Funds Dissemination Committee/Nominations/Archive/2012

Funds Dissemination Committee – index Edit
Guiding principles discussion WMF resolution: Wikimedia fundraising principles (10-9-2010) WMF communication: Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees letter regarding fundraising accountability (8-5-2011) Resolution:Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising (1-18-2012) Final Board resolutions (discuss)(3-31-12) | FAQ Overview of relevant data Interview summaries Draft grantmaking survey Funds Dissemination Criteria Table Resource list (for survey preparation) Where the money comes from today Funds Dissemination Committee Funds Dissemination Committee/Feedback Design principles List of design decisions to be made FDC Advisory Group FDC Advisory Group Mailing List Archive Advisory Group Meeting 1 Advisory Group Meeting 2 Operations Framework for creation and initial operation FDC Pledge of Commitment and Conflict of Interest Questionnaire Nominations to serve on the FDC

Wikimedians interested in working as members of the Funds Dissemination Committee should self nominate here. A short background will speed the selection process. The WMF Board plans to have the FDC operational in September, with the announcement of its composition in early September.

Intending applicants should peruse the Membership section at the FDC framework document – in particular, Membership criteria and Membership expectations.

The deadline to submit your candidacy was 23:59 UTC, August 15, 2012.

If you have questions for the candidates, please ask them here.

1. Wikimedia community members submit nominations by 23:59 UTC 15 August 2012
2. List of nominees is narrowed and a short list is identified based on: a) the criteria established in the Framework for the Creation and Initial Operation of the FDC, and b) the responses to questions posed to candidates
3. FDC staff member interviews candidates on short list; the questions are below.
4. Based on notes and feedback from interviews, Board of Trustees and Advisory Group members will select the inaugural FDC members and make an announcement in the second week of September, 2012.

1. Why do you want to serve on the FDC? (The FDC is a committee of volunteers, receiving no reimbursement for their time and efforts other than related travel expenses.)

2. Are you prepared to accept the WMF Board of Trustees' resolutions on the FDC, even if you might disagree with the decisions? (The FDC is not intended as a forum for debating the Board's resolutions.)

3. What experiences of yours do you think will enhance the work and recommendation process of the FDC?

a) Around directing and/or evaluating annual plans and programs?

b) Around grantmaking?

4. How does your history with Wikimedia make you suited for the FDC?

5. How do you describe your style of interaction on teams and in groups?

6. How do you think the FDC should work together to develop a joint recommendation for the Board of Trustees?

7. What do you think are the biggest risks associated with the FDC and its processes? What are your suggestions for mitigating these risks?

8. What are your suggestions for assessing the performance of the FDC?

9. Do you have the time available to fulfill your commitment to the FDC?

a) Read and individually assess entity proposals during the application periods (October and March each year)

b) Participate in FDC training sessions, both by phone and in-person (likely in the first year of serving on the FDC, but there may be refresher trainings as well)

c) Participate in in-person deliberations with the FDC, twice per year (likely early November and early April each year)

d) Follow any relevant discussions on Meta (particularly during and after proposal submission periods)

The questions above will also be asked of Ombudsperson nominees, with the additional questions:

What do you understand to be the Ombudsperson's role?

What are some potential complaints about the FDC process that you believe could be documented with the Ombudsperson, and how might you deal with them?

Nominees who are appointed as FDC members will be expected to attend a series of orientation and training sessions over the next several months. If you are a nominee, please make sure you are able to meet these commitments. Note: these sessions are for confirmed FDC members, once they are officially appointed by the Board of Trustees.

Orientation sessions

• FDC members are expected to attend a series of phone-based trainings (two to three training sessions) from mid-September to the end of October to better understand their responsibilities as FDC members and to start working together to assess proposals. We will offer these sessions at multiple times to accommodate members in different time zones.
  • Orientation session #1, proposed timing:
    • Option 1: Monday September 24, 17:00–19:00 UTC
    • Option 2: Tuesday September 25, 03:00–05:00 UTC
  • Orientation session #2, proposed timing:
    • Option 1: Monday October 1, 17:00–19:00 UTC
    • Option 2: Tuesday October 2, 03:00–05:00 UTC

• Between these sessions, the FDC will elect its chairperson.

FDC chairperson introduction

• Chairperson will publish a note on the FDC portal introducing himself/herself to the Wikimedia community
• This note will include the amount of money that the FDC can allocate and guidance on Round 1 allocation.

In-person training

• In addition, FDC members are expected to attend an in-person session, likely to be held at the WMF offices in San Francisco, Sunday October 28 – Wednesday October 31. During this three-day session, the FDC will meet the board and make its final recommendations to the board on how funds should be allocated in Round 1.

Liridon (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

I'm Liridon, 22, and I live in Struga, Macedonia. I recently graduated BSc in "Computer science" at "South East European University". I've successful experience managing two projects, along the study, each of whom depended on the budget from the sponsor. Also this year I participated in the project "Macedonia on Wikipedia" organized by "Wikimedia Macedonia", in which I took second place for the contribution to wikipedia by committee assessment of Ministry of Education in Macedonia source. Now I'm getting ready for new job and next study level "Master", as well as plans for new projects, and hope that participation in "Funds Dissemination Committee" will be part of these projects.

In wiki am since 2008, and Administrator since 2009, about 10500 edits, 441 articles. The biggest part of my contribution is wikiedia in Albanian language, I'm also translator in meta.--Liridon (talk) 19:12, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Chihonglee (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Background

I am a twelve years old Hong Kong people who loves editing wikis a lot... I also know how to make websites with php, html, xhtml... I would like to help wikimedia a lot. Chihonglee (talk) 13:01, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Other info

• Age, 12
  • Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, Asia
  • Education, Secondary S.1
  • Languages, English, Putonghua , Cantonese and Chinese

• Statement:
  • I have as lot experience with the Wikipedia community, because I am a always contributor.
  • I have played a considerable role in preparing projections of over $5Billion for the next Five Years starting at year 2018.
  • My work is to learn

Abdars (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Background

I am a media professional with a steep inclination towards Public Relations. Armed with a Master's Degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, I currently serve in my Alma Mater as Liaison Officer in the University's Development Section. Primarily, my job consists of preparing projects/proposals to seek/generate funds amounting to Millions of Dollars from Government/Semi-Government bodies for various development projects at the University.

I play an important role in dissemination of these funds thus generated and in allocation of these funds to various functionaries of the University. This is intended to translate into judicious allocation of funds and the ultimate development of the University.

Currently aged 29 years and based in Srinagar - India, I first joined Wikipedia in 2006 and since have been contributing in various Wikimedia Projects albeit majorly to Wikipedia English.

I can be valuable to the FDC by virtue of my experience and expertise in dissemination of such huge sums of money, especially in an education institution. IF considered, it would no doubt be an honor, but it would also burden me with a responsibility to give objective recommendations and measured comments.

About Me

• 29
• Based in Srinagar, IN
• On Wikipedia since 2006
• For Wikimedia project experience, please peruse my CentralAuth page. I've been somewhat active since 2012 only although sparsely.
• Masters degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. Currently employed as Liaison Officer at University of Kashmir.
• Languages, English, Urdu, Arabic, and Hindi

Nomination Statement

• I have considerably little experience with the Wikimedia Projects even though I have been a regular visitor to its various projects and a sincere contributor. I believe in neutrality and objectivity besides crispness and clarity of thought while reading and editing.
• I have played a considerable role in preparing projections of over $10Billion for the next Five Years starting 2012.
• I work with missionary zeal and try to deliver to the best of my capabilities and abilities, the task assigned to me. I am intolerant to injustice and would never support what I believe is not adhering to set norms and procedures. I believe outright professionalism should be displayed in all matters in principle and to rise above petty biases.
• I do not share conflicts of interest as I so not affiliate myself with any political group. I have convictions and do tend to be judgmental but I do not impose such notions on my objectivity.
• I have very limited means, but would sincerely be honored to serve to the best of my ability.

I am open to your questions, so please do keep them coming!

Thanks and Regards,

--    abdars  Abdars (talk) 11:47, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Bridgexplorer (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Nomination statement

Mr. Miles is by profession a Professional Civil Engineer, and practicing Project and Contract Manager. He has significant readiness assessment, project management oversight, process improvement, and proposal writing experience and is a specialist in government supply chain management with over seven years Government buying experience. He has served at the DOE Hanford site, and briefly at Freedom Tower's project and on the Hurricane Rita/Katrina relief efforts. He is a strong proponent of bottom's up process improvement techniques, collaborative decision making, and win-win contract negotiations. He has been noted on many occasions for innovation and improvement of government processes he has used throughout his career. He has specialized skills in contract formation and scope development and has taught these skills at various venues. A detailed professional resume is available on request.

Background info

He is also an avid historian and researcher of early British and American history, specializing in the "history of freedom", with a focus and passion on freedom of religion and freedom of conscience issues. There are really few people who have studied this subject more deeply or thoroughly. He has contributed topics and papers internationally at venues such as the the first International Congress for the Michael Servetus Society, in Barcelona. He has also served on his local National Association of Procurement Managers board, and as treasurer of non-profit called Pacific Northwest Cross Connections which matched up mid-high and high school youth with Community Needs. He sponsors all of his family in serving the poorest of the poor in transformative projects in Honduras, and Bolivia. He has taken and assisted in numerous group dynamics training with a focus on transforming communities. He has spent a lifetime researching cross cultural religion dialog from a neutral perspective and has moderated multi-faith dialogues. He has collected a several thousand volume library of the best of the best religious writings and histories from many cultures, focusing on those who clearly moved mankind forward and believes as Gandhi once taught that there is a "golden thread of truth that runs through all religions" and cultures. He is a frequent contributor and researcher for various Wikipedia articles on these subjects.

Other info

• Age, 46
  • Richland, Washington, USA
  • Wikimedian since 2009
  • Wikimedia project experience. I frequently contribute articles on the history of the English Civil Wars in particular. I have found that many of the ideas which found expression in the American Revolution had parallelisms in British History. I believe this is an area that is not fully developed or appreciated and hope to contribute some small amount of insight on these connections.
  • Education, Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Languages, English

• Statement:
  • I have little experience with the Wikipedia community, though I am a frequent contributor. I believe in the principles of factual research, fairness, and neutrality, as I believe truth is served thereby and credibility is gained from a many sided perspective with properly balanced and represented points of view. While I have studied some of these topics for over twenty years, in many ways I am just a beginner as far as Wikipedia is concerned and hope that I can learn much more. I respect the use of 'venerability" as an objective way for a community to discus 'truth' without the necessity of taking sides on important issues.
  • I have routinely managed sets of contracts valued at over $25M/yr as a Contract Officer, and valued over $2/M as a project manager.
  • Currently my day job is funded by competitive construction proposals. I am an expert at the engineering, procurement, construction process and have written the policy manuals for three large engineering companies which manage facilities and infrastructure at government sites.
  • I am consensus oriented, but task-focused, and normally bent on a mission. I admit upfront that I am passionate about injustice and ready to defend the losing side of a cause if I believe they are in the right. It is very much a part of me to care deeply about people, and just as deeply about ideas and concepts. In the cause of doubt, however, I will passionately defend my opponent (or anyone for that matter) for their right to maintain their own beliefs and to have a platform for doing it. I believe that patience, respect, and professionalism are generally the keys to bridge to gaps in the perceptions and that truth is big enough for us to all hold dear.
  • I have no conflicts of interest as I am not solidly affiliated with any religion, political group, or cultural identity other than a passion for objectivity, truth (ok 'verifability'), and honesty. I have deeply personal convictions on how this can happen, but try not to impose these beliefs or expectations on others.
  • I have limited means, but would be honored to serve to the best of my ability.

Bridgexplorer (talk) 05:20, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Mike Peel (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Nomination statement

Mike is Secretary and a trustee of the Wikimedia UK charity (since April 2010), previously serving as Membership Secretary from late 2008 to April 2009, and Chair from April 2009 to April 2010. Mike commands a great deal of respect and trust across our international community, being active behind the scenes and having a long track record of helping deliver events and providing calm stability in some of our most difficult policy development discussions. I personally rely on Mike to take an independent view of our finances, funding and especially grants to ensure we stay on track to deliver the best value for our charitable funds. The FDC needs experience, pragmatism and a strong vision to establish its first year. I can think of no better volunteer than Mike to be in at the start. -- Ashley Van Haeften, Chair of Wikimedia UK. 08:20, 25 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks for the nomination Fæ! Now that the expectations about what to post here are rather more clear than they were back in June, here's my background information and a statement:

• Background info:
  • Age, over 21 (my exact age is irrelevant, but if you want to see it then click 'edit')
  • Location, UK
  • Wikimedian since 2005
  • Wikimedia project experience, see my CentralAuth page. I've contributed a fair amount to enwp (where I'm an admin), commons and en.wikisource over the years, as well as being active here on meta, and also on the WMUK wiki.
  • Wikimedia organisational experience, I was one of the founding members of Wikimedia UK in 2008, and have been a trustee ever since, serving in various roles (currently Secretary).
  • Education, Masters degree in Physics and Astronomy, and PhD in Astrophysics. Currently employed as a postdoctoral researcher of astronomy at Jodrell Bank.
  • Languages, English and Google Translate. Sorry. (Also PHP, C, C++ and IDL. ;-) )
• Statement
  • I believe that I have an excellent understanding of the Wikimedia community, and its philosophies and expectations. Since 2005 (and particularly since 2008) I have had extensive discussions with a large number of representatives of the different aspects of the Wikimedia movement (including the WMF, chapters, community and partner organisations).
  • My involvement with Wikimedia UK over the last 3.5 years has given me extensive experience with the needs of a Wikimedia chapter at a wide range of growth stages - from having a £500 budget and putting together the first activities of the chapter, to hiring part-time employees for the first time for the organisation, to hiring a chief executive, and establishing an office with a wide range of ongoing activities in a large number of different areas and having a budget exceeding £1 million. I have a good understanding of what is possible for an organisation to do at various stages of development; at the same time I have a tendency to push for organisations to develop quickly and effectively in order to effectively further Wikimedia's goals.
  • My day job is funded by grants, so I have a good understanding of the process of applying for funds, the decision-making process, and the importance for making timely and logical decisions.
  • In general, I don't have any sort of axe to grind - I get on with practically everyone, and I will support funding the requests that will best further Wikimedia's mission regardless of the qualifying organisation that submits them. I have spent a lot of my time developing WMUK since that has been the best place for me to invest my time to further Wikimedia's mission, and my experience there has demonstrated that local, country-specific outreach is generally more effective than global-based outreach, but I'm open to being convinced by the WMF otherwise.
  • I do have a conflict of interest due to my involvement in Wikimedia UK, which will be submitting its budget to the FDC. As such I will of course be excluded from decisions relating to WMUK, and I will naturally abstain whenever I feel that this COI carries over to other decisions, but I do not expect this to cause a problem with participating in the rest of the FDC's decisions. I will continue to receive reimbursement of my expenses from WMUK for my WMUK activities, which I trust will not be an issue (although I note that the framework for the FDC may require a WMF board resolution to permit this). I publicly disclose all of my expenses (see wmuk:Trustee Expenses 2012-2013 and wmuk:User:Mike Peel/Workspace), and I always aim to be as transparent as possible - so suggestions for how to make my expenses more transparent would be most welcome.
• If you have any questions, please get in touch! Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 05:16, 4 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Tango (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Qualifications

• Active Wikimedian since 2006 (first edit 2002)
• Former Head of Fundraising, Trustee and Treasurer of WMUK
• Part-qualified actuary (ie. financial services professional focusing on risk)

Statement

I have had a role in the Wikimedia movement's finances since I was appointed Head of Fundraising for Wikimedia UK's first fundraiser in 2009 and have been very active in the various discussions on the subject since then (although I no longer hold any official positions with WMUK or any other Wikimedia entity). In particular, I have been very active in the discussions about the FDC so I feel I am highly aware of the purpose and mission of the FDC and the work that it will do. I am aware of the issues it will face (the known ones, anyway) and the views of the various interested parties that it will need to balance.

I think the creation of the FDC is a very important step forward for the movement and it has a great deal of potential. It can bring much greater legitimacy to funds dissemination than has existed to date. It can also play a very important role in encouraging entities within the movement to make better use of funds and also to make more use of funds. We currently have a lot of very small chapters that do some really good work with very small budgets but that could do a lot more good work. The money is available for that work, but no-one is being proactive in encouraging chapters (and, in the future, other affiliated entities) to come up with ideas for how to spend that money and ask for it. I think the FDC (in conjunction with the WCA) can play a very important role in doing that. In particular, it can do that by making it very clear that funds are disseminated based on who has the best plans for what to do with them (and is able to carry out those plans) and not on anything else. On the FDC, I would be a voice for those smaller entities to make sure they are encouraged to and get the chance to become large entities and aren't drowned out by the already large entities.

Within the movement, I have a reputation for being critical. When I see something I think is wrong, I say so. I would like to think that I also have a reputation for being neutral and impartial. I will criticise anyone and I will come to the defence of anyone - I don't care who they are, just what they are saying/doing. I think this, combined with my Wikimedia and professional experience, makes me ideal for the FDC.

Finally, I think having someone like me on the FDC will dramatically improve its legitimacy. There is risk that the first FDC, being entirely WMF board appointed, will be perceived as a puppet of the WMF. By appointing someone that has a history of being very willing to criticise the WMF, the WMF board can clearly demonstrate that they are serious about making the FDC independent of the WMF. While there are a lot of people that have a history of being critical of the WMF, I think I am one of a much smaller group that also has a track record of being able to work effectively and successfully with the WMF board and staff (which the FDC will need to do, whether it is independent or not).

(I notice this has ended up being quite a long statement. If it is too long, please feel free to move it onto a subpage and I'll write a summary.) --Tango (talk) 17:56, 13 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

FloNight (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Sydney Poore (User:FloNight)

Age: 54

Location: United States (Kentucky, Florida)

Wikimedian since: 2005

WMF volunteer work: Editor on English Wikipedia, Wikiquote, Wikisource, and Commons. Current member of WMF Ombudsmen Commission, Fund Dissemination Commission Advisory Group, and have Checkuser and Oversight permissions on Wikipedia English, and Administrator permissions on English Wikipedia and Wikiquote. Former member of Wikipedia English Arbitration Committee. Member of the Community Health task force during the WMF Strategic Planning process.

Statement

I'm one of the current members of the Fund Dissemination Committee Advisory Group (FDC AG). My main goals if I'm appointed to the FDC are:

• Keep the Wikimedia Foundation on mission towards meeting the Strategic Plan.
• Support the diversity of people and groups who are contributing to the movement.
• Maximize the traits of openness, excellence, and innovation in movement programs.
• Assist the WMF Board of Trustees in assuring integrity and accountability of the funds disseminated to affiliated organizations.

Addendum: To avoid a conflict of interest since I nominated myself for the FDC, I'll not participate in any discussion or planning by the Fund Dissemination Committee Advisory Group that pertains to the selection of members of the Fund Dissemination Committee. FloNight (talk) 21:43, 21 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Coren (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

I'm a 43 years old male volunteer from Québec (Canada), and I've been a serious contributor since 2006 (with my first edit sometime in 2003). I've served on the English Wikipedia Arbitration Committee for three years, and I remain an active administrator and Checkuser on that project.

On the relevant experience side, I've been involved in local charities for years as volunteer, observer, and board member. While the scope is different, I'm well acquainted with the difficulties inherent in trying to distribute too few resources to too many meritorious projects and applicants.

My primary philosophy will always remain "How can we do the most improvement with what we have". To do so requires what I call the "little magic": big grants on high-exposure issues make for good press releases and photo ops; but it's the smaller helping hands for the small ideas on neglected projects that will make profound improvement for the movement in the long run. It means paying attention to minority groups, developing communities, and smaller projects; and it means being sensitive to where our projects are less well established and where our reach is weaker (or absent!)

— Coren ^{(talk) / (en-wiki)} 14:15, 19 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

AutoGyro (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Nicholas Michael Bashour (User:AutoGyro)

Age: 26

Location: Permanent: United States (Washington, DC, and Detroit, MI). Temporary: Brussels, Belgium (September - December, 2012), Berlin, Germany (January - May 2013).

Wikimedian since: 2007

Education: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI: Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Biological Sciences, Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Journalism

Professional Experience: Fulbright-Schuman Fellow, ISC Intelligence in Science and Institute for Research Information and Quality Assurance (September 2012-May 2013). Research Fellow, National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (June 2009 - July 2012). For full professional experience, please see my resume.

Wikimedia-related Experience: Deputy coordinator for Wikimania 2012 and member of the Wikimania 2012 bidding team. President of Wikimedia DC (April 2012-October 2012), Vice-President of Wikimedia DC (October 2011-April 2012), member of the Wikimedia DC Board of Directors (October 2011-October 2013) and the Wikimedia DC Founding Board of Directors (May 2011-October 2012).

Languages: Fluent in English and Arabic, intermediate in German.

Statement

My vision for the movement is to expand and enhance outreach to and participation of new entities and groups who are critical to our global mission. My main goals and visions are:

• Encourage groups and organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including GLAM and educational institutions, to participate in Wikimedia Projects and support funding of their programs
• Improve of Wikimedia Projects outside of just Wikipedia, such as Wikibooks, Wikiversity, and Wikisource, by encouraging and advocating for funding of programs that specifically address these projects
• Enhance partnerships with like-minded non-profits and NGOs around the world who are also working toward providing free knowledge resources to people by encouraging FDC funding applications from these organizations
• Encourage programs that support cultural heritage preservation and language revival through Wikimedia Projects by advocating for and supporting funding of these programs
• Encourage Wikimedia Chapters to take a lead in adopting microgrant funding programs that provide small grants to individuals in their community, by supporting and encouraging microgrant components of Chapter FDC grant applications
• Encourage participants in the movement, including WMF and Chapters, to be innovative and think creatively by supporting new and "out of the box" ideas so long as they fit within the overall global vision and mission
• Support and encourage programs that deal with enhancing Wikimedia Projects participants edit quality over quantity by supporting funding of these programs
• Support and encourage innovative projects by Chapters and other on-the-ground organizations that aim to diversify outreach methods to new audiences and potential contributors that have otherwise not been a part of the Wikimedia movement
• Support and encourage greater accountability and transparency from all funded organizations
• Positively highlight and represent the Wikimedia name and brand in all of my activities

Conflict of Interest statement

• As current President and member of the Board of Directors of Wikimedia DC, I would recuse myself of all Wikimedia DC-related funding decisions. In the event that I become no longer a member of Wikimedia DC's Board of Directors, I would continue to recuse myself of Wikimedia DC-related funding decisions for two years after ceasing to be an officer and member of the Board of Directors.

Signed: --AutoGyro (talk) 21:17, 19 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Anders Wennersten (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)
Yger (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA) used when editing articles

Qualifications

• Active Wikimedian since 2007 Puting in some 2000 hours/year writing artciles etc on sv:wp, 140 000 edits)
• Former Treasuser in WM:SE, former member of ChapCom, former member of Audit comitte to the Board. Member of election comittee for WM:SE
• 64 years of age, former senior manager at Telecom company Ericsson, thorough experience from how to make orgsantions work well and how to handle finances to the benefit of the organisation

Statement

My main interest is to set up the orgaanisation so it performs well. Also to have a focus on the balance of the creativity and anthusisiam of the volontary work and the resources and results that extra money can enable. Money must not make todays alert cats (volonteer community) fat and lazy, but alert and strong.

