Chapters Dialogue/Fazit

Conclusion: Tough questions All the conflicts that are described in this report are based on causes that are deep rooted and that haven’t been tackled so far. None of these conflicts can be viewed in isolation, and no simple solution can be developed without a profound understanding and frank conversations about the causes in the first place. To enable the movement to thoroughly address these issues, it must take a step back and reconsider. Anything else would again only be a patching over of symptoms, and the movement would find itself confronted with the same problems over and over again. The Chapters Dialogue therefore considers that it would be highly irresponsible to suggest solutions to any of the described issues. Instead, we have distilled tough questions from the insights that need to be addressed urgently and answered in an open and comprehensive manner: What do we as a movement want to achieve? Do we run a website or foster Free Knowledge? Why are we doing the things we do, and what for? How do we define impact when exploring new territory? And how do we measure success? What is the role of the Wikimedia Foundation? How do we want to communicate with each other? How can we build the necessary empathy and learn from each other? How can we overcome the old narrative and perceptions? Where does the money come from and where should it go? Should money be the limiting factor when striving for Free Knowledge? What movement framework is best suited to fulfil the Wikimedia mission? The current way things are at present inhibits the movement from striving effectively for Free Knowledge. Instead of using its full potential to further its mission, it revolves around itself. The common mission is at serious risk if the movement won’t tackle the causes of its problems. Complaining is easy, finding solutions is hard. The tough questions can only be approached in a structured and professional way, with dedication and commitment. There is no point in tinkering with the symptoms and finding single-problem solutions. The interviews carried out as part of the Chapters Dialogue were a safe way to bring the critical conversations and rumours to the surface. The insights now clearly point to the elephant in the room. They provide a comprehensive overview; one that we never had before. The Chapters Dialogue does not present simple solutions, but does put forward a recommendation. These insights need to be built upon and a sequel needs to be initiated. Design of a framework We need to reflect on what has made the movement successful so far. What do we take with us, and what do we leave behind? Imagine a movement that is built on trust, that stands united, and that is capable of leading an open dialogue. A movement with clarity about its impact and roles as well as stability to strive for changing the world. A Wikimedia that balances independence and committed obligations. A change of perspectives is essential to overcome the perceptions and old narratives that are still etched in the Wikimedia memory. Only a deep and profound understanding can provide the basis for change. As a result of the Chapters Dialogue, we recommend initiating a project that builds on these insights and takes the experience of other movements and organisations into account. The next step must be the design of a framework for the Wikimedia movement within which it can work strongly and effectively towards its mission in a professional way, yet stay true to its grassroots and maintain its diversity. The sequel aims at closely coordinating with the WMF Board of Trustees and Executive Director, and at adopting a participatory and culturally appropriate approach. It leads to the design of a set of specific recommendations for action. By sticking to an iterative development and an agile implementation process, this approach will ensure the involvement and ownership of the key movement players. Working with pilot projects prevents the movement from stagnating and can show first results in less than a year. We consider this next step essential for the movement to unfold its full potential in the future.

You can check the summary of the report Zusammenfassung Lost in report? Here's a site map of the whole report. Go back to Understand why WMDE did this project.