Submissions:2025/The Future Role of Wikimedia Affiliates: How Can AffCom Help?
This submission has been noted and is pending review for WikiConference North America 2025.
Title:
- The Future Role of Wikimedia Affiliates: How Can AffCom Help?
Type of session:
- Lecture (15-30 min)
Session theme(s):
- Future of Wikipedia
Abstract:
As Wikipedia and the Wikimedia movement face unprecedented challenges from AI integration, evolving online safety concerns, and emerging technologies, the role of local, regional, and thematic affiliates becomes increasingly critical. The Affiliations Committee (AffCom) is reimagining how affiliate organizations can adapt and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.
During our November 2024 strategic retreat, AffCom examined how affiliates can effectively navigate the future of free knowledge creation and distribution. We identified three strategic focus areas essential for building resilient affiliate networks capable of addressing tomorrow's challenges:
Capacity Building: How do we equip Affiliates with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive?
Conflict Resolution: How can we make dispute resolution smoother and more effective?
Affiliate Model Evolution: How do we ensure that Affiliates grow and evolve in alignment with the Movement’s needs?
Three dedicated working groups now advance these initiatives, comprised of AffCom Voting Members, Advisory Members, and Board Liaisons. Our approach emphasizes preparing affiliates to be proactive partners in shaping Wikipedia's future.
This session will provide an overview of the current work of AffCom, an update on these three efforts, and an invitation for feedback and discussion on AffCom’s work so far. The goal is to explore how AffCom can continue to support a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable Movement that empowers free knowledge for all.
Author name(s):
Wikimedia username(s):
- FULBERT
Affiliated organization(s):
- Affiliations Committee (AffCom)
Estimated length of session
- 30 minutes
Will you be presenting remotely?
- I will present in-person
Okay to livestream?
- Livestreaming is okay
Previously presented?
- Our committee is hoping to present something related to this at Wikimania
Special requests:
- We welcome attendee input on this, so any room set-up that allows for input, such as roaming microphones and somebody to monitor remote participant questions or thoughts, would be helpful.