I put in this nomination for the ombudman role too.

Anders Wennersten (talk) 14:04, 21 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Ilario (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

• Age: an unidentified number over 40
• Location: Switzerland/Italy
• Wikimedian experience: Member of the Grant Advisory Committee, founder member and board member of Wikimedia Switzerland, founder member of Wikimedia Italy
• Wikipedian experience: Active wikipedian since 2005
• Education: IUO, Napoli: "Laurea magistrale" (~Master of Arts); SUPSI, Lugano: Executive Master in Advanced Computer Science
• Professional Experience (recent): Starting from 2000 I worked in the IT department of a bank as team leader, after for an multinational insurance company as project manager and now as ICT (Information and Communication Technology) manager for a mid-sized airline company.

Statement

I don't think that my wikimedian vision would be important, I think that I should draw what I would do in the FDC and, mainly, how I can bring my contribute in the FDC.

Basically I would do what I am doing in the Grant Advisory Committee and what I am doing in my job.

In these last years the law in Switzerland is changed in order to implement in every company (also in smaller ones) an internal control system. This internal control system is more restrictive in the airline companies because they are subject also the the airline instructions coming from the FOCA. In my job I manage a departmental budget, equivalent to a budget of a big chapter, I receive the strategies and the guidelines from management, I decide the investments and the recurrent costs following these strategies, I negotiate with suppliers and with contracting parties. There is an internal discussion with the management to approve the final budget following the company strategies and the overall budget. I do it respectful of the IT governance and following some frameworks (mainly COBIT).

I think that the FDC has a similar procedure, even if more elaborate.

My aim would be to help the applicants to understand the philosophy of this procedure, to apply it in order to have also some advantages for their management.

Basically the idea is to invite them to take this procedure not like an "imposition", but like a good practice. This has been also my vision in the Grant Advisory Committee. In this committee I limit my criticism and I try to help the applicants to elaborate some points and to evaluate some specific parameters. My point of attention within this committee are mainly metrics and risk management.

Conflict of interest statement: Even if I think that this statement would be unnecessary as per statement of the membership criteria: "Staff / board members of entities requesting funds from the FDC may serve on the FDC; however, they must recuse themselves from deliberations pertaining to their entity's application", I confirm that, as board member of Wikimedia CH, I am informed about that and I agree with this statement. I am also member of GAC and I have already discussed about that and I know to don't be able to collaborate in both entities, probably I will froze my participation in the GAC until the end of the mandate. In addition I work in a commercial company who has no relation with Wikimedia movement and who cannot take any advantage from this candidature.

--Ilario (talk) 19:46, 22 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Smallbones (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

• Age: 57
• Location: Suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
• Wikimedian since: 2005

• WMF volunteer work: Editor on English Wikipedia and Commons. I work as a writer and photographer on a broad range of topics, but am particularly proud of my work with Wikipedia Project:National Register of Historic Places and have photographed over 1600 NRHP sites. I also work with some GLAM projects and am starting to work on public art projects. I'm an active member of the Fund Dissemination Committee Advisory Group (FDC AG).
• Qualifications: I’m now retired but have taught finance, mostly in MBA programs, in the US and Europe (including Russia, Hungary, and Bosnia). My PhD in finance is from Purdue University and I was a Chartered Financial Analyst until my retirement. I’ve worked as an advisor or member of many committees, including the AmCham committee which established the Moscow MBA Case Competition, the awards of Fulbright Scholarships to Russian applicants, and Dean Search Committees.

Statement

My priorities as a member of the Fund Dissemination Committee would be to:

• Help fulfill the WMF’s goals as stated in the Strategic Plan, and to follow the letter and spirit of the FDC Charter
• Establish the FDC as an active and respected part of the governance of the Wikimedia movement, remaining open to input from all Wikimedians, and helping to disseminate not only funds, but also information on how funds dissemination works, to all members of the community for the community’s benefit.
• Encourage the diversity of people and groups within the movement, especially to groups in the global south, and to others currently under-represented in the community. While funding the activities of these newer, less-known, or under-represented groups may be a difficult challenge, it is also likely to have greater benefit to the community than greatly increased funding for well-established groups.
• Gather information from the community on how they feel funds can best be allocated, make recommendations to the Board based on that community input after thorough investigation of the applicants’ ability to effectively use the funds, and lead the community and the applicants in the search for ways to best measure the effectiveness of spending.
• Help get funds into the hands of those groups who can make the biggest impact in achieving the WMF’s strategic goals, while assuring the Board, donors, and the community that the funds are being responsibly spent.

Smallbones (talk) 18:57, 23 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Attilaalbert (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Age: 39

Location: Berlin, Germany, and Los Angeles (several times a year)

Wikimedian since: 2005

Education: B.A. (Hons.) in Web Development, Middlesex University London; Certified Professional Coach, iPEC Los Angeles

Professional Experience: 20+ years in media and publishing, working as a senior editor for one of the largest newspaper publishing companies in Europe since march 1990 with work experience in New York, London, Budapest. In addition, I have a private coaching practice working internationally with media professionals in professional or personal transitions.

Wikimedia-related Experience: Besides being a WP author since 2005 in fluctuating frequency, I served as a member of the board for Wikimedia Deutschland (Germany) in 2011 involving work with national grant committees among several other activities.

Languages: German, English, intermediate in Hungarian

Statement

Being raised in Hungary (where my father is from), living in Germany and spending regularly extended periods in the United States, I am very aware of the gaps between countries which come together in the Wikimedia movement. This may involve cultural, communicative, financial, organizational aspects among others. I see the FDC as a great opportunity to share knowledge (with the funds), making it a best practice learning experience for all. The WM movements needs both the large-scale and the small local activity, so there is the question of balance that needs to be taken care of.

One general major need - in my view - is the reduction of complexity in WM processes and communication. I see the tendency to overstrain volunteer work by our current setup, scaring away potential new supporters. I hope the FDC can create models and behaviors that inspire chapters worldwide to create an even stronger sense of being one community.

--Attilaalbert (talk) 07:58, 25 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Ali Haidar Khan (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal Information

Name: Ali Haidar Khan (Tonmoy)

Age: 27

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration (Major in Finance), University of Dhaka. Currently doing MBA at IBA, University of Dhaka.

Experience in Wikimedia Movement: Wikimedian since 2008, mostly active in Bangla Wikipedia and Meta. Founder member of Wikimedia Bangladesh. Currently serving as Treasurer of the chapter. Member of Funds Dissemination Committee Advisory Group.

Professional Experience: Working as Appraiser of Loans (credit analyst) in a Dhaka based AAA rated financial institution for 4 years.

Language: Bangla, English, moderate knowledge of Hindi and primary knowledge of French.

Nomination statement

Ali Haidar Khan is an active Wikimedian from Bangladesh and has been involved in both online and offline activities since 2008. He is one of the founders of Wikimedia Bangladesh and played a major role in organizing and drafting the bylaws of the Chapter. Currently, he is a member of the Executive Committee of WMBD and serving as Treasurer. As a member of Funds Dissemination Committee Advisory Group, he played an active role in the formation process of draft FDC proposal. His finance background along with diverse experience in Wikimedia movement would bring great value to the FDC. He has a concrete understanding of organizing Wikimedia activities in a developing country and would also add diversity in the FDC since he comes from an emerging chapter as well as from a different economical region.

