Wikipedia talk:Wikipedia Signpost/2024-07-04/Special report

I say "No" because the following issues, from the bullet points above, need to be resolved:


 * An "Independent Dispute Resolution function" will be put in place to resolve conflicts among movement bodies, theoretically including the WMF.

That needs to be in place from the beginning. I would recommend a mediation procedure be specified, not just the creation of a "function."


 * There’s no mention of how long the terms of GC members are.

Absolutely need term lengths and limits.


 * Unclear if Global Council members are to be paid.

Without resolution in advance, this could be a source of endless headaches.


 * There’s a commitment that certain demographics not dominate the Global Council, so there will most likely be quotas for certain regions, but there are no guarantees.

Please specify the quotas in advance and make them binding.


 * The Global Council defines itself, i.e. its own processes, structures, membership(!) and accountability.

This is asking for trouble. The constitutional document should not be able to be modified solely by the body it governs, but only by the ratifying constituency.


 * GCB election processes are similar to how the WMF board of Trustees is elected, with the same problems of being dominated by members from Europe and North America.

As above, need firm quotas. WaikikiVice (talk) 23:48, 4 July 2024 (UTC)

The number of maximum GBC members (20, 15, …) is still open, see m:Talk:Movement_Charter. Best, —DerHexer (Talk) 10:48, 5 July 2024 (UTC)


 * Further clarity around costs of this new structure is required. The WMF board has an entire legal and finical team which we spend many millions of dollars on a year. I am not seeing duplicating this being a good use of funds, but would such teams be legally permitted to advise the Global Counsel? Doc James  (talk · contribs · email) 14:48, 6 July 2024 (UTC)
 * Duplication of legal and financial staff is not at all proposed in the charter. Of course WMF staff would be permitted to advise the Global Council, as indeed they advised heavily the MCDC in drafting the charter and making sure it met with all of the WMF's legal requirements. Pharos (talk) 16:03, 7 July 2024 (UTC)

WMF Board has voted not to ratify the charter
See mailing list, board resolution, board minutes. Only board member opposed was Mike Peel. --Andreas JN 466 12:15, 11 July 2024 (UTC)