Talk:ESEAP Preparatory Council/Proposed theory of change

Feedback from Jessica Stepheson and Sailesh Patnaik

On mission:

(JS & SP)

This is a broad mission and may overlap with affiliates mission. I would say that the ESEAP hub is there to provide services to communities so that they can increase their capacity and representation in the region and wider Movement.

It might be good at this point to state your main audience. Who will be benefited by the services of the hub. I imagine mainly:

Affiliates

Non-affiliated organisers in the region

Underrepresented communities that don't yet have an organised community (?)

On goals:

(JS)

Also as context, it would be good to state where these goals emerged from. What research/consultation happened to define this.

Just a general comment: there is a lot of work in all these 4 areas. I think the prep council could lead a consultation process to prioritise 1 or max 2 services to pilot. I take it the translation/communication piece could be an interesting one to start with!

Maybe this is how you can make a call for general feedback, by asking if 1. the general ToC makes sense as a future plan, 2. The need to start with a few things to test this and invite people to priortise 1 or 2 services that they would like to see in place in the next year.

On Outcomes

(JS)

It is not necessary to do this now. I think is already a robust plan. But I would try to make some of these outcomes more concrete so that you can measure them in future.

On "Develop a “Newbies handbook” for the ESEAP Hub and region."

(JS)

love this idea!

On "Decision-making processes"

(JS)

It seems that the governance would be constructed as part of the process is that correct?

In order to start piloting the hub I imagine you would need a form of decision-making to get started with the service you will provide and hiring of any staff and management of that staff. Could it be possible to start with a smallish steering committee of some sort and then review if this needs adjustments as you implement (including the Charter pieced, etc). Robertsky (talk) 12:12, 18 September 2024 (UTC)

Separate communication and translation

Could we consider splitting Goal 1: Communications into two separate goals, eg

1. Improving engagement by diverse community languages and projects through translation
2. Enhancing communication in ways that address language differences, times zones, culture and distance

Rationale:

• calls out the importance of language diversity as well as translation - which is a real need/strength of our region (for instance it would be great to catalogue/audit the language projects across ESEAP and to list these in one place
• there are distinct skill sets, personnel, costs, activities etc required for translation
• 5 goals then equate to 5 rows in the table
• removes the need for the clumsy (other) qualifier currently in the second row of the table
• expresses all goals in a positive voice Pru.mitchell (talk) 03:54, 19 September 2024 (UTC)

"empowerment"

Hello. I am translating this document from English to Japanese. May I ask about the words "empower" or "empowerment" in this document? Do you use "empowerment" to mean "to give energy" or "to encourage their feelings"? Or do you use it to mean "to give rights or practical status"? Thank you. 日本語で英語に詳しい方もお願いします。--Kizhiya (talk) 03:41, 10 October 2024 (UTC)

Thanks for this question Kizhiya,

The words "empower" or "empowerment" here refers mostly to "sharing skills and knowledge which will support rights or practical status". This then grows confidence and will "give energy" and "encourage communities" to increase participation.

I hope this helps. BindiS (talk) 12:07, 21 October 2024 (UTC)

@BindiS

Thank you for your answer. "Support and share ways to improve your skills, abilities and knowledge for practical status/rights".That may not work for some people, but this sharing will be helpful for many. That's how I understood it.Thank you! Kizhiya (talk) 23:55, 22 October 2024 (UTC)

Filling the gap

Based on the Theory of Change page for the ESEAP Hub and avoiding existing practices from Wikimedia affiliates or in-country/ local organizations, here are some areas for development:

Enhanced Communication Strategy

Multilingual and Cultural Sensitivity

Ensure communication is adapted to the various languages and cultural nuances within the region. This could involve multilingual newsletters, translation services, and culturally sensitive messaging.

Regular Updates

Implement a schedule for regular updates to keep all regional stakeholders are informed and engaged. This can include monthly newsletters, webinars, and community calls.

Capacity Building

Tailored Training Programs

Develop specific training programs that address the unique needs of different community members that perform multilateral collaboration, including technical skills, project management, and leadership development.

Mentorship Opportunities

Create a mentorship program where experienced Wikimedians in the region can guide and support newer or less experienced Wikimedians in the region, fostering a culture of growth and learning.

Inclusivity and Representation

Targeted Outreach

Actively reach out to underrepresented groups especially locations with no established in-country community groups such as Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Laos, Timor Leste, Mongolia, Pacific island nations to ensure their voices are included. This can involve partnerships with local, multilateral or regional organizations, dedicated outreach campaigns, and inclusive event planning or conferences.

Diverse Leadership

Ensure that the leadership within the hub is representative of the diverse community it serves. This might involve setting diversity goals and providing leadership or high value volunteer opportunities to underrepresented members.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Clear Metrics

Develop clear metrics to measure the impact of initiatives. This can include quantitative metrics (e.g., number of participants, funds obtained) and qualitative metrics (e.g., community satisfaction, online contributory skill improvements).

Data Collection Methods

Use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to collect data from the community, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the hub’s impact.

Sustainability

Partnership Development

Form strategic partnerships with local, multilateral, regional and international organizations to support the hub’s initiatives. This can provide additional resources, or expertise.

Ongoing Funding Develop a diversified microfunding strategy to underrepresented groups (no established in-country community groups I stated above) that includes microgrants and other fund sources to ensure short to medium-term sustainability until they develop into established Wikimedia groups.

Feedback Mechanisms

Accessible Feedback Channels

Establish multiple channels for community feedback, such as online forums, suggestion boxes, and regular feedback sessions.

Responsive Action

Ensure that feedback is not only collected but also acted upon. Communicate back to the community about what actions, changes made, and updates based on their feedback.

That is it. Thank you. --- Exec8 (talk) 10:02, 26 October 2024 (UTC)