Wikimedia movement affiliates/Models

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In acknowledgement of the diversity of groups contributing to the Wikimedia movement, the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees recognizes models of affiliation within the Wikimedia movement - currently chapters, thematic organizations, and user groups.

History

The current Wikimedia affiliation models was developed by the Movement roles project. Development began in 2010 after discussion at the Chapters meeting 2010 and was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees on March 31, 2012. The Affiliations Committee advises and makes recommendations regarding the recognition and existence of Wikimedia movement affiliates.

Wikimedia movement affiliates models

Affiliates may change from one affiliation model to another, and should prioritize cooperation with one another without hierarchy.

Chapters

Incorporated independent non-profits representing the Wikimedia movement and supporting movement work globally, focused within a geography. Chapters or national/sub-national organizations use a name clearly linking them to Wikimedia and are granted use of Wikimedia trademarks for their work, publicity, and fundraising.

Thematic organizations

Incorporated independent non-profits representing the Wikimedia movement and supporting work focused on a specific theme, topic, subject or issue within or across countries and regions. Thematic organizations use a name clearly linking them to Wikimedia and are granted use of Wikimedia trademarks for their work, publicity, and fundraising.

User groups

Open membership groups with an established contact person and history of projects, designed to be easy to form. User groups may or may not choose to incorporate and are granted limited use of the Wikimedia marks for publicity related to events and projects.

Movement partners (not yet active)

Like-minded organizations that actively support the Wikimedia movement’s work. They are listed publicly and granted limited use of the marks for publicity indicating their support of and collaboration with Wikimedia. Note: This model is currently under development and not yet active. See draft proposals at Wikimedia Affiliates Network and Movement roles project/Movement Partners.

Comparison of requirements for affiliation models

Requirement	Chapters	Thematic organizations	Wikimedia user groups
Minimum active Wikimedia editors	10	10	3
Suggested minimum members	20	20	10
Focus	Geographic	Thematic	Any which advances Wikimedia
Mission aligned with Wikimedia Foundation
Compliance with naming guidelines and trademark policy
Information about group published on a Wikimedia wiki
Plans for activities or efforts to advance Wikimedia projects
Allows new members
Two designated contacts for Wikimedia Foundation
Legally incorporated
Amendable bylaws approved by Affiliations Committee
Two years of activities prior to applying
Requires approval by Wikimedia Foundation Board
Governing board elected by members, including new members
Activity and financial reports posted regularly on Meta-Wiki
Capacity to represent Wikimedia movement in focus area
Typical development time	2-3 years	2-3 years	1-4 months
Projected time for approval	4-6 months	4-6 months	1-3 weeks

Comparison of expectations for affiliation models

Expectation	Chapters	Thematic organizations	Wikimedia user groups
Offline and online activities to support Wikimedia	Multiple each quarter	Multiple each quarter	At least one a year
Notification of changes to governing documents or leadership
Compliance with movement policies and governing principles
Collaboration with other affiliates and projects
Annual report published on Meta-Wiki	Detailed	Detailed	Summary
Maintain expertise within group's scope that is accessible to Wikimedia community
Regular activity and finance reports published on Meta-Wiki
Monitor and engage in communications topics related to to group's scope
Monitor and engage in public policy matters related to group's scope
Represent Wikimedia at public events related to group's scope
Diverse funding sources