— T. 07:36, 9 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Declaration regarding Conflict of Interest

Since I am a member of FDC Advisory Group, I will not take part in any discussion or activity of the Advisory Group related to FDC selection process. - Ali Haidar Khan (Tonmoy) (talk) 19:12, 23 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Pundit (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal Information

Name: Dariusz Jemielniak

Age: 37

Education: M.Sc. in Business Administration (Hons.), Ph.D. in Management

Experience in Wikimedia Movement: editing since 2006, admin on pl-wiki since 2007, bureaucrat on pl-wiki since 2008, formerly ombudsman commission member, currently a steward

Professional experience: tenured associate professor of management, experience with running strategic/vision/mission sessions for companies on national and international level, being a researcher of open-collaboration movement and of knowledge-intensive work with research studies by invitation from Cornell University (2004-2005), Harvard University (2007), University of California Berkeley (2008), and Harvard Law School (2011-2012).

NGO funds-related experience: As grantor: being on several foundations advisory boards (including programs sponsored by Polish-American Freedom Foundation, Interkl@sa ~2003-2007). Since 2006 on Foundation Nida funds dissemination committee for "English Teaching" program (granting funds for innovative English teaching programs in small villages in Poland). Evaluator of projects in a foresight project for the Polish Ministry of Economy. Evaluator of academic projects for the Ministry of Science. As grantee (the main grant application writer): Elected director of "Inkubator" association for one term (1996-1997) with several grants successfully acquired from Polish Children and Youth Foundation and Foundation for Poland. Elected director of "Collegium Invisibile" academic association (established by the Open Society Institite/Soros Foundations) for three terms (1998-2004), with regular annual budgets of ~60k USD acquired through successful grant applications. Since 2009, 3 academic project grant applications successfully written and funded (with budgets of ~40k USD). Other relevant experience: Finished a 300-hour course for fundraisers organized by the International Higher Education Support Program (an OSI organization) in Budapest, Moscow, and Blagoevgrad in 2001. Experience in running sessions on entrepreneurship and business planning for students as well as prospective supervisory board members 2008-2010.

Location: from October 2012 onward: Poland

Languages: pl-n, en-4, de-1, ru-1

Statement

I am well aware of cultural differences between different countries, and in particular between the US and Europe, since a lot of my academic work has been conducted on both continents. I have reasonable experience with consulting in the area of strategy, vision and mission implementation, as well as organizational design (by the use of action research). I also have experience with granting funds and evaluating projects, gained through running an NGO, and through serving on foundations' advisory boards. Through my involvement with Wikimedia movement, as well as through my research on Wikipedia (with a book coming out next year, hopefully, with one of the leading academic publishers) I believe I have gained a good understanding of nuances between the movement's stakeholders (in particular, the foundation-the community-the chapters-the board). While my understanding of finance is clearly operational and just practical, and I cannot claim bringing added value in this area, my expertise in the area of organization studies and strategic implementation seem to be in line with the FDC's purpose and may prove useful. Since I do have experience on funds dissemination committees, I am aware of issues that typically arise in the process of applying and it may have some value as well. Organizationally speaking, I believe that a lot of small tensions (fortunately, we don't have that many major ones) between the stakeholders arise from miscommunication rather than poor governance - within the FDC clear application rules and communication with the community may decide about the institution's overall success or failure. In terms of shared values of importance for the committee, I believe that the effort to reach out to the global South (including the countries geographically in the North) and non-English communities have to be strengthened and supported, and that the Wikimedia movement needs more involvement from non-American participants. Also, covering the gender gap in Wikimedia should be a priority. Pundit (talk) 16:38, 10 August 2012; 14:05, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Solstag (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Ni! I nominate... myself. Short background says I am mostly a Wikiversity contributor who has worked extensively in implementing outreach oriented towards grassroots social movements that may also bring institutions along of their own initiative; and forms of organization for the Wikimedia movement that enable people to work together in large and unequal regions of the world, such as my country of citizenship, Brazil. I currently serve in the Grant Advisory Committee where, besides advising grant proponents and promoting the grants program, I have been making an effort to further improve its processes. Aquele abraço, --Solstag (talk) 18:53, 13 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

RexRowan (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA) {{en:User:RexRowan}}

Personal

• Age: 30
• Location: Wales, UK
• Wikimedian since: July, 2012
• Education: Bsc. Biological Science & Genetics, MITX, HarvardX
• Professional Experience: Young Engineers Club Leader, 2012
• Chief Science Officer, British Naturalists' Association, 2011-2012
• Member, British Science Association, 2011
• Wikimedia-related Experience: Being a WP author since July and graduated from my adoption with excellence. I edit, expand, write new articles and templates. I support the usage of visual media in better explanation of the articles. I get on well with everyone and consider myself as fun to work with. I am willing to learn and feel being fair is important.
• Languages: Chinese, English

• Statement

• I would like to make Wikipedia more approachable for the public and easier to edit like many other popular media templates.

• Encourage female members to learn and contribute to Wikipedia.

• To make Wikipedia not just a source of information but also instruction so people can replicate the procedure anywhere on the planet.

• To have an intelligence and law unit especially designed for investigation, sourcing, verify copyright and legal issues.

• To have a reviewing team checking through all articles before publishing.

• To make Wikipedia content less subjected to interpretation.

• To develop a comprehensive and easy to navigate site map.

Brocach (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

• Age: 53
• Location: Ireland
• Wikimedian since: May 2010
• Education: BA Latin American Studies (Portsmouth), PGDip & MA Ethics & Philosophy (Ulster), PGDip Human Rights Law (Queen's, Belfast)
• Professional Experience: World affairs and politics journalist, reference book writer, university researcher and community development worker 1983-2001; policy worker, and then head of legal service, policy & research in the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, 2001-2011; international human rights consultant since August 2011, specialising in policing and national human rights institutions.
• Wikimedia-related experience: Over 2,300 Wikipedia edits since 2010, mainly on human rights, Irish affairs and sports.
• Languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, some others.

• Statement I started my working life in 1984 with Keesing's Contemporary Archives, a monthly summary of world news that in some ways was a precursor of Wikipedia in seeking to present an objective, reliable, living encyclopaedic reference source. I went on to write and edit political reference books for Longman, Gale and other major publishers (word directories of parties, trade unions, etc.) where again great value was attached to the ability to write clearly, objectively and to the highest standards of accuracy and style. I have been active in the NGO sector for most of my life, including a period as chief officer of a local community development network with over 200 disparate member organisations. More recently, my work in the human rights field (in Central and South-East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and Europe) has further convinced me of the value of making information accessible to everyone. I have tried hard to maintain a constructive and objective approach in all of my WP contributions and, although I work in some pretty contentious subject areas, most of my edits seem to meet with community approval. I have considerable management experience including budgets, planning and grant management, am accustomed to working in international and intercultural environments, and believe that I could make a useful contribution to the FDC's work, particularly in relation to developing countries.

Salah Almhamdi (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Salah Almhamdi (User:Salah Almhamdi)

Age: 27

Location: Tunisia

Occupation: Teacher of English

Wikimedian since: 2009

WMF volunteer work: Editor on English Wikipedia (+50 articles) and Arabic Wikipedia (+350 articles) and Commons. Presented two Wikimedia workshops in Tunisia one of them for a prominent network of civil-society organizations.

Other volunteer work: Global Voices author [1] and TED Talks translator [2]

Languages: Arabic, English and French

Statement

I believe that the FDC should give more importance to individual microgrants, to grant proposals from the Global South and ease and speed the process of chapter creation in order to achieve the strategic goals of the Wikimedia Foundation.

Polimerek (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Tomasz Ganicz (User:Polimerek)

Age: 45

Location: Poland, Łódź

Wikimedian since: 2001

WMF volunteer work: Admin, former checkuser, former ArbCom member of Polish Wikipedia. Still active Polish Wikipedia editor and photographer. Also involved in Wikibooks, Wikimedia Commons, Wikinews. Co-founder of Wikimedia Polska Association (WMPL), former treasurer and current president of Wikimedia Polska. Active member of Grant Advisory Committee

Other volunteer work: Except Wikimedia Polska, I have some experience with other NGO's - Polish Chemical Association (as a member of PR-team responsible for internet - related issues) and OpenStreetMap Poland (member of audit committee). I am also a member of the board of the Coalition for Open Education.

