Introductory statement / Application summary (maximum 200 words): Why are you running for the Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee? What would you contribute?
Hello, I am Borschts. As an active Wikipedian from the Chinese Wikipedia community since 2019, I have held various roles and witnessed events like OA2021. This incident, where the Wikimedia Foundation took actions to address security threats within the Chinese projects, highlighted the importance of mechanisms like the UCoC and the U4C committee. I witnessed firsthand the challenges that arise when there are systemic failures in enforcing community guidelines and protecting contributors' safety. Being part of the ESEAP region and identifying as an LGBTQ+ member, I believe I can bring a unique perspective and ensure diversity within the U4C committee. I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency, and ensuring that the voices of minorities and underrepresented groups are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
Please describe your Wikimedia experience (such as contributions to the Wikimedia projects, memberships in Wikimedia organizations or affiliates, experience working on conduct issues in your community, activities as a Wikimedia movement organizer, or participation in building Wikimedia policies).
a member of the WMHKG (Wikimedia Community User Group Hong Kong) and focus on community governance.
Since I focus on anti-LTA and made a few hundred revert and rollback in the course of vandalism fighting, I have held various roles: patroller, abusefilter helper rollbacker, ipblock exempt grantor and template editor on Chinese Wikipedia, a Patroller on Chinese Wikiversity, and an Administrator on Chinese Wikiquote.
a VRT Volunteer, and service in info-zh & steward clerk queue.
a Steward clerk, responsible for assisting stewards by responding VRT and UTRS tickets to help users who affected by global proxy blocks.
Professional Experience, Skills and Education
Please briefly describe 3 situations that show how you worked on, or advised others on, a complex conduct or policy issue. How did you work with others to address the situations?
OA2021 Incident Navigation: During the OA2021 events on Chinese Wikipedia, I was exposed to the difficulties in dealing with infiltrations and potential vulnerabilities for contributors. As a community member, I discussed with other editors and administrators what exactly happened and how Wikimedia Foundation responded. When community members sought clarification about what was said by the Foundation and our approach to this issue, I offered my advice. My efforts were geared towards creating an atmosphere of constructive dialogue where people shared their views freely without fear.
Content disputes mediation: Several times, there have been content disputes on Chinese Wikipedia as regards inclusion of sensitive or controversial information. Here, I have organized meetings between disputing parties in which I have insisted that neutrality, verifiability and adherence to content policies are paramount. In order to come up with a balanced representation of issues while maintaining compliance with Wikipedia’s rules regarding them, I ensured that all sides were able to express their opinions by providing a neutral platform.”
Policy Interpretation Consultancy: I have been frequently approached by Chinese Wikimedians for advice on how to understand different policy statements and directives. Whenever an issue would come up on the applicability of UCoC or enforcement guidelines, a compilation of pertinent documents as well as precedents was made in order that I could purposefully elucidate them. It would be minded that necessary feedbacks were obtained from these groups and ultimately fostered through critical thinking concerning the impact of such policies. We talked openly together and solved this together, looking for a common language respecting our values as a community; also taking into account wider Wikimedia Movement ethics.
Leadership Experience
Can you describe a policy, on wiki or off, that you helped to create or change? What did you learn from this experience?
Recently, I have helped the reform of the management staffing system and set up an ipblock exempt grantor usergroup to cope with the huge backlog of requests on my homewiki.
How have you been able to empower people to make their voices heard?
This becomes possible when individuals listen to and tolerate views divergent from their own, suppress acts that thwart community spirit and stability through the required measures, as well as bring about devices for dealing with actions that manipulate or destroy the tranquility of community; thus promoting an atmosphere of freedom of speech and expression in a safe environment.
Sometimes in professional situations, there are personality conflicts. Explain how you remain productive even with personality conflicts.
When a conflict of values or personalities arises, I remind myself of the importance of common goals and the importance of being right about things. Remaining calm and doing my best to mediate and harmonize is key, and I always remind myself to comment on the content, not the contributors, in times of conflict. If there is a conflict, I will talk to them calmly and listen to their grievances in a personal way. If I can be of reasonable assistance, I am certainly willing to provide support.
Strategic Thinking
In your opinion, how can the U4C be a positive influence in the Wikimedia movement?
By providing consistent implementation of the UCoC across Wikimedia projects, the U4C can help create a safer and more inclusive environment for contributors. This can encourage diverse perspectives and foster a welcoming atmosphere, ultimately strengthening the Wikimedia movement. Also as U4C overseeing the development of UCoC-related training materials and the annual community review process, the U4C can provide guidance and clarity on conduct policies and their implementation. This can help ensure consistency and promote a shared understanding of expectations and best practices across Wikimedia communities. With a diverse and representative composition, the U4C can advocate for the inclusion and representation of underrepresented groups within the Wikimedia movement. This can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.
How would you help the Universal Code of Conduct develop and improve over time?
As times change, some old provisions may no longer be entirely applicable. I would closely monitor new social developments and promptly evaluate whether the code needs to be adjusted to cover emerging situations, such as cyberbullying, new forms of harassment, and other new issues.
