Wikimedia Deutschland/Strategic Direction 2030
“Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge.”
In order to make this vision of the worldwide Wikimedia movement a reality, Wikimedia Deutschland commits to embracing the diversity of humanity striving towards comprehensive knowledge equity, and creating an inclusive culture in everything we do.
Wikimedia Deutschland is part of a global network of people, technologies, communities and organizations of free knowledge that impact each other. The vitality of this network comes especially from the volunteers within its communities. Our work within this network, hand in hand with these communities, involves shaping technical elements, helping people connect, and making space for others to co-create.
We approach new technical developments openly and optimistically and examine them critically. In this way, we take on a responsible and supportive role for the development of this network and advocate for a non-commercial, more democratic and open internet. In so doing we are aware of our privileged position and of the power and influence Wikimedia projects have over the knowledge of humankind. Our actions shall always reflect the spirit of this responsibility.
This strategic direction describes Wikimedia Deutschland's part in implementing the global Wikimedia Movement Strategy 2030. We thereby take responsibility for ensuring that a democratically organized Wikimedia Movement develops in a fair and sustainable manner.
On this basis, we as Wikimedia Deutschland’s Supervisory Board, Executive Board, and staff, with the support of our members, commit to achieving the five strategic priorities listed below by 2030:
| Strategic Priorities until 2030 | |
|---|---|
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Strong infrastructure of free knowledge The technical, social, and financial infrastructure of free knowledge should be resilient and sustainable. With the greatest possible participation of the various communities, we shall work to create, maintain, and develop essential elements of this infrastructure as well as potentially no longer supporting less forward-looking and sustainable aspects. |
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Thriving and stable communities We want to nurture and strengthen communities within the free knowledge network that share our vision and values. Toward this goal we shall support existing communities and encourage many more people to join them. |
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Greater diversity and equitable participation We want to make it possible for more people from structurally disadvantaged groups, who have experienced discrimination caused by societal power structures, to meaningfully participate in all areas of our work. By breaking down barriers that currently prevent participation, we intend to fulfill our obligation as an influential player in the network of free knowledge. |
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More usage, easier access We want to see the content of Wikimedia projects used much more by many more people. At the same time, we want to pave the way toward easier and more equitable access to this content. |
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Wider political and social support We shall bring more decision-makers in politics and society to use their skills and influence to create a world in which all people can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. |
This strategic direction intends to provide orientation for the work and decisions of the Wikimedia Deutschland Supervisory Board, Executive Board and staff. In this context, the full text is binding, not just the five priorities, none of which takes precedence over any other.
This strategic direction is based on WMDE’s organizational values and was developed in a participatory process in 2022–23. It is supported by the Supervisory Board, Executive Board and staff, and was approved by the General Assembly in June 2023.
Context[edit]
In 2022, Wikimedia Deutschland embarked on a strategy review to review its strategic framework that was developed in 2018 since much had happened and been learned since then. The Movement Strategy was developed in 2020 but it remained unclear how the Movement Strategy and Wikimedia Deutschland's strategic framework might relate to and enrich each other. Wikimedia Deutschland developed new values for the organization last year. Several programs and teams have grown in new directions and acquired external funding. All of this meant the time was right to review the organization’s strategy.
As a result, Wikimedia Deutschland started its strategy review in the fall of 2022, using the organizational values and the Movement Strategy as a starting point. Goals of this process were (1) formulate a strategic direction for the organization that provides inspiration and orientation for the development of the organization as well as ties together and focusses its work, (2) clarify the connection between Wikimedia Deutschland’s strategic framework and the Movement Strategy. At the same time, the process was NOT meant to develop a complete strategy for the organization because it does not contain concrete, measurable goals with indicators and also no financial planning. The new strategic direction is meant to provide Wikimedia Deutschland with a general direction until 2030, but not define in detail how to get there. It’s supposed to outline the most important elements Wikimedia Deutschland wants to focus on until 2030.
First, the organization dove into an input phase in which several national and international experts from the Wikimedia movement, politics and society gave input and discussed chances and challenges with staff members. In early 2023, a working group created a first draft strategic direction that was then revised several times based on feedback from Wikimedia Deutschland’s Board, staff, members and members from the German-speaking community. Wikimedia Deutschland’s final strategic direction until 2030 was then first decided by the Board in May 2023 and then approved by the General Assembly in June 2023.