 
>>> Thank you for the suggestion, Anne!
>>> 
>>> As some background, the reason the private e-mail address is used instead
>>> of the AffCom mailing list is that  it allows the incoming applications
>> to
>>> be looked at all at the same time - thus not giving anyone an advantage
>> or
>>> disadvantage based on the time they apply  especially if there are any
>>> outgoing AffCom members who are reapplying for another term (which may
>> not
>>> be relevant this time around, I am not sure, but we tend to rely on
>>> existing processes and improve on them iteratively where we can based on
>>> suggestions like yours).
>>> 
>>> Having a @wikimedia.org address would be cool, but they are not
>> allocated
>>> to individual volunteers - we did ask a while ago. AffCom itself does
>> have
>>> a mailing list on a wikimedia server, which we are not using for this
>>> purpose.Setting up a separate mailing list for the purpose might be
>>> something to consider next year.
>>> 
>>> Hope this helps.
>>> 
>>> Best regards,
>>> Bence
>>> (A member of AffCom, with some experience on how this process runs, but
>>> this is my personal view)
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 8:50 PM, Risker  wrote:
>>> 
>>>> A gmail address?
>>>> 
>>>> I am sure if you ask nicely the committee can be granted a
>> wikimedia.org
>>>> email address through Mailman that will allow more than one person to
>>>> handle applications. It could probably be done pretty quickly.
>>>> 
>>>> Risker/Anne
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> On 4 September 2014 14:35, Carlos M. Colina 
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>>> Dear all,
>>>>> 
>>>>> Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to
>>>>> salvador1...@gmail.com instead.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Kindly apologize for the inconvenience.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Regards,
>>>>> Carlos
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sent from Samsung Mobile
>>>>> 
>>>>>  Original message 
>>>>> From: "Carlos M. Colina" 
>>>>> Date: 03/09/2014  19:58  (GMT+02:00)
>>>>> To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org,Wikimedia Chapters general
>>>>> discussions 
>>>>> Subject: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015
>>>>> 
>>>>> (in the case you received it already, sorry for re-sending it, my
>>>>> Thunderbird crashed just as I clicked the "send" button :-( )
>>>>> 
>>>>> Dear all, The Affiliations Committee [1], the committee that is
>>>>> responsible for guiding volunteers in establishing Chapters, User
>>> Groups
>>>>> and Thematic Organizations and approving them when they are ready is
>>>>> looking for new members.
>>>>> 
>>>>> The main focus of the AffCom is to guide groups of volunteers in
>>> forming
>>>>> a

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Ad Huikeshoven]

One option to consider is establishing an OTRS queue for AffCom.

How many vacancies are there to be filled?

Greetings,

Ad


2014-09-04 21:45 GMT+02:00 Risker :

> Committees can have more than one mailing list, Bence.
>
> I suggest that Affcom rethink its approach: there's no good reason to
> assume that the order of candidacy has anything to do with selection,
> particularly if it goes to a second list, and your "nominating
> subcommittee" all has access.  It is always a bad idea for only one person
> to manage anything that results in formal appointments.  Accountability is
> important here.  I don't think it will harm your process whatsoever to get
> a mailing list set up by the weekend, since self-nominations do not close
> until September 30. Indeed, I'm not entirely clear why this isn't happening
> onwiki, but I suppose there may be a reason for that which doesn't come
> through in the original email.
>
> Risker/Anne
>
>
>
>
> On 4 September 2014 15:34, Bence Damokos  wrote:
>
> > Thank you for the suggestion, Anne!
> >
> > As some background, the reason the private e-mail address is used instead
> > of the AffCom mailing list is that  it allows the incoming applications
> to
> > be looked at all at the same time - thus not giving anyone an advantage
> or
> > disadvantage based on the time they apply  especially if there are any
> > outgoing AffCom members who are reapplying for another term (which may
> not
> > be relevant this time around, I am not sure, but we tend to rely on
> > existing processes and improve on them iteratively where we can based on
> > suggestions like yours).
> >
> > Having a @wikimedia.org address would be cool, but they are not
> allocated
> > to individual volunteers - we did ask a while ago. AffCom itself does
> have
> > a mailing list on a wikimedia server, which we are not using for this
> > purpose.Setting up a separate mailing list for the purpose might be
> > something to consider next year.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Bence
> > (A member of AffCom, with some experience on how this process runs, but
> > this is my personal view)
> >
> >
> > On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 8:50 PM, Risker  wrote:
> >
> > > A gmail address?
> > >
> > > I am sure if you ask nicely the committee can be granted a
> wikimedia.org
> > > email address through Mailman that will allow more than one person to
> > > handle applications. It could probably be done pretty quickly.
> > >
> > > Risker/Anne
> > >
> > >
> > > On 4 September 2014 14:35, Carlos M. Colina 
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > > Dear all,
> > > >
> > > > Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to
> > > > salvador1...@gmail.com instead.
> > > >
> > > > Kindly apologize for the inconvenience.
> > > >
> > > > Regards,
> > > > Carlos
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Sent from Samsung Mobile
> > > >
> > > >  Original message 
> > > > From: "Carlos M. Colina" 
> > > > Date: 03/09/2014  19:58  (GMT+02:00)
> > > > To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org,Wikimedia Chapters general
> > > > discussions 
> > > > Subject: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015
> > > >
> > > > (in the case you received it already, sorry for re-sending it, my
> > > >  Thunderbird crashed just as I clicked the "send" button :-( )
> > > >
> > > > Dear all, The Affiliations Committee [1], the committee that is
> > > > responsible for guiding volunteers in establishing Chapters, User
> > Groups
> > > > and Thematic Organizations and approving them when they are ready is
> > > > looking for new members.
> > > >
> > > > The main focus of the AffCom is to guide groups of volunteers in
> > forming
> > > > affiliates. We make sure that the groups are large enough to be
> viable
> > > (and
> > > > advise them on how to get bigger), review bylaws for compliance
> > > > with the requirements and best practices, and advise the Board of the
> > > > Wikimedia Foundation on issues connected to Chapters, Thematic
> > > > Organizations and User Groups.
> > > >
> > > > This requires communication with volunteers all over the World,
> > > > negotiating skills and cultural sensitivit

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Risker]

Committees can have more than one mailing list, Bence.

I suggest that Affcom rethink its approach: there's no good reason to
assume that the order of candidacy has anything to do with selection,
particularly if it goes to a second list, and your "nominating
subcommittee" all has access.  It is always a bad idea for only one person
to manage anything that results in formal appointments.  Accountability is
important here.  I don't think it will harm your process whatsoever to get
a mailing list set up by the weekend, since self-nominations do not close
until September 30. Indeed, I'm not entirely clear why this isn't happening
onwiki, but I suppose there may be a reason for that which doesn't come
through in the original email.

Risker/Anne




On 4 September 2014 15:34, Bence Damokos  wrote:

