Postponement of Volunteer Strategy Gathering
Wikimedia UK has reluctantly decided to postpone the volunteer strategy day
which was scheduled for Saturday 28 February. This will now happen later in
the year. The primary reason for this postponement is that there is more
value to the charity and its volunteers in holding the event later in the
year when a budget will be in place, when the charity has a new CEO and any
pending structural or other changes to the staff team have taken effect.
The event represents a significant investment of volunteer time and effort
and so it is appropriate that we value that time respectfully. Like all
other resources, volunteer time is limited and we do not wish to leave
anyone feeling that their time was wasted because the event took place too
soon.
Please do be assured that conversations that may have happened at the
gathering will still take place. The charity is still very keen to consult
with the volunteers and members on the proposed topics (and any others, of
course) but for the time being these will be focused online rather than in
person. We are looking at hosting regular group conversations online,
either by Google Hangout, Skype or conference call. More information about
the practical details will be made available presently.
Q: Why was the event postponed when it is only three weeks away?
A: We feel that the event will be more helpful later in the year. There
will be more substantial matters upon which volunteers can have a
meaningful influence.Furthermore, the new chief executive will be in post
and they will welcome the chance to engage with as many members of the
community as possible.
Q: When will the new event take place?
A: We are working on the basis that the next volunteer strategy gathering
<https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Volunteer_Strategy_Gathering/2015> will take
place in September. This will give the new CEO plenty of time to establish
themself in the new role and have an understanding of our community and the
charity's needs.
Q: What about the topics up for discussion?
A: The postponement will allow these conversations to be developed, with
the Wikimedia UK Wiki, being the primary channel for this. We are also
piloting using the Education Program Extension
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Education_Program_extension> at the Cinema
Museum editathon
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Program:Wikimedia_UK/Cinema_Museum_2015_%28Spring_2015%29>,
Saturday 7th March and are looking at other opportunities to gain some
experience. If you would like to participate piloting the Education Program
Extension, or have some other innovation that you would like to see tested
please contact: fabian.tompsett(a)wikimedia.org.uk
Q: I have already booked my travel. What happens to my ticket?
A: If you are able to get a refund, please do so. However if a full refund
is not possible, please send us the documentation and we will ensure that
you are not out of pocket.
For all inquiries regarding the ongoing development of our volunteer
strategy, including the future gathering, please contact
fabian.tompsett(a)wikimedia.org.uk
all the best
Fabian Tompsett,
Volunteer Support Organiser,
Wikimedia UK,
Address: 56-64 Leonard St,
Shoreditch,
London EC2A 4LT
Phone:020 7065 0990
*Mobile: *07840 455 746
Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and
Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered
Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT.
United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia
movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who
operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects).
Visit
http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk