Hi all,
Just to note that I won't be running for re-selection, and as Shani has
also indicated that she won't be re-running, there will be two new WMF
Trustees selected this year.
I want to particularly encourage candidates with community tech, GLAM,
and education experience to consider standing this year, as I personally
think those are topics that the Board would benefit from continued
insights on, and they are areas that Shani and I have been bringing to
the Board these last few years. I want to also particularly encourage
candidates from underrepresented regions / languages / projects to run.
Through serving on the WMF Board, you get to provide high-level
strategic input into the WMF's activities and tackle important global
and Wikimedia-wide topics - of which there are many! It's a very
worthwhile experience. Just as a reminder: this is a volunteer position.
At the same time, it can be very demanding. I was recently elected to
the Royal Astronomical Society's Council (equivalent to its Board), so
that is where I will be focusing my board work in the coming few years.
I'm also looking forward to being able to take time off work for an
actual holiday rather than to attend a Wikimedia conference (although of
course, I'll still be using it to take photos for Commons...!). I'm also
increasingly active in the topic of satellite constellation impacts in
astronomy, which needs more of my time than I currently have available.
Plus I want to get back to editing more again!
If you're considering running for the Board, then I'd be happy to chat
about my experiences on it over the last three years, and/or make
introductions as appropriate. Feel free to share this message with
others who you think would be good candidates!
Thanks,
Mike
On 17/06/2025 16:42, Elections Committee wrote:
Hello all,
The call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of
Trustees selection is now open from June 17, 2025 - July 2, 2025 at
11:59 UTC. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's
work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term <https://
foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term.>. This is a
volunteer position.
This year, the Wikimedia community will vote starting in August and
ending in September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board.
You can see the timeline of the full selection process here <https://
meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/
Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025#Timeline>.
*Traits*
Wikimedia is a global movement and seeks candidates from the broader
community. Ideal candidates are thoughtful, respectful, community-
oriented and align with the Wikimedia Foundation mission. The Board is
looking for candidates with experience guiding organizational strategy,
navigating change, and driving long-term strategic objectives.
Candidates should think about what experiences and perspectives they
will bring to the Board.
The Board would like to find perspectives and voices that are essential
but underrepresented in our movement. Accordingly, all candidates will
be asked to include statements in their application that speak to their
experiences in the world, the perspectives they bring to the movement
and share how these help them to include those not already here.
*Time Commitment for Trustees*
Trustees serve a three year term and can serve up to three consecutive
terms <https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Bylaws#(B)_Term.>. The
expectation is that Trustees serve on at least one of the Board’s
committees <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/
Wikimedia_committees#Board_of_Trustees_committees>. The time commitment
is about 150 hours per year, excluding travel. This time is not evenly
spread throughout the year. The time is concentrated around meetings.
*Requirements to be a Trustee*
English is the language of business for the Board. Candidates must be
fluent in written and spoken English. Previous experience serving on a
collective decision-making body, especially Boards or committees, and
significant experience in Wikimedia (or equivalent) movement building
and organizing are expected from candidates. You can review the
candidate guidelines here. <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/
Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/
Candidate_application>
*How to Apply*
Candidates from all projects and communities who meet the criteria to
become a Wikimedia Trustee are welcome to apply. Could you - or someone
you know - be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of
Trustees? Encourage them to run for election. Candidates can find
information and submit their nomination on the candidate application
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/
Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Candidate_application> page. If you
want to learn more about the role of Trustees or have questions, refer
to this candidate resources <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/
Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/
Resources_for_candidates> page.
*Community questions for candidates*
The questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer have been
published as part of the candidate application. From the list of
questions submitted by the community, the Election Committee selected 5
questions which the candidates are required to answer. Learn more about
the community questions on this Meta-wiki page <https://
meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/
Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates>.
Best regards,
Abhishek Suryawanshi
On behalf of the Elections Committee and the Governance Committee
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