> Thank you for the suggestion, Anne!
>
> As some background, the reason the private e-mail address is used instead
> of the AffCom mailing list is that  it allows the incoming applications to
> be looked at all at the same time - thus not giving anyone an advantage or
> disadvantage based on the time they apply  especially if there are any
> outgoing AffCom members who are reapplying for another term (which may not
> be relevant this time around, I am not sure, but we tend to rely on
> existing processes and improve on them iteratively where we can based on
> suggestions like yours).
>
> Having a @wikimedia.org address would be cool, but they are not allocated
> to individual volunteers - we did ask a while ago. AffCom itself does have
> a mailing list on a wikimedia server, which we are not using for this
> purpose.Setting up a separate mailing list for the purpose might be
> something to consider next year.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Best regards,
> Bence
> (A member of AffCom, with some experience on how this process runs, but
> this is my personal view)
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 8:50 PM, Risker  wrote:
>
> > A gmail address?
> >
> > I am sure if you ask nicely the committee can be granted a wikimedia.org
> > email address through Mailman that will allow more than one person to
> > handle applications. It could probably be done pretty quickly.
> >
> > Risker/Anne
> >
> >
> > On 4 September 2014 14:35, Carlos M. Colina 
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Dear all,
> > >
> > > Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to
> > > salvador1...@gmail.com instead.
> > >
> > > Kindly apologize for the inconvenience.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > Carlos
> > >
> > >
> > > Sent from Samsung Mobile
> > >
> > >  Original message 
> > > From: "Carlos M. Colina" 
> > > Date: 03/09/2014  19:58  (GMT+02:00)
> > > To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org,Wikimedia Chapters general
> > > discussions 
> > > Subject: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015
> > >
> > > (in the case you received it already, sorry for re-sending it, my
> > >  Thunderbird crashed just as I clicked the "send" button :-( )
> > >
> > > Dear all, The Affiliations Committee [1], the committee that is
> > > responsible for guiding volunteers in establishing Chapters, User
> Groups
> > > and Thematic Organizations and approving them when they are ready is
> > > looking for new members.
> > >
> > > The main focus of the AffCom is to guide groups of volunteers in
> forming
> > > affiliates. We make sure that the groups are large enough to be viable
> > (and
> > > advise them on how to get bigger), review bylaws for compliance
> > > with the requirements and best practices, and advise the Board of the
> > > Wikimedia Foundation on issues connected to Chapters, Thematic
> > > Organizations and User Groups.
> > >
> > > This requires communication with volunteers all over the World,
> > > negotiating skills and cultural sensitivity and the ability to
> understand
> > > legal texts. We try to get a healthy mix of different skill sets in our
> > > members.
> > >
> > > The key skills/experience that we are looking for in candidate members,
> > > are typically the following:
> > >
> > >   * Excitement by the challenge of helping to empower groups of
> > > volunteers worldwide
> > >   * Willingness to process applications through a set, perhaps
> > > bureaucratic process
> > >   * Readiness to participate in (movement roles) political discussions
> > > on the role and future of affiliates,

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Bence Damokos]

Thank you for the suggestion, Anne!

As some background, the reason the private e-mail address is used instead
of the AffCom mailing list is that  it allows the incoming applications to
be looked at all at the same time - thus not giving anyone an advantage or
disadvantage based on the time they apply  especially if there are any
outgoing AffCom members who are reapplying for another term (which may not
be relevant this time around, I am not sure, but we tend to rely on
existing processes and improve on them iteratively where we can based on
suggestions like yours).

Having a @wikimedia.org address would be cool, but they are not allocated
to individual volunteers - we did ask a while ago. AffCom itself does have
a mailing list on a wikimedia server, which we are not using for this
purpose.Setting up a separate mailing list for the purpose might be
something to consider next year.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Bence
(A member of AffCom, with some experience on how this process runs, but
this is my personal view)


On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 8:50 PM, Risker  wrote:

> A gmail address?
>
> I am sure if you ask nicely the committee can be granted a wikimedia.org
> email address through Mailman that will allow more than one person to
> handle applications. It could probably be done pretty quickly.
>
> Risker/Anne
>
>
> On 4 September 2014 14:35, Carlos M. Colina 
> wrote:
>
> > Dear all,
> >
> > Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to
> > salvador1...@gmail.com instead.
> >
> > Kindly apologize for the inconvenience.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Carlos
> >
> >
> > Sent from Samsung Mobile
> >
> >  Original message 
> > From: "Carlos M. Colina" 
> > Date: 03/09/2014  19:58  (GMT+02:00)
> > To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org,Wikimedia Chapters general
> > discussions 
> > Subject: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015
> >
> > (in the case you received it already, sorry for re-sending it, my
> >  Thunderbird crashed just as I clicked the "send" button :-( )
> >
> > Dear all, The Affiliations Committee [1], the committee that is
> > responsible for guiding volunteers in establishing Chapters, User Groups
> > and Thematic Organizations and approving them when they are ready is
> > looking for new members.
> >
> > The main focus of the AffCom is to guide groups of volunteers in forming
> > affiliates. We make sure that the groups are large enough to be viable
> (and
> > advise them on how to get bigger), review bylaws for compliance
> > with the requirements and best practices, and advise the Board of the
> > Wikimedia Foundation on issues connected to Chapters, Thematic
> > Organizations and User Groups.
> >
> > This requires communication with volunteers all over the World,
> > negotiating skills and cultural sensitivity and the ability to understand
> > legal texts. We try to get a healthy mix of different skill sets in our
> > members.
> >
> > The key skills/experience that we are looking for in candidate members,
> > are typically the following:
> >
> >   * Excitement by the challenge of helping to empower groups of
> > volunteers worldwide
> >   * Willingness to process applications through a set, perhaps
> > bureaucratic process
> >   * Readiness to participate in (movement roles) political discussions
> > on the role and future of affiliates, models of affiliations, and
> > similar questions
> >   * 5 hours per week availability [2], and the time to participate in a
> > monthly ~2 hour voice/video meeting
> >   * International orientation
> >   * Very good communication skills in English
> >   * Ability to work and communicate with other languages and cultures
> >   * Strong understanding of the structure and work of affiliates and the
> > WMF
> >   * Knowledge of different legal systems; experience in community
> > building and organising is a plus
> >   * Effective communication skills in other languages are a major plus
> >   * Experience with or in an active affiliate is a major plus
> >   * Willingness to use full (real) name in committee activities
> > (including reaching out to potential affiliates) when appropriate
> >
> > In 2012, new types of affiliations were introduced, and the role of the
> > Committee has increased in guiding through volunteers towards
> > affiliation models that empower them to further our mission, and making
> > sure these models meet both the needs of the volunteers and the
> > movement. We are looking for new people to help, who are 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Risker]

