Global Resource Distribution Committee/Creation of the interim GRDC/Candidates/Azogbonon

Azogbonon (Azogbonon)

Preferred name	Azogbonon
Language capabilities (native or professional / advanced / basic)	French: is his mother tongue, english: progressive
Region and country you identify with	Afrique subsaharienne / Bénin
Interim GRDC seats you are running for and why (regional volunteer/thematic volunteer)	Sub-Saharan Africa
Do you have any topic or area of specialization within the Wikimedia movement? (max 1000 characters)	I make a point of promoting Wikimedia projects in my region and community. My approach focuses on training new volunteers by offering them projects that match their interests, so that they don't limit themselves to a single type of commitment. To this end, I develop mentoring programs and, in collaboration with more experienced members, launch initiatives and campaigns designed to energize the life of the movement. My commitment is based on my availability and on promoting equity within the movement.
Have you ever held any role or position, either current or past, in the Wikimedia movement? (max 1000 characters)	I've been an active member of the community for over five years. In my early days as a volunteer, I acquired skills in contribution as well as leadership. Later, I organized several campaigns within my community. When the MENA & SSA regional fund committee was set up, I was one of the first signatories until 2025, enabling me to actively participate in grant-making decisions with the communities in these regions. This guarantees the organization and animation of the life of the movement, while respecting the confidentiality required in these decision-making processes. Since 2024, I've also been part of the international organizing team for the Wiki Loves Folklore campaign.
Why are you interested in the interim GRDC and what can you contribute? (max 1000 characters)	I would like to join the interim CDRG to actively participate in the governance of the Wikimedia movement and ensure a more balanced representation of local communities. Thanks to my experience in organizing campaigns and activities, supporting volunteers and managing regional funds, I can bring an inclusive and equitable approach to decision-making processes. My commitment will be to strengthen community participation, optimize funding arrangements and promote equity to ensure a smooth transition to a sustainable structure.
Please share any volunteering or professional experience relevant for the interim GRDC (role, organization, years) (max 1000 characters)	Since setting up the MENA & SSA regional fund committee over three years ago, I've gained solid experience in decision-making, reinforced by training and daily meetings dedicated to grant management. Making decisions isn't always easy, but it has taught me the importance of listening, empathizing and communicating to explain every action and ensure mutual understanding with my colleagues. These experiences have enriched my expertise in governance and community accompaniment, skills that are essential if I am to contribute effectively to the GRDC on an interim basis. For me, this involvement is a natural extension of my role.
Describe your skills and experience relevant to the interim GRDC (max 1500 characters)	Over the past three years, I have developed solid experience in project management, decision-making and governance, notably as a member of the MENA & SSA regional fund committee. My involvement in grant management has enabled me to acquire skills in needs assessment, fair allocation of resources and conflict management. I learned to listen carefully and communicate clearly and inclusively with all stakeholders to ensure transparent decision-making. In addition, my experience in campaign organization and training has strengthened my ability to stimulate community involvement, a major asset for contributing to the CDRG on an interim basis.
Describe your understanding of the Wikimedia Movement's current resource distribution process. (max 1500 characters)	The current system for distributing resources within the Wikimedia movement is based on a decentralized approach, where funding is allocated to projects and communities according to their specific needs and the potential impact of their actions. Grant applications are submitted by community groups, individuals or organizations, who must demonstrate the expected impact of their projects, taking into account criteria such as alignment with the movement's overall objectives, long-term viability and inclusiveness. These requests are then evaluated by regional committees or other competent bodies, who judge their feasibility, relevance and ability to support Wikimedia's mission. The process emphasizes transparency, the exchange of information and the active participation of local communities in the decision-making process, thus ensuring a fair and efficient distribution of resources. The aim is to support projects that promote the growth and diversity of the movement, while respecting the principles of autonomy and collaboration between the various stakeholders.
How do you think the GRDC could improve the current situation and which priorities do you think it should have? (max 1500 characters)	The GRDC priorities should include promoting inclusiveness by supporting projects affecting under-represented communities, improving the sustainability of funded initiatives, and strengthening cooperation between different regions. The GRDC could improve the current situation by making the resource distribution process more transparent and accessible, while promoting better communication between the players involved. It would also be beneficial to simplify the grant application process, making it easier to understand and use, especially for smaller communities. In addition, offer stronger support to local projects, providing them with specific coaching to ensure their success.
By the end of the pilot in two years, what should the GRDC have accomplished and how should we measure its success? (max 1500 characters)	In two years' time, at the end of the pilot project, the GRDC should have put in place a clearer, more accessible and fairer resource distribution process, particularly for communities that are often under-represented. It will have strengthened cooperation between regions and supported local projects that will have a lasting impact. The GRDC should have established a support system for grant recipients, to maximize the chances of success of funded projects. The success of this pilot project could be measured by an increase in the number of grants awarded to various projects, by the satisfaction of beneficiary communities, and by the concrete results generated by these projects in local communities. Other success criteria would include the simplification of administrative procedures for accessing funding, and improved cooperation between the various players in the movement.