This is indeed very disappointing and frustrating. We just came together at a
Wikimania to discuss new collaborations and made plans for new affiliates as
well. I too was motivated to create a new user group in order to strengthen an
underrepresented group in our movement and discussed these ideas with WMF staff
and board as well as AffCom members on site without any hint that this would
futile in the near future. Instead, it would have been helpful to indicate such
decisions before such important gatherings so that we don't waste our time on
plans, timelines, and beyond. Poor timing, I am sorry.
Best,DerHexer
Am Mittwoch, 20. August 2025 um 20:41:36 MESZ hat Jack Glover
<[email protected]> Folgendes geschrieben:
Dear all,
I am writing to share an update regarding the process for the recognition of
new Wikimedia affiliates. My name is Jack Glover and I am on the Committee
Support team that helps facilitate the collaborative work between the Wikimedia
Foundation and Affiliations Committee.
Today I am sharing that as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen movement
governance and improve affiliate support, the Wikimedia Foundation recommended,
and the Affiliations Committee (AffCom), after careful evaluation and
discussions, have agreed to pause the recognition of new User Groups, Chapters,
and Thematic Organizations until March 31, 2026.
This pause is intended to ensure AffCom can confidently recommend new
affiliates in alignment with the evolving strategy to strengthen the ecosystem
of movement organizations. It also allows time to incorporate planned
conversations and feedback from Towards a Healthy Ecosystem of Wikimedia
Organizations, which recommends reviewing whether current affiliate recognition
criteria reflect the movement’s present needs. This pause will create space to
establish clearer and more consistent processes, criteria, and expectations for
recognition, helping avoid decisions that might need to be revisited once
future recognition approaches are finalized.
Until March 31, 2026:
-
The Wikimedia Foundation will pause the signing of new affiliate agreements.
-
The affiliate recognition applications currently in progress will be put on
hold pending necessary updates.
-
Existing agreements or those already in the process of being signed are not
affected by this pause.
-
New applications will not be reviewed until the recognition pause is lifted.
We understand that this news may impact the long-term planning of some groups
planning to seek recognition as a Wikimedia affiliate. It is not intended to
diminish the importance of the work or the value they bring to the Wikimedia
ecosystem. We encourage these groups to continue their activities and to engage
in shaping the future of the movement. Over the past year, AffCom has been
working on three strategic priorities: capacity building, conflict management,
and the affiliate model. For more information, AffCom recently published a Diff
post and hosted a session at Wikimania (YouTube recording) where the committee
shared updates on the strategic work underway. Groups may also request a
meeting with AffCom to discuss their work and aspirations.
All the best,
Jack Glover / User:Xeno (WMF)
Senior Committee Support Manager
Wikimedia Foundation
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