2025:Program/AffCom meets the community at Wikimania 2025

Session title: AffCom meets the community at Wikimania 2025

Session type: Meet-up, exhibition space, social event

Track: Governance & Strategy

Language: en

The Affiliations Committee (AffCom) exhibition at Wikimania 2025 will showcase how AffCom supports Wikimedia communities in forming and sustaining affiliates, including chapters, thematic organizations, and user groups. As a community-driven committee, AffCom provides guidance on starting new organizations, drafting bylaws, and navigating technical, legal, and community challenges. At our stand, attendees will have the chance to meet committee members, learn about the affiliate recognition process, and discuss how affiliation can benefit their local communities. Join us to explore ongoing strategies for empowering affiliates and strengthening community collaboration within the Wikimedia Movement.

Description

The Affiliations Committee (AffCom) exhibition at Wikimania 2025 aims to provide an interactive and informative space for the Wikimedia community to learn more about the role of AffCom and its support for movement affiliates. As a community-run committee, AffCom plays a crucial role in guiding the formation and sustainability of Wikimedia affiliates, including national and subnational chapters, thematic organizations, and user groups. Aims and Objectives: The primary aim of the AffCom exhibition is to increase awareness and understanding of AffCom's mission, functions, and ongoing initiatives. We aim to create a platform where community members can engage directly with AffCom representatives, ask questions, share experiences, and learn about the affiliate recognition process. The specific objectives of the exhibition are: 1. Understanding AffCom’s Role: Educate attendees about AffCom’s mandate, its role within the Wikimedia Movement, and how it supports the creation and growth of affiliates. Provide insights into the process of forming new organizations, drafting bylaws, and addressing challenges related to technical, legal, and community aspects. 2. Showcasing Affiliate Strategy: Share the current and future strategic initiatives of AffCom aimed at strengthening community collaboration and sustainable growth. Discuss how these strategies align with the broader Wikimedia Movement's goals, including inclusivity, impact, and sustainability. 3. Fostering Community Interaction: Facilitate an open space for community members to discuss their ideas, questions, and feedback on AffCom’s ork. Encourage the exchange of best practices and experiences between existing affiliates and those considering forming new ones. 4. Connecting with AffCom Members: Offer attendees the opportunity to meet AffCom members in person, fostering stronger connections and collaborative discussions. Provide direct, personalized advice on how to navigate the affiliation process, maintain recognition, and build resilient communities. Why Visit the AffCom Stand? Visitors to the exhibition stand will benefit from informative displays, printed resources, and one-on-one interactions with committee members. Whether you are an existing affiliate looking to strengthen your community’s impact or a group considering forming a new affiliate, the AffCom stand will offer valuable guidance and practical support. Visual and Interactive Elements: • Infographics: Displaying the affiliation process, from idea to official recognition. • Multimedia Presentations: Highlighting success stories of various affiliates and ongoing strategic initiatives. • Q&A Sessions: An opportunity for personalized interactions and guidance. • Resource Materials: Take-home brochures and contact information for further assistance. Expected Outcomes: By visiting the AffCom exhibition, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to initiate, develop, and sustain Wikimedia affiliates. They will leave equipped with practical knowledge, resources, and connections to further their involvement in the Wikimedia Movement. Join us at the AffCom stand at Wikimania 2025 to learn, share, and collaborate! Let’s work together to empower communities and build a more connected and sustainable Wikimedia Movement.

How does your session relate to the event theme, Wikimania@20 – Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability?

This session aligns with the Wikimania 2025 theme of Inclusivity, Impact, and Sustainability by showcasing how the Affiliations Committee (AffCom) supports diverse Wikimedia communities worldwide. Through guiding the creation and growth of affiliates, AffCom fosters inclusive community participation, strengthens the impact of local and thematic groups, and promotes the long-term sustainability of the Wikimedia Movement. The exhibition will facilitate direct engagement, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among community members, reinforcing AffCom's commitment to empowering Wikimedia communities

What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?

Everyone can participate in this session

Speakers

• jeannette rebecca

Rebecca Jeannette Nyinawumuntu . She is the co-founder of Wikimedia Rwanda and serves as an advisor on the Wikimedia Affiliations Committee (AffCom). Rebecca is also a member of the WikiIndaba Steering Committee (WisCom), actively supporting the growth of Wikimedia communities in Africa Great Lakes. As the founder of Eco Mappers OSM Rwanda, she has led impactful initiatives focused on disaster resilience, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. Rebecca has represented the Wikimedia community at international events, including Wikimania and WikiIndaba, sharing her expertise in fostering community engagement , collaboration and sustainability

• Jeffrey Keefer

yes!