2025:Program/Shrinking civic spaces: Challenges and Strategies for the Wikimedia Communitys
Session title: Shrinking civic spaces: Challenges and Strategies for the Wikimedia Communitys
- Session type: Workshop - 85 minutes
- Track: Community Health
- Language: en
In many regions of the world governmental and non-governmental actors are increasingly restricting the space for civil society engagement. The term ‘shrinking spaces’ describes this phenomenon and has significant implications on volunteering. This workshop will begin with an overview of global trends in civic spaces, highlighting the latest developments. We explore the concept of shrinking civic spaces and take a look at the current developments shown by the civicus monitor tracking civic spaces all over the world. Participants will then engage in small group discussions to explore the impact of social and political shifts on the Wikimedia Movement. Key questions include the extent to which restrictions affect their engagement, the strategies they have developed to navigate challenges, and what others can learn from their experiences. By leveraging the collective expertise of the global Wikimedia community, we aim to develop approaches to solutions, options for actions and mutual support.
Description
In many regions of the world governmental and non-governmental actors are increasingly restricting the space for civil society engagement. The term ‘shrinking spaces’ describes this phenomenon and has significant implications on volunteering. While some regions maintain strong civic initiatives, others face growing restrictions and mistrust, and in many places, civic action is met with severe repression.
This workshop will begin with an overview of global trends in civic spaces, highlighting the latest developments. We explore the concept of shrinking civic spaces and take a look at the current developments shown by the civicus monitor tracking civic spaces and further research. Following this introduction, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the impact of social and political changes on the Wikimedia Movement in small confidential groups. The following questions are discussed in the small groups: To what extent do restrictions or attacks from governmental or non-governmental actors limit your community’s or organization's involvement in the Wikimedia Movement? What strategies have you developed to navigate these challenges? What can others learn from your experiences? How can we support each other? We then summarise and discuss the results of the last two questions in plenary. The aim of the session is to raise awareness of how important it is to work together for a strong civil society and free spaces for civic engagement. We want to learn from each other what experiences we have already had with shrinking civic space and how we have dealt with it. Last not least we work together on concrete solutions and options for action for the Wikimedia communities.
Impulse & Facilitation Maiken Hagemeister, Head of Communication & Advocacy, WMDE Nina Leseberg, Head of Community & Engagement, WMDE
- How does your session relate to the event theme, Wikimania@20 – Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability?
The session connects to Inclusivity by addressing barriers that limit volunteering in Wikimedia and exploring ways to support volunteers facing restrictions. It contributes to Sustainability by sharing strategies for a resilient Wikimedia Movement.
- What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?
Average knowledge about Wikimedia projects or activities
Resources
Speakers
- Nina Leseberg
- Nina has been Head of Communities & Engagement at WMDE since January 2024. Before that, she worked for 20 years in organisations that support volunteering and civil society organisations, e.g. at the German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering, the Association of German Foundations and the Berlin Senate Chancellery.
- Maiken Hagemeister
- Maiken is Head of Communications & Advocacy at WMDE and has extensive experience in cultural and educational communication with both print and online media. As Head of Communications at the German Library Association for many years and previously at various cultural institutions, including the Münchner Kammerspiele and the Deutsches Theater Berlin, she has the expertise to strategically shape communication for Freies Wissen.