All 2013 projects | Key theme 1: Focusing on the communities – Goal 1: Collaboration – Change 1.1: The association’s new role

Project description: Supporting the new understanding of our role

WMDE will take an active part in debates to ensure that many well-founded opinions receive the attention they deserve and to support decision-making processes. (P1)

Contact / Project Manager: Nicole Lieger, Denis Barthel (Team Communities)
Total budget: €20,000

Implementation period: January 8, 2013 – November 1, 2013

What is the project about?

Wikimedia Deutschland wants to improve the flow of communication from and to other parts of the Wikimedia project communities and develop ways of getting involved that the communities regard as fitting and constructive. We want to find forums in which the numerous important aspects of topics and positions can become connected and that facilitate option-finding and decision-making processes. We aim to use both the experience and expertise of community members and Wikimedia Deutschland and, where useful, external input such as studies and material from other online projects.

How will this project help us meet our annual goals?

A new understanding of the role of Wikimedia Deutschland is not a small, separate project that can be achieved by the Wikimedia Deutschland office alone. The new understanding of our role must develop within the office as a whole and in interaction with the communities, and be reflected in all our projects. This includes the way in which projects are structured and carried out, our communication processes, etc. Through its own conduct and style of communication, the office can inspire and foster such developments. This project serves to support the new understanding of our role, ensure it becomes firmly established, and to encourage shared reflection on this issue together.

What are the key milestones along the way and by when should we reach them?

No.	When	What
1.	First half-year 2013	Strengthening soft skills in the office: Improving forms and channels of communication in Wikipedia and its sister projects; etiquette, common practice, and constructive forms of behavior; positive experiences, sharing best practices. Workshops, courses, discussions, written documents.
2.	First half-year 2013	We will start implementing some projects in which the new understanding of our role is clearly visible; reflection on the experiences made so far, further developing access. Relevant projects here are e.g. supporting the option-finding and decision-making processes for the community projects budget; collecting skills and experience on how to create a motivating working climate (see project 1.2.1).
3.	Third and fourth quarters 2013	Feedback rounds, reflection and adaption / further development of access