Global Resource Distribution Committee/Creation of the interim GRDC/Candidates/Bijay Chaurasia
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Bijay Chaurasia (Bijay Chaurasia)
[edit]| Preferred name | Bijay Chaurasia | |
|---|---|---|
| Language capabilities (native or professional / advanced / basic) | Nepali (Native), Maithili (Native), Hindi (Advanced), English (Advanced) | |
| Region and country you identify with | Nepal, South Asia | |
| Interim GRDC seats you are running for and why (regional volunteer/thematic volunteer) | I am running for the South Asia regional volunteer seat. I am deeply involved in the Wikimedia movement in South Asia for over a decade, I have first-hand experience in understanding the needs, challenges, and priorities of this region. South Asia represents a diverse and dynamic Wikimedia community with immense potential, and I believe my expertise in resource allocation, grantmaking, and community engagement will contribute to addressing the unique requirements of this region. My commitment to equity and inclusion will help ensure that resources are distributed fairly and transparently. | |
| Do you have any topic or area of specialization within the Wikimedia movement? (max 1000 characters) | My specialization lies in promoting underrepresented languages and communities within the Wikimedia movement, particularly in South Asia. I have extensive experience in organizing outreach and engagement programs to increase participation in Maithili Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. I have also been actively involved in grantmaking processes, logistics planning, and executing large-scale Wikimedia events, ensuring sustainable growth for emerging communities. Additionally, I am skilled in content creation, event management, and fostering international collaboration within Wikimedia. | |
| Have you ever held any role or position, either current or past, in the Wikimedia movement? (max 1000 characters) | I have held key roles within the Wikimedia movement, contributing both online and offline. As an Executive Member and Deputy General Secretary of the Maithili Wikimedians User Group, I actively promote Wikimedia projects and community engagement. I serve as a License Reviewer and File Mover on Wikimedia Commons and contribute to the Commons Photographers User Group. I have led initiatives like Wiki Loves Villages and coordinated Wiki Loves Earth 2016 & 2017 in Nepal, documenting cultural and natural heritage. Additionally, I managed logistics for Wikicamp Nepal 2018 and am part of the Core Organizing Team for Wikimedia South Asia Conference 2026/27.
I have also served as a jury member for international competitions, including WLM 2023, WLE 2023 & 2024, and WLF PH 2023 & 2024, assessing contributions to promote creativity and excellence. These experiences have deepened my understanding of Wikimedia’s processes and strengthened my ability to support the movement’s goals effectively. | |
| Why are you interested in the interim GRDC and what can you contribute? (max 1000 characters) | I am interested in joining the interim GRDC because I believe in the importance of equitable resource distribution to empower diverse communities across the Wikimedia movement. My extensive experience in managing grants, planning events, and fostering collaboration between communities has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in grantmaking.
I can contribute by leveraging my expertise in financial planning, policy implementation, and community engagement to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability in resource allocation. I am passionate about strengthening underrepresented communities and would work towards creating strategies that address their unique needs. | |
| Please share any volunteering or professional experience relevant for the interim GRDC (role, organization, years) (max 1000 characters) | Wikimedia roles Project Head of Wiki Loves Villages, Executive Member & Deputy General Secretary, Maithili Wikimedians User Group, Nepal,
Core Organizing Team Member: Wikimedia South Asia Conference 2026/27
Logistics and Travel Coordinator: Wikicamp Nepal 2018 International Jury Member
Professional expertise Program design, proposal writing, event management, and financial planning for nonprofit organizations
Extensive work in the tourism sector, focusing on community-based initiatives and resource allocation Educational background
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| Describe your skills and experience relevant to the interim GRDC (max 1500 characters) | With over a decade of experience in grant, event coordination, and strategic planning within the Wikimedia movement, I possess a diverse skill set that aligns with the goals of the GRDC. My expertise in grant & resource allocation includes hands-on experience with Wikimedia programs, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with community needs. I have worked extensively in financial planning, managing budgets for large-scale events such as Wikicamp Nepal 2018 & Wiki Loves Villages while ensuring cost-effectiveness and transparency. Additionally, I have collaborated with various NGOs in Nepal, contributing to budget planning and report writing.
I have a proven track record in community engagement, particularly in fostering participation from underrepresented language communities, especially in Maithili Wikipedia & other Wikimedia projects. My policy development experience includes drafting and implementing guidelines focused on thematic priorities, diversity, and equitable resource distribution for NGOs. This has strengthened my ability to create inclusive and impactful strategies. Moreover, my background in program design and logistics enhances my ability to execute projects efficiently, ensuring initiatives are carried out smoothly and achieve intended outcomes. This combination of skills and experience uniquely positions me to contribute effectively to the interim GRDC and support the equitable distribution of resources within the Wikimedia movement. | |
| Describe your understanding of the Wikimedia Movement's current resource distribution process. (max 1500 characters) | The Wikimedia Movement’s current resource distribution process primarily operates through the Wikimedia Community Fund, which encompasses various grants such as the Rapid Fund, Conference & Event Fund, General Support Fund, and Multi-Year Funding. These grants are allocated based on regional and thematic priorities, with Regional Fund Committees playing a crucial role in evaluating applications.
While the current process ensures basic grantmaking structures, it faces challenges such as inconsistent access to resources, limited representation from underrepresented regions, and gaps in addressing thematic and community-specific needs. Transparency and equitable resource allocation remain ongoing priorities to ensure the sustainability and growth of diverse Wikimedia communities. | |
| 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 has the opportunity to significantly enhance the resource distribution process within the Wikimedia movement by focusing on diversity, equity, transparency, and accessibility. A key priority should be the development of funding principles that address the needs of historically underrepresented communities and regions, ensuring equitable resource allocation across the movement.
Transparency can be strengthened through the implementation of clear guidelines and structured feedback mechanisms for grant applications, fostering accountability and trust among stakeholders. Simplifying the grantmaking process is essential to reducing bureaucratic barriers, making funding more accessible to grassroots initiatives and smaller communities. Additionally, fostering collaboration with Regional Fund Committees and the Affiliations Committee is critical to aligning strategies, optimizing resource use, and avoiding duplication of efforts. The GRDC should prioritize addressing the unique challenges faced by emerging communities, increasing representation in decision-making processes, and ensuring that funding decisions align with the Wikimedia’s mission of promoting free and open knowledge globally. | |
| 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) | By the end of the two-year pilot, the GRDC should aim to accomplish key milestones that demonstrate its value and impact on the Wikimedia resource distribution ecosystem.
Firstly, it should establish equitable funding policies that prioritize regional and thematic principles, addressing diverse community needs while ensuring fairness and inclusivity in resource allocation. Secondly, the grant processes should be streamlined, resulting in a user-friendly system with clear criteria and accessible feedback mechanisms to simplify applications and empower communities. Thirdly, the GRDC should work toward strengthening community trust by adopting transparent and accountable decision-making practices, fostering confidence in the allocation of resources. Finally, the GRDC must demonstrate tangible impact through measurable outcomes, such as increased participation from underrepresented regions, successful project execution, and enhanced community engagement. Success should be evaluated using both quantitative metrics, such as the number of funded projects and diversity of grant recipients, and qualitative feedback from communities on the effectiveness and fairness of the resource distribution process. | |