Introductory statement / Application summary (maximum 200 words): Why are you running for the Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee? What would you contribute?
I would contribute a breath of experience to the project that is unique to this user. The candidate questions page has much information on what I could offer. I also would like to use this section to give full support on the WMF position on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine unless that final position causes systemic issues within the meta. The article https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Joint_Statement_on_Palestine is an organization join statement, currently in RFD process. If it fails RFD and is deleted, then the U4C would need to look into why as a systemic issue.
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).
Three months after becoming a Wikimedian I received an indefinite block without warning on English Wikipedia as an Admin decided to increase my block from 31 hours to life without contacting me. I don't want that to happen to anyone else. More recently, from March 31-April 7, 2024 I held the newly minted token of the U4C, however clumsily, and influenced some positive change on En Wiki while learning a valuable lesson about my own bahavior within the meta.
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?
I worked with other Wikipedians to increase the "List of Presidents of the United States" to a Featured List. The addition of "National Union Party" in the list is a result of my influence. I've been in a pressure campaign on the English Wikipedia article for Julius Caesar for years now because a level 3 vital article that is a "former featured article" is an embarrassment to the Foundation. I've been in a complex political consensus building endeavor on the "Historical Rankings of U.S. Presidents" article. I've added some critical, although sparse pieces of data on Wikimedia Commons.
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?
I have a lot to learn about the more ambiguous policies, but I've got knowledge of the systemic issues that the U4C will be involved in, especially on En Wikipedia.
How have you been able to empower people to make their voices heard?
My error of metabolism, Phenylketonuria had is access to medication threatened in North Carolina this January. A contract issue led to Blue Cross of NC not being able to cover Specialty Medications in the State, and it had rippling effects through all Health Insurance companies in the State. I challenged them with the North Carolina Government, and the Dept. of Insurance forced a fix. So, I made sure that myself and every other NC resident can get Specialty Medications this year.
Sometimes in professional situations, there are personality conflicts. Explain how you remain productive even with personality conflicts.
Co-workers tend to be better team builders than management that's not on the floor. I want co-equal actors to come to solutions together to the extent possible.
Strategic Thinking
In your opinion, how can the U4C be a positive influence in the Wikimedia movement?
I've had unique experiences in life and as a Wikimedian that could be an asset to the Committee if elected. I'll add here that I fully support the WMF issuing its own statement on Palestine and I believe the call to "prioritize the impartial dissemination of information and accurate, real-time documentation of the current human-caused humanitarian disaster and erasure of cultural heritage" is a pressing concern for the U4C to address once seated if it cannot be addressed by other Co-Equal actors.
How would you help the Universal Code of Conduct develop and improve over time?
My presence on the Committee would be used to lend credence to the Principle of Good Faith and changing the status quo from eliminating the vandals and rifraff to identifying possibly confused, but well meaning new Wikimedians, and endeavoring to foster their potential future contributions.
