Strategy/Wikimedia movement/2017/Process/Considerations

Want to help translate? Translate the missing messages.

This page outlines the considerations in developing the strategy process.

Our goal is to design a conversation that is inclusive of many voices across our movement, and gives people multiple options for participation. In preparation, between now and early 2017 we're learning and listening, reviewing past strategy processes, and developing a process plan to guide our discussions and outputs.

Learning and listening

In preparation for the movement-wide discussions, the Foundation's Executive Director Katherine Maher has collected feedback from the movement and different communities about our future direction. Here are some of the things which were explored:

• Movement strengths
• Hopes or wishes for the future
• Concerns and challenges
• Unmet needs and opportunities
• Best practices
• The potential of Wikimedia as the center of free knowledge.

Katherine has collected feedback during community events, as well as conversations with community members, and with staff and the Board. To make sure this discussion about our future together is inclusive and representative, a more structured movement-wide discussion will begin in early 2017.

Review of past processes

We want to learn from the past. We are reviewing the key learnings, strengths, and weaknesses of past strategic processes (2010-2015 movement-wide strategy, 2014-2016 Foundation strategy consultations). We also want to learn from our peers. We will investigate other strategic processes conducted by similar global mission-driven organizations with large volunteer communities. In this work, we will:

• Review the 2010-2015 strategy process and outcomes.
• Review the opportunities identified in the
  • 2016 Wikimedia Foundation strategic direction (discussion) and the
  • Recommendations (discussion.)

Proposing an inclusive process

Katherine and Foundation staff will put forward a plan for how to conduct our movement-wide conversation, for the purpose of developing a shared direction for our movement. This will be based on the findings from past review and conversations with community members. This plan will include:

• The intended outcome
• Proposed thematic areas
• Critical stakeholders
• Proposed fora for discussion (meetups, on wiki, etc.)
• A timeline
• A budget

If you are interested in proposing ideas for the plan, or reviewing it as it develops, please let us know on the talk page or reach out directly.

Board focus

Katherine is working with the Board to refine the proposed structure of the movement-wide work. Once the Board feels comfortable with the proposed plan, strategic discussions will begin in earnest.