A gmail address?

I am sure if you ask nicely the committee can be granted a wikimedia.org
email address through Mailman that will allow more than one person to
handle applications. It could probably be done pretty quickly.

Risker/Anne


On 4 September 2014 14:35, Carlos M. Colina  wrote:

> Dear all,
>
> Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to
> salvador1...@gmail.com instead.
>
> Kindly apologize for the inconvenience.
>
> Regards,
> Carlos
>
>
> Sent from Samsung Mobile
>
>  Original message 
> From: "Carlos M. Colina" 
> Date: 03/09/2014  19:58  (GMT+02:00)
> To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org,Wikimedia Chapters general
> discussions 
> Subject: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015
>
> (in the case you received it already, sorry for re-sending it, my
>  Thunderbird crashed just as I clicked the "send" button :-( )
>
> Dear all, The Affiliations Committee [1], the committee that is
> responsible for guiding volunteers in establishing Chapters, User Groups
> and Thematic Organizations and approving them when they are ready is
> looking for new members.
>
> The main focus of the AffCom is to guide groups of volunteers in forming
> affiliates. We make sure that the groups are large enough to be viable (and
> advise them on how to get bigger), review bylaws for compliance
> with the requirements and best practices, and advise the Board of the
> Wikimedia Foundation on issues connected to Chapters, Thematic
> Organizations and User Groups.
>
> This requires communication with volunteers all over the World,
> negotiating skills and cultural sensitivity and the ability to understand
> legal texts. We try to get a healthy mix of different skill sets in our
> members.
>
> The key skills/experience that we are looking for in candidate members,
> are typically the following:
>
>   * Excitement by the challenge of helping to empower groups of
> volunteers worldwide
>   * Willingness to process applications through a set, perhaps
> bureaucratic process
>   * Readiness to participate in (movement roles) political discussions
> on the role and future of affiliates, models of affiliations, and
> similar questions
>   * 5 hours per week availability [2], and the time to participate in a
> monthly ~2 hour voice/video meeting
>   * International orientation
>   * Very good communication skills in English
>   * Ability to work and communicate with other languages and cultures
>   * Strong understanding of the structure and work of affiliates and the
> WMF
>   * Knowledge of different legal systems; experience in community
> building and organising is a plus
>   * Effective communication skills in other languages are a major plus
>   * Experience with or in an active affiliate is a major plus
>   * Willingness to use full (real) name in committee activities
> (including reaching out to potential affiliates) when appropriate
>
> In 2012, new types of affiliations were introduced, and the role of the
> Committee has increased in guiding through volunteers towards
> affiliation models that empower them to further our mission, and making
> sure these models meet both the needs of the volunteers and the
> movement. We are looking for new people to help, who are not afraid of
> the workload and are motivated by helping other volunteers to get
> organized and form communities that further our mission around the world.
>
> Members are usually selected every twelve months for staggered two-year
> terms. The applications will be voted on by the current members not
> seeking re-election, taking into account comments put forward by the
> committee's members, advisers, WMF staff and board liaisons based on the
> above membership criteria. A final decision will be made by the end of
> the year, with new members expected to join on or around 1 January 2015.
>
> If you are interested, You can send your applications with your full
> name, contact data (e-mail address, wiki username), relevant experience
> and motivation letter to our treasurer Salvador Alcántar at salvador AT
> gmail.com by 30 September 2014. You will get a confirmation that your
> application came through.
>
> If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me and/or the
> committee as a whole. We are happy to chat or have a phone call with
> anyone about our work, if this helps them decide to apply. Please
> distribute this call among your networks, and do apply if you are
> interested.
>
> Best regards,
> Carlos Colina
> Chair, Affiliations Committee
>
> [1]: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee (please
> follow the links and familiariz

[Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 [UPDATE]

[Carlos M. Colina]

Dear all,
 
Please note that, due a technical issue, direct your emails to 
salvador1...@gmail.com instead. 

Kindly apologize for the inconvenience. 

Regards,  
Carlos


Sent from Samsung Mobile

 Original message 
From: "Carlos M. Colina"  
Date: 03/09/2014  19:58  (GMT+02:00) 
To: wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org,Wikimedia Chapters general discussions 
 
Subject: [Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015 
 
(in the case you received it already, sorry for re-sending it, my  Thunderbird 
crashed just as I clicked the "send" button :-( )

Dear all, The Affiliations Committee [1], the committee that is responsible for 
guiding volunteers in establishing Chapters, User Groups 
and Thematic Organizations and approving them when they are ready is looking 
for new members.

The main focus of the AffCom is to guide groups of volunteers in forming 
affiliates. We make sure that the groups are large enough to be viable (and 
advise them on how to get bigger), review bylaws for compliance 
with the requirements and best practices, and advise the Board of the Wikimedia 
Foundation on issues connected to Chapters, Thematic Organizations and User 
Groups.

This requires communication with volunteers all over the World, negotiating 
skills and cultural sensitivity and the ability to understand legal texts. We 
try to get a healthy mix of different skill sets in our members.

The key skills/experience that we are looking for in candidate members, are 
typically the following:

  * Excitement by the challenge of helping to empower groups of
    volunteers worldwide
  * Willingness to process applications through a set, perhaps
    bureaucratic process
  * Readiness to participate in (movement roles) political discussions
    on the role and future of affiliates, models of affiliations, and
    similar questions
  * 5 hours per week availability [2], and the time to participate in a
    monthly ~2 hour voice/video meeting
  * International orientation
  * Very good communication skills in English
  * Ability to work and communicate with other languages and cultures
  * Strong understanding of the structure and work of affiliates and the
    WMF
  * Knowledge of different legal systems; experience in community
    building and organising is a plus
  * Effective communication skills in other languages are a major plus
  * Experience with or in an active affiliate is a major plus
  * Willingness to use full (real) name in committee activities
    (including reaching out to potential affiliates) when appropriate

In 2012, new types of affiliations were introduced, and the role of the 
Committee has increased in guiding through volunteers towards 
affiliation models that empower them to further our mission, and making 
sure these models meet both the needs of the volunteers and the 
movement. We are looking for new people to help, who are not afraid of 
the workload and are motivated by helping other volunteers to get 
organized and form communities that further our mission around the world.

Members are usually selected every twelve months for staggered two-year 
terms. The applications will be voted on by the current members not 
seeking re-election, taking into account comments put forward by the 
committee's members, advisers, WMF staff and board liaisons based on the 
above membership criteria. A final decision will be made by the end of 
the year, with new members expected to join on or around 1 January 2015.

If you are interested, You can send your applications with your full 
name, contact data (e-mail address, wiki username), relevant experience 
and motivation letter to our treasurer Salvador Alcántar at salvador AT 
gmail.com by 30 September 2014. You will get a confirmation that your 
application came through.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me and/or the 
committee as a whole. We are happy to chat or have a phone call with 
anyone about our work, if this helps them decide to apply. Please 
distribute this call among your networks, and do apply if you are 
interested.

