Strategic Planning/Examination of SOPs for WMAU

WMAu Strategic Planning (SP) Group

Subcommittee role: To develop a Strategic Plan, preferably for a defined period.

How do we approach the task of developing a WMAu Strategic Plan? The WMF Strategic Plan represents the core functions of the Wikimedia movement. It therefore can either be tailored to suit WMAu, or be adopted by WMAu in its entirety as a universal core. If the latter is the preferred option, it remains for the subcommittee to establish an all encompassing strategic plan for WMAu. To achieve this we need to identify and therefore incorporate into the plan that which is uniquely required for the WMAu Chapter (envelloping best practice, with an aim to continuous improvement) and also identify what needs to be incorporated in the WMAu document to be sufficiently inclusive in our outreach to nations and communities in the southern hemisphere.

We also need to be mindful of 'timelines' and the need to develop 'drafts'; a kind of part to whole approach to the development of the SP. That is, single reports/papers discussing a given issue/element of the content of a strategic plan.

Keeping this as a focus, below is an outline of what a WMAu strategic plan might possibly entail:

Initially identify what should be included in WMAu's Strategic Plan:

We would at the very least need to look at 'internal needs', such as committee and public officer; and WMAu meetings (using the rules of association as a guide to developing the documentation needed to create guidelines (not rules, but guidelines). The effective operation of WMAu's practices is significant to achieving the core values and establishing pathways for active membership.

In this regard we could examine:

Committee and Public Officer - functions and responsibilities encompassing the key dates in the Chapter's organisational calendar.

Policy - identify and develop guidelines for the development of policy.

Membership - examine recruitment practices; the role of 'active members'; and training methods to achieve an active membership base.

Machine and Equipment - define the hardware, software and training tools required by WMAu to enable and enhance input into the work of Wikimedia by the members.

WMAu Structure - examine the Chapter's structure and identify where it can be aided or enhanced in order to achieve the core goals and values of the Wikimedia movement.

WMF core values - we need to perhaps adopt as part of our SP, the core functions of the Wikimedia movement as laid down in the WMF Strategic Plan (Kerry's document). There are annotations made to the document that are useful suggestions by members of our subcommittee, and I would only add that we do not need to limit our reach in any of the areas of the WMF document, because the core values formulate what will be required in future years, as and how WMAu grows as an organisation. Although keeping in mind that we do need to 'fit' the WMF document to the WMAu Chapter. Therefore we could identify any areas in the WMF document where we can approach an area or issue from a unique WMau position, and make changes accordingly. In essence the WMF document satisfies the movement's raison d'etra in five (5) significent steps, and therefore allows us to focus on these for the development of the WMAu SP, while at the same time tailoring it to suit our Australian experience and need.

The five points are: Infrastructure (stabilisation of); Participation (increase); Quality (improvement of); Outreach (increase efforts); and Innovation (encourage and create).

Finally, I've reviewed all the emailed suggestions from members and committee regarding the SP, and there are a great number of creative ideas to be drawn down and extrapolated on in report form. Hopefully we can compile a report in time for the next AGM. Do we need to adjust the deadline of 30th June further out, and lock in getting a drafted document for the AGM? Keeping in mind that each time we progress in our tasked role (see Terms of Reference for the subcommittee) we present the stages of drafting to WMAu members for comment.