In real life: I am active scientist (Ph.D., D.Sc., polymer chemistry and physics) working as a associate professor in Centre of Molecular Studies of Polish Acad. of Sci. [3]; co-author of 34 papers and 2 patents. I led several industrial grants (for GE Silicones and 3M), as well as 2 "pure science" grants; actually I am leading the grant with budget of roughly 200 k EUR involving 2 full time employees and 2 Ph.D. students.

I am "registered expert" evaluating grant proposals for EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development; actually I was involved in 2 evaluation sessions in Brussels in 2009, and 2010.

Languages/skills

Good (although far from perfect) command of English, basic Russian and of course native Polish; Practical knowledge of the accounting and legal issues regarding NGO's and scientific grant processes. Practical knowledge about copyright law and free licenses.

Statement

I was involved in Wikipedia from almost very beginning. My registration no. in Polish Wikipedia in lucky 7 :-) So, I had occasion to see the changes and progress of international wiki-community for quite long time, which, I believe, give me a sort of historical, long term perspective. I do believe that Wikimedia is actually approaching an intersection on its way. We must be:

1. more global – not only in terms of in how more language versions of Wikipedia we are about to launch, but rather to reach and activate new editors from not only „Global South” but rather „Out of US/Western Europe cultural and economic background corners”, which includes also – for example Itelmens from Kamchatka
2. more open – both in technological (serious change of editor's interface, be more mobile and less US-depending) and social way.

I hope FDC will help to better allocate the funds – by stronger supporting projects which fits "1" and/or "2" and making funds dissemination process more transparent.

My personal experience includes evaluating grant proposals and leading/participating in grant-founded projects both inside Wikimedia movement and outside, so I believe it can be useful for FDC work. My for-money work leave me a relative freedom to travel and be involved in Wikimedia related things.

Conflict of interest statement

Theoretically, as a president of Wikimedia Polska I do have a potential conflict of interest, although in predictable future Wikimedia Polska is not going to be able to apply for money to the FDC as it is not fulfilling several proposed application criteria. See: Fundraising and Funds Dissemination/Funds Dissemination Criteria Table) :-). Moreover, Wikimedia Polska is financially self-sustainable as it developed a unique way of collecting funds without direct participation in WMF fundrising process, so even if we were able to apply, we probably wouldn't.

Stausifr (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Tausif (User:Stausifr)

Age: 23

Location: India

Occupation: Software Engineer

Wikimedian since: 2012

As Wikipedian: An avid contributor for Wikipedia. Spreading the idea of community-based learning and sharing of knowledge. Discovering more on the ideas that drives Wikimedia projects

Languages:English, Tamil and French

Statement

I believe in the ideology that drives Wikimedia projects. I have been reading through and discovering the flow required to improve the participation of potential population which are still not into the Wikimedian ideas and things it does. Wikiversity is one such project that I believe needs more participation, and have been devising resources to increase active participation.

Bletilla (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Fujiyoshi Hiroki (Bletilla)

Age: 49

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Wikimedian since: 2006

As Wikipedian: A positive contributor for Japanese Wikipedia and its sysop. Whilst I am an occasional contributer for other Wikipedia, I self-nominated board of WMF once. I want to spread Wikimedia projects much more.

Languages: Japanese, English(3)

Statement

I do not think voluntary and community-based Wikimedia projects should rely on commercial advertisements. Whilst Wikimedia need more fundraisers instead, many people write and read Wikipedia but less people are contributors (not writers). I believe that checks of quality and the ideology should be necessasy for knowledge-based Wikimedia projects to fundraise them. I will think what Wikipedia projects should and can do for more people to write and read and to fundraise apart from management.

abhijithsince1986 (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Abhijith Jayanthi (User:abhijithsince1986)

Age: 26

Location: India

Education:

• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi: B.Tech in Electrical Engineering (Power)
• NILEM: Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations
• Harvard Divinity School – Harvard University: Summer Leadership Institute
• UNU – MERIT: Certificate in Design and Innovation Policy in Developing Countries
• World Bank Institute: Certificate in Energy Sector Strategies to Support Green Growth
• University of London (Lead College: LSE): B.Sc. in Economics and Management (Pursuing)

Languages:

Fluent: English, Hindi and Telugu

Executive Profile

Abhijith Jayanthi is a First Generation Entrepreneur with Business Strategy & Investment Management Experience in the fields of Renewable Energy, Industrial Infrastructure, IT/ITES and Media & Entertainment. His experience spans areas such a Business Diligence & Strategy, Technology Diligence, Policy Framework, Investment Advisory and Management having worked extensively across India, Middle East and African Geographies.

He currently serves on the board for mid–sized companies, where he is currently responsible for Finance, Strategy and Global Partnerships. Also, he serves as a council member expert on GLG Councils and Technical Consultant to World Bank amongst others.

Outside his business interests, he is passionate about youth empowerment and is/was associated with various International Non-Profits/Bodies, such as TakingITGlobal, The Pixel Project, Amnesty International and UNFPA amongst others. Also, he presently serves as Under Secretary – Information, India at Global Unification International.

Abhijith holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power) from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) and diplomas/certifications in areas of Public Relations & Advertising, Religion (Harvard University), Design and Innovation Policy in Developing Countries (UNU – MERIT) amongst others.

During his free time, he enjoys traveling, exploring new places and has been to 61 Countries.

Fellowships/ Other Committee Roles

• StartingBloc Fellow
• AIESEC Alumnus
• International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa 2008 (ICASA 2008): Co – Chair, Media & Communications Committee – YouthFront
• International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific 2007: Youth Rapporteur
• The New 7 Wonders of the World: National Champion - India

What is my vision for the proposed role?

As we envisage to empower and engage people around the world; there is a growing need to not only reach out, ensure participation and encourage accountability of entities and groups critical for our global mission – but also to build capacity of these entities/groups to achieve their set objectives. The following are few of the points on my agenda for the proposed role:

• The major challenge for organizations from regions with limited success so far, is not willingness but capacity – encourage groups and organizations to partner or work in consortium with like minded non profits and NGOs around the world.
• Improve on Knowledge Sharing Activities such as Forums for sharing of Best Practices amongst organizations/entities that receive funding; mid-term engagement assessments; webinar trainings amongst others.
• Support and encourage programs that deal with enhancing Wikimedia Projects beyond the usual paradigm – which will encourage greater participation in these programs
• Support, encourage and reward greater accountability and transparency from all funded organizations
• Respect, Uphold and Cultivate the values of Wikimedia Movement and represent the interests of Wikimedia Movement whenever called for.

Contact me

If you want to discuss about my candidature or generally say hi and be friends, feel free to contact me:

• Email: abhijith.jayanthi@yahoo.com
• Skype: Abhijithsince1986
• Mobile: +91-9866898311

תומר א. (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

• Age: 29
• Current location: Israel
• Education: B.A in Computer Science and management from The Open University of Israel; Soon to have an M.sc in Computer Science (cryptography - cryptanalysis of symmetric key primitives) from Haifa University.

I joined he.wiki in 2008 and gathered over 14,000 edits; I was an administrator from 2009 to 2010 until I stepped down due to time constraints. I joined Wikimedia Israel on 2009 and was elected as its treasurer and one of its board members in 2010. I was elected as WMIL chairman at 2011 and was elected for a second term earlier this year. I was an OTRS volunteer from 2009 to 2011 dealing mainly and almost alone with the Hebrew queues.

