Movement Charter/Supplementary Document/Movement Organization Membership Policy
 | These supplementary documents are provided by the Movement Charter Drafting Committee for information purposes, and to provide further context on the Wikimedia Movement Charter’s content. They are not part of the Charter, and therefore are not included in the ratification vote, but they have been developed during the course of the MCDC’s research and consultation process. They include several types of documents:
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Context: The Movement Organization Membership Policy below assumes the current landscape of affiliates.
The membership policy regulates specific aspects of the management of member organizations within the Wikimedia Movement. It is a living document that is changed based on the identified needs of and development goals for Wikimedia member organizations. These changes are made by introducing motions at the Global Council Assembly, with the Global Council Board overseeing the implementation of the policy.
Accreditation criteria[edit]
The accreditation (or acceptance) criteria for members are based on the type of membership an organized group would like to acquire or to which it would like to transition. All members must abide by the Principles of Decision-Making, and need to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to a sustainable organization based on its scope and mission. For Chapters, Thematic Organizations, and Hubs, supporting documents include, but are not limited to, an organizational strategy, implementation plan, risk assessment, and sustainability analysis.
The Global Council sets the strategy and criteria for accreditation. The criteria for and evaluation of these documents are managed by a designated committee under the responsibility of the GC. The actual accreditation is done via a recommendation of this committee, and approved by the GC.
User Group requirements
User Groups must consist of at least three or more Wikimedia project contributors. User Groups must agree to follow the Universal Code of Conduct and all parts of the Movement Charter. A trademark agreement with the Wikimedia Foundation can be signed if required for the work of the User Group, and it is able to fundraise after signing the fundraising policy[1] and fulfilling the requirements outlined there.
Thematic Organization requirements
Thematic Organizations have a specific topical focus area, are required to have a legal structure, and need a clear definition of scope. They are then granted use of Wikimedia trademarks for their work, publicity, and revenue generation.
If Thematic Organizations choose to fundraise, they sign a fundraising agreement with the Wikimedia Foundation.
Chapter requirements
Wikimedia Chapters use a name clearly linking them to Wikimedia, are required to have a legally recognized structure, and are then granted use of Wikimedia trademarks for their work, publicity, and revenue generation. Chapters based on a geographic area can serve as representative bodies for informal groups and other communities not represented on a regional or global level elsewhere.
If chapters choose to fundraise, they sign a fundraising agreement with the Wikimedia Foundation.
Regional and thematic Hub requirements
Hubs may be formed for a variety of purposes, which include but are not limited to, coordinating work, developing revenue streams, pooling and allocating resources, providing various services, and developing strategic frameworks.
Criteria for pilot-hubs are outlined in the Hubs Guidelines. The concrete scope and functionality of the Hubs will be decided by the involved communities and organizations based on their contexts and needs. Hubs must have a clearly described purpose that does not duplicate the work of another movement organization.
The creation process for Hubs consists of: a research phase of the needs of stakeholders; an analysis of the initial and final scope as well as the selection of a suitable name based on that scope; and a project plan for the initial funding phase. Member organizations of a Hub are required to sign a declaration of support that outlines concrete contributions to the functioning of the Hub. Hubs are required to demonstrate a capacity for equitable member-based decision-making and to ensure fair and equitable access to their resources.
Compliance and sanctions[edit]
Compliance with the policies and principles outlined in the Movement Organization Membership Policy is overseen by the designated committee of the Global Council. A compliance check is either part of the funding application or conducted as a separate review every two years.
When an organization is found to not be compliant, the Global Council will make any decisions about sanctions.
Organizations have the right to appeal sanctions through the Independent Dispute Resolution function, which needs to address the appeal within six months.
Examples of sanctions include:
- Temporary/permanent reduction in funding.
- Temporary mandatory oversight of operations by representatives of the Global Council (can be delegated to a hub if appropriate).
- Limitation of international engagements and representative rights.
- Withdrawal of right to use trademarks (in accordance with the trademark holder).
- Suspension of membership.
- Termination of membership.
Notes[edit]
- ↑ The fundraising policy is forthcoming and will be created by the Global Council.