Global Resource Distribution Committee/Creation of the interim GRDC/Candidates/Nskjnv
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| Preferred name | Nethi Sai Kiran | |
|---|---|---|
| Language capabilities (native or professional / advanced / basic) | Telugu(Native) English, Hindi(professional) Gondi, Kolami, Assamese, Marathi, Kannada(basic) | |
| Region and country you identify with | South Asia | |
| Interim GRDC seats you are running for and why (regional volunteer/thematic volunteer) | Thematic(1st), South Asia region (2nd) | |
| Do you have any topic or area of specialization within the Wikimedia movement? (max 1000 characters) | I advocate for Wikimedia projects in Indigenous languages of India, representing underrepresented communities and driving change through community discussions. I founded Boli Cheto in 2023 to promote open knowledge for Indigenous languages like Gondi and Kolami from Telangana and Rabha from Assam. Since starting as a Telugu Wikipedia volunteer in 2020, I’ve contributed to major projects like Wikipedia Pages Wanting Photos and Feminism & Folklore, elevating Telugu Wikimedia globally. As a mentor, I support contributors across the Telugu region and Northeast India. I serve as a global jury member for WPWP and contributed to Movement Charter discussions as an Ambassador. | |
| Have you ever held any role or position, either current or past, in the Wikimedia movement? (max 1000 characters) | I have been actively involved in the Wikimedia movement, contributing to various roles that align with my passion for preserving Indigenous knowledge and languages. As the founder of Boli Cheto Foundation, I have collaborated with Wikimedia projects to document and promote marginalized languages, ensuring their digital presence. I have participated in Wikimedia edit-a-thons and content creation initiatives, focusing on Indigenous culture, history, and linguistic diversity. Additionally, I have engaged with Wikimedia communities, supporting capacity-building efforts and advocating for equitable representation of underrepresented groups. My experience extends to grant applications and project management within the Wikimedia ecosystem, where I have worked on initiatives that align with open knowledge principles. Through these efforts, I have gained insights into Wikimedia's resource distribution processes and movement governance, further strengthening my commitment to fostering inclusivity and sustainability in the movement. My work continues to emphasize cultural preservation, community engagement, and equitable knowledge-sharing. | |
| Why are you interested in the interim GRDC and what can you contribute? (max 1000 characters) | I am interested in the interim GRDC because I believe in equitable resource distribution to empower underrepresented communities in the Wikimedia movement. My work in Indigenous language preservation and digital knowledge has given me insight into the barriers marginalized communities face in accessing resources.
With experience in project management, grant applications, and grassroots initiatives, I can contribute to shaping inclusive and transparent funding policies. I aim to advocate for fair decision-making, ensure accessibility for emerging communities, and help design sustainable frameworks that promote long-term equity. I aim to strengthen resource distribution for a more diverse and inclusive movement. | |
| Please share any volunteering or professional experience relevant for the interim GRDC (role, organization, years) (max 1000 characters) | I have extensive experience in community-driven initiatives, resource distribution, and strategic planning. As the founder of Boli Cheto Foundation (2023 – Present), I lead efforts in Indigenous language preservation through digital platforms, ensuring equitable access to knowledge for marginalized communities.
Additionally, I have worked on grant applications and project management to secure funding for grassroots initiatives. My experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, researchers, and community leaders, has strengthened my skills in financial planning, policy development, and impact assessment. With a background in engineering and social impact, I bring a multidisciplinary approach to resource distribution strategies. | |
| Describe your skills and experience relevant to the interim GRDC (max 1500 characters) | I bring a unique blend of skills in grantmaking, financial planning, policy development, and community engagement, which are highly relevant to the interim GRDC.
As the founder of Boli Cheto Foundation, I have successfully led initiatives focused on Indigenous language preservation and cultural revitalization, securing funding and managing budgets for grassroots projects. My experience in strategic planning and impact assessment ensures that resources are distributed effectively and equitably. Additionally, I have worked with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, researchers, and community leaders, honing my collaboration, negotiation, and decision-making skills. My understanding of Wikimedia’s open knowledge ecosystem further strengthens my ability to contribute meaningfully to resource distribution strategies. | |
| Describe your understanding of the Wikimedia Movement's current resource distribution process. (max 1500 characters) | The Wikimedia Movement’s resource distribution process is designed to support diverse communities through structured funding mechanisms, including the Community Fund, Wikimedia Hub Fund, and Wikimedia Research Fund. These funds empower individuals, communities, and affiliates to advance Wikimedia’s mission, with regional structures ensuring alignment with local needs. However, challenges such as accessibility, transparency, and equitable distribution persist, particularly for underrepresented communities. My experience in community engagement, event organizing, and grant application support enables me to contribute toward making this process more inclusive and efficient. I believe the GRDC can bridge gaps, ensuring fair representation and sustainable growth across the movement. | |
| 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 can enhance the Wikimedia Movement’s resource distribution by increasing transparency, accessibility, and equity. Many underrepresented communities struggle with complex application processes and limited awareness of funding opportunities. The GRDC should prioritize simplifying grant procedures, improving outreach, and fostering capacity-building for emerging communities. It should also work toward equitable distribution by addressing regional disparities and ensuring resources align with community needs rather than solely thematic priorities. Additionally, fostering collaboration between affiliates and refining evaluation metrics can enhance impact assessment. By advocating for a more inclusive and community-driven approach, the GRDC can help strengthen Wikimedia’s global movement sustainably. | |
| 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 its two-year pilot, the GRDC should enhance transparency, equity, and accessibility in Wikimedia’s resource distribution. It should streamline grant processes, improve multilingual support, and ensure greater participation from underrepresented communities. Clearer funding guidelines and reduced regional disparities should be prioritized. Strengthening collaboration between affiliates, committees, and grantees will help align funding with community needs. Additionally, developing robust evaluation metrics will ensure grants create meaningful impact. Success should be measured by increased grant accessibility, grantee feedback, reduced application barriers, and improved representation of diverse communities in funding decisions. | |