I am currently employed by the University of Haifa as a teaching assistant and a researcher. My previous work experience include being a project manager in an IT project for a box delivery company, a part time CIO of a health care company, the support manager of a Tel-Aviv based start-up company (managing 9+ employees: 2 in Japan, 1 in China, 5 in Israel and 1 in the United States + being indirectly responsible for employees in India, Australia and the UK). Prior to that I was an army captain (commander of a company), the head of the IT branch of the IDF's school of military medicine.

I witnessed and was deeply involved in WMIL's process of growing from a small chapter to become a mature chapter. Much of the success of that process can be credited to the working procedures we set and implemented including: program & budget planning, discussions framework, transparent procedures, and projects evaluation criteria. As a former army man I have much appreciation to written, well known, clear procedures. As a former international manager I have great sensitivity and experience with multiculturalism. I am certain I can contribute from my management experience to the establishment of the FDC.

Tomer A. -- Talk 08:09, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

guilloip (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

• Name; Guillermo Ibañez (User: guilloip)
• Age:41
• Gender:Male
• Location:Argentina
• Langages:Spanish (Native), English (advanced), French (begining).
• Contriburion to Wikimedia: (official) User of wikipedia scince 2005, extended to wikimedia 2011. 61 contributions (from wikipedia records). Unofficially, earlier but dont remember.
• Grade:Physicist
• Postgrade:Currently doing it, about modeling railroad resourse optimization.
• Currente job:Railroad Enterprise as Managment Control Coordinator of Operation. In my job I must deal with budget (with other people, creating and following it), the use of operative resources (mathematical modeling and actual use tracking), participating in creation and evaluation of procedure (methods) documents (interacting with several sectors of the enterprise), team leading, presentations to board, and other issues.
• weakness:my weakest side for being elected is my time (as you can assume from my job description) and my own founds (3 meetings/year means 3 trips outside my country, and it is a little bit expenssive for me. I might run out of money.). But both of these weakness are balanced with my commintment, that will be absolute if I am elected. I am allways online and ready to work.

As a physicist I have always been interested in how fouds should be disseminated in fields that are not easy to meassure as research and culture. I know that even a definition of culture is not easy to do. I guess that being a part of FDC is more related with that kind of questions than with a financial issue. What project should recive more founds? Must all recive the same amount? In culture, as in research, this questions are not easy to answer with the currents monetary parameters. A very sensitive balance should be done betwen popular interest and common good (or currently needed knowledge and basic knowledge) not allowing any of both kill the other, and being specially careful in mantain wikimedia goals and spirit. Should a proyect be evaluated by how useful is for readers current readers or by how important it is even if the amount of readers are small compared with other ones? I guess, being a of the non core FD, in general, and specifically working in FDC gonna be a real challenging task that will demmand our concentration and commitment, specially in not loosing the wikimedia heading (north). I always wanted to contribute to wikipedia and wikimedia, as a way to help to this proyect and pay back all the proyect already given to me. Currently, my contributions were very poors and I find in this call for FDC an oportunity to make a big and challenging one.--Guilloip (talk) 08:35, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Kiril Simeonovski (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal information

• Age: Over 21.
• Location: Macedonia.
• Education: Faculty of Economics, University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius"- Skopje.
• Wikimedia experience: More than 50.000 edits made on several Wikimedia projects since 2008, member of the GAC since 2011, one of the founding members and Board member of Wikimedia Macedonia.

Statement

My interest in working jobs that are relate with the whole Wikimedia Movement arose when Wikimedia Macedonia was founded and we started doing something that makes global benefits for the society. In the last several years I participated in most of the conferences organised inside the Movement which granted me a broader understanding for the current issues. I also got a huge experience in working with finances, mostly by being student in accounting and audit, as well as being Vice President for Finance in Wikimedia Macedonia and doing a similar job for other NGO in my country.

The FDC appears to be a reasonable step in the future development of the Movement, and has a good starting point to positively impact and fuel some money-related things. Most of all, I expect a process of grant making with ease, less bureaucracy and neutrality that should be made by the people volunteering in it. My vision is to see a prolific and effective work of the FDC that will help the donors to trust Wikimedia Movement for donating their money in something that creates values and makes the access to the freedom easier. This can be only arranged if there is a working model that attempts to suitably satisfy the needs of the three interested parties at the same time: donors, grantees and the Wikimedia Foundation.

I really believe that my experience in GAC will help me for the FDC, because the two seem to be related each other with reference to the amounts requested. From this point, there might be a conflict of interest to serve in both of these committees, so I will give up my duties in the GAC if chosen to serve in FDC. Other things that may lead to another conflict of interest is my work within Wikimedia Macedonia, but it seems not to strike me that much for doing these two jobs at the same time.--Kiril Simeonovski (talk) 10:22, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Kumarsahab (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Hello! I take this opportunity to nominate myself for the FDC.

I am a Certified Project Manager. I hold a Post Graduate degree. I am a practicing Senior Management personnel, currently a CIO with a major organization in India.

I wish to use my professional experience of more than 17 years (at 41 years of age) to contribute to the growth of Wikimedia related projects, which I feel is one of the noblest knowledge base on the net.

Best wishes to all other nominations. 11:02, 14 August 2012 (UTC)

Personal

Name: Sandeep

Age: 41

Location: India

Occupation: CIO

Wikimedian: for more than 5 years

Languages:English, Hindi

11:02, 14 August 2012 (UTC)

Perohanych (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Yuri Perohanych (User:Perohanych)

Age: 51

Location: Ukraine, Kyiv

Active Wikimedian since: 2009 (first edit 2006)

Education: Economics and Data Processing (Engineer, 1986), International Law (LLM, 2000)

WMF volunteer work: Patroller, active Ukrainian Wikipedia editor. Also involved in Wikimedia Commons. Co-founder of Wikimedia Ukraine (WMUA), Board Member and Executive Director of Wikimedia Ukraine. Active member of Grant Advisory Committee

Other volunteer work: Except Wikimedia Ukraine, I have some experience with other NGO's, including the Internet Association of Ukraine (member of Internet advertising and Education committees).

In real life: I am the active lobbyist working as a General Director in the Association of IT Enterprises of Ukraine (another NGO).

Languages/skills

Quite good (although not perfect) command in English and Polish, perfect Russian and native Ukrainian; Practical knowledge of the accounting and legal issues regarding NGO's. Practical knowledge in PR, lobbying, event management, office management, copyright law and free licenses.

Statement

I strongly support the free knowledge and the diversity of cultures and languages, so we must be:

1. more global – reach new active editors from as Polimerek said not only «Global South» but rather «Out of US/Western Europe cultural and economic background corners»
2. more decentralized and free — both in in decision making and funds dissemination. I mean more power should be directed to local chapters in the countries, where the chapters are strong and directed by members, and were funds using is transparent
3. more proactive and creative — in outreach, in negotiations with copyright holders, in developing the communities of editors.

I am «a self made man», so I suppose that I know where money come from and that my life experience allows me to recommend the spend the funds with wisdom and use. I believe it can be useful for FDC work. My for-money work leaves me a relative freedom to travel and be involved in Wikimedia related things.

Conflict of interest statement

I do not see them, as the funds, operated by Wikimedia Ukraine is less then 0.1% of the WMF budget. Moreover, I hope that in about 5-10 years the Wikimedia Ukraine will be financially self-sustainable, as there is a chance that the Ukrainian national legislation will develop like in Poland and will allow us to collect funds without direct participation in WMF fundraising process.

--Perohanych (talk) 12:31, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Cidel (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Background

I am currently a twenty three years-old person that studies Physics on the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM in Spanish). I have "Bachillerato LOGSE" (Bachelor) title and the ESO (High School) degree. Also I work in private lessons of Mathematics and Natural Sciences for paying my studies.