Best regards,
Carlos Colina
Chair, Affiliations Committee

[1]: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee (please 
follow the links and familiarize yourself with our work)
[2]: Our member standards of participation are at: 
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee/Resolutions/Standard_of_participation_%E2%80%93_September_2012

-- 
"*Jülüjain wane mmakat* ein kapülain tü alijunakalirua jee wayuukanairua 
junain ekerolaa alümüin supüshuwayale etijaanaka. Ayatashi waya junain."
Carlos M. Colina
Vicepresidente, A.C. Wikimedia Venezuela | RIF J-40129321-2 | 
www.wikimedia.org.ve <http://wikimedia.org.ve>
Chair, Wikimedia Foundation Affiliations Committee
Phone: +972-52-4869915
Twitter: @maor_x
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_li

[Wikimedia-l] AffCom - Call for candidates 2015

[Carlos M. Colina]

(in the case you received it already, sorry for re-sending it, my 
Thunderbird crashed just as I clicked the "send" button :-( )


Dear all, The Affiliations Committee [1], the committee that is 
responsible for guiding volunteers in establishing Chapters, User Groups 
and Thematic Organizations and approving them when they are ready is 
looking for new members.


The main focus of the AffCom is to guide groups of volunteers in forming 
affiliates. We make sure that the groups are large enough to be viable 
(and advise them on how to get bigger), review bylaws for compliance 
with the requirements and best practices, and advise the Board of the 
Wikimedia Foundation on issues connected to Chapters, Thematic 
Organizations and User Groups.


This requires communication with volunteers all over the World, 
negotiating skills and cultural sensitivity and the ability to 
understand legal texts. We try to get a healthy mix of different skill 
sets in our members.


The key skills/experience that we are looking for in candidate members, 
are typically the following:


 * Excitement by the challenge of helping to empower groups of
   volunteers worldwide
 * Willingness to process applications through a set, perhaps
   bureaucratic process
 * Readiness to participate in (movement roles) political discussions
   on the role and future of affiliates, models of affiliations, and
   similar questions
 * 5 hours per week availability [2], and the time to participate in a
   monthly ~2 hour voice/video meeting
 * International orientation
 * Very good communication skills in English
 * Ability to work and communicate with other languages and cultures
 * Strong understanding of the structure and work of affiliates and the
   WMF
 * Knowledge of different legal systems; experience in community
   building and organising is a plus
 * Effective communication skills in other languages are a major plus
 * Experience with or in an active affiliate is a major plus
 * Willingness to use full (real) name in committee activities
   (including reaching out to potential affiliates) when appropriate

In 2012, new types of affiliations were introduced, and the role of the 
Committee has increased in guiding through volunteers towards 
affiliation models that empower them to further our mission, and making 
sure these models meet both the needs of the volunteers and the 
movement. We are looking for new people to help, who are not afraid of 
the workload and are motivated by helping other volunteers to get 
organized and form communities that further our mission around the world.


Members are usually selected every twelve months for staggered two-year 
terms. The applications will be voted on by the current members not 
seeking re-election, taking into account comments put forward by the 
committee's members, advisers, WMF staff and board liaisons based on the 
above membership criteria. A final decision will be made by the end of 
the year, with new members expected to join on or around 1 January 2015.


If you are interested, You can send your applications with your full 
name, contact data (e-mail address, wiki username), relevant experience 
and motivation letter to our treasurer Salvador Alcántar at salvador AT 
gmail.com by 30 September 2014. You will get a confirmation that your 
application came through.


If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me and/or the 
committee as a whole. We are happy to chat or have a phone call with 
anyone about our work, if this helps them decide to apply. Please 
distribute this call among your networks, and do apply if you are 
interested.


Best regards,
Carlos Colina
Chair, Affiliations Committee

[1]: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee (please 
follow the links and familiarize yourself with our work)
[2]: Our member standards of participation are at: 
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Affiliations_Committee/Resolutions/Standard_of_participation_%E2%80%93_September_2012


--
"*Jülüjain wane mmakat* ein kapülain tü alijunakalirua jee wayuukanairua 
junain ekerolaa alümüin supüshuwayale etijaanaka. Ayatashi waya junain."

Carlos M. Colina
Vicepresidente, A.C. Wikimedia Venezuela | RIF J-40129321-2 | 
www.wikimedia.org.ve 

Chair, Wikimedia Foundation Affiliations Committee
Phone: +972-52-4869915
Twitter: @maor_x
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
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