Personal

• Age: 23 years-old
• Name: Lorenzo R. Ramírez Ramos
• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Education: (read the Background, please)
• Wikimedian: Upper 6 years (In spanish wikipedia)
• Languages: Spanish (Mother language), Extremaduran Language -Also called Castúo- (Mother language), English (Medium-upper level), French (Medium level)
• Another skills: Programmer in Matlab (Upper level), C++ (Medium-low level)

--Cidel (talk) 18:10, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Rudloff (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

I am a 23 years old French student living in Strasbourg. I have been contributing to the French Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons since 2006. I am currently studying Foreign Languages and Multimedia at the University of Strasbourg and am also working as a freelance web developer.

I am interested in non-profit organization and am the president of StrasWeb, a small association that promotes the open web and free software among students. I am also member of the board of trustees of Animafac, a French association aiming at creating a network of mutual trust and help between student associations.

I am willing to involve more in projects around Wikipedia this year and I am currently working on a project similar to MonmouthpediA as well as Wikipedia workshops in Strasbourg. --Rudloff (talk) 18:12, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Discott (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

• Age: 30 years-old
• Name: Douglas Scott
• Location: Cape Town, South Africa
• Education: BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics; Masters in Public Policy (focus on economic development policy)
• Wikimedian: Upper 6 years (In English Wikipedia)
• Languages: English (fluent), Chinese (intermediate), Afrikaans (intermediate)
• Current job: I am an associate researcher at the Safety Lab, a non-for-profit public safety pilot project incubator that is part of the Cape Town Partnership.

I have been involved in the setting up and/or running of two non-profit organisations and have worked for other large non-profits in South Africa. As such I have direct experience in the funding application process for non-for-profit organisations on a per-project basis. I have been actively involved in local chapter activities in South Africa and Southern Africa for almost two years now. Most recently in Wiki Loves Monuments, Wikipedia Xhosa Language outreach and I am planing to submit a bid for Cape Town to host Wikimania 2014/2015. --Discott (talk) 18:48, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Beeblebrox (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

• Age: 40
• Location:Alaska, USA
• Wikimedian since 2007, en.wp admin since 2009, en.wp oversighter since 2010
• The Foundation already knows my real world identity but I'd be happy to publicy "out" myself if required for service on the FDC

I have been a small business owner for twelve years so I have some experience making difficult financial decisions. As much as we might like to make everybody happy, money is a limited commodity and tough choices have to be made in order to produce the best results for the organization as a whole. Not everyone is going to like every decision you make, but spending money cannot be a popularity contest. That basic philosophy applies to a small company with 10 employees or a global movement with millions of participants. I have worked with government and nonprofit agencies to help provide the services my company offers to the disadvantaged and disabled, so I know a bit about the challenges facing nonprofits already.

As in real life, I have been noted on wiki for a "no nonsense" approach and for finding direct, simple solutions to problems, but I am also always willing to at least listen to ideas that may sound crazy at first. Sometimes they turn out to be the sanest ideas of all. I believe it is important to be honest when offering opinions and to say exactly what you mean, nothing more and nothing less.

I believe strongly in the Foundation's goals regarding diversifying the movement to include more women and more partipants from the developing world. If we are going to spread knowledge everywhere we need to get it from everywhere. Beeblebrox (talk) 00:56, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

jglogau (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Jordan Glogau has been involved with marketing and sales on the Internet since 1995. He has worked for a number of computer and Internet company like DEC, Sharp and IDT and presently at Haiku-Marketing.com. Jordan is involved in Search Engine and Internet Marketing for ecommerce, healthcare, real estate, financing, consumer products and reputation management . He can be contacted at jglogau atphr400.com .

I have been on standards committees since the the 1970's, was on the standards group for SGML. Was a sub contractor to the Department of the Army designing their first internet for publications in 1986, yes, before it, the Internet, was a proper noun. I am 62, very long at the tooth.

Ariconte (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Richard Ames (User:Ariconte)

Age: 65

Location: Sydney, Australia

Wikimedian since: 2004

WMF volunteer work:, Presentations to Probus and U3A groups on Wikipedia, Fund Dissemination Commission Advisory Group.

Bio.: See the "not so Short bio" prepared for the FDC advisory group.

Statement

If I become a FDC member, I would:

• Encourage eligible entities to grow their ability for self funding.
• Assist the Wikimedia Foundation to see some of the non-US points of view.
• Strive for open communication between all the parties.
• Maintain my independence by not becoming a member of any entity.

Recusal: As a member of the FDC Advisory Group I will not participate in the selection of the FDC members.

Personal

Name: Torsten Schlabach (User:TorstenS)

Age: 39

Location: Bulgaria, Smolyan

Arjunaraoc (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Brief Profile

Name: Arjuna Rao Chavala

Age: 49

Location: India (Bangalore, Karnataka)

Wikimedian since: 2007

Education: B.Tech (Electronics& Communication Engg), M.Tech (Computer Science), Management Development Program-IIM, Bangalore

Professional Experience: Over 27 years in Government and Private MNCs, startups,NGOs, with exposure to Global teams. Currently working as an Independent Technologist with focus on Open Source and Program/Engineering Management, Senior Member-IEEE, PMI,PMP,Six Sigma Blackbelt (Honeywell). For full professional experience, please see my resume.

Wikimedia-related Experience: I am a bureaucrat on Telugu Wikipedia and Editor on Telugu Wiktionary, Wikisource and English Wikipedia. I am a co-founder and President of Wikimedia India. I have contributed to WMF Strategic Plan, participated in Wikimania -Gdansk 2010 and Wikimedia Chapters Conference 2011. I have been able to successfully lead bootstrapping of Wikimedia India in the last one and half year of operation while dealing with various challenges.

Languages: Telugu, English, Hindi and Kannada

Statement

If I'm appointed to the FDC, I will:

• Bring my knowledge of the movement, technology and growth challenges and skills to bear on all the tasks before FDC, with special focus on entities with large growth potential and impact to the movement.
• Help build consensus within FDC and beyond on various issues and nurture good practices to bring maximum alignment of all the FDC stakeholders to the strategic plan of Wikimedia movement.
• Ensure FDC ties into the overall Fund management life cycle with larger focus on outcome trends than absolute numbers.

For more information, please read my responses to Questions.

Conflict of Interest statement

My current role with Wikimedia India is expected to end by middle of October -2012. I will recuse myself from FDC discussions, if there are any potential COI as required.--Arjunaraoc (talk) 17:24, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Rich Farmbrough (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

I am interested in serving the movement in this capacity, and feel that I have specific relevant experience, interests and goals to fit the role well. I am also happy to commit the time and energy to the role over the coming two years.

Experience

• Qualified and experienced in technical matters, project management and people management.
• Trustee of two educational charities, one a grant making organization.
• Researcher on Representation on Wikipedia.
• Active on WMF projects (under my own name) for about eight years
• Consultant to and builder of private MediaWiki Wikis

Key interests

• Dynamics of content development
• Matching effort invested to reader needs
• Methods for curation of content
• Bulk content acquisition
• Inter-language co-operation

Key goals

• Removal of barriers to participation
• Increase of accessibility
• Avoidance and resolution of conflict
• Improved reliability and stability without jeopardising openness

FDC vision

My goal would be to ensure that the allocation of funds was

• in line with the mission of the Foundation, and meeting the appropriate guidelines and regulations
• optimised to promote community building and sustainable curatable content
• to make the most effective use of funds
• to ensure that spending is in line with the expectations of the donor community
• to require accountability and control by the grantees

Rich Farmbrough 22:17 15 August 2012 (GMT).

Bahnmoeller (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Brief Profile

Name: Carsten Möller

Age: 53

Location: Germany (Hamburg)

Wikimedian since: 2004

Education: German High School, Certified Shipbroker

Professional Experience: 30 years in the shipping industrie

Wikimedia-related Experience: User, Editor

Languages: German, English

Statement I am open to everything which will be brought on the panel

Conflict of Interest statement

At the moment I think that there is no conflict. --91.60.61.108 18:41, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Castelobranco (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Brief Profile

Name: Michel Castelo Branco

Age: 30

Location: Brazil (Brasília)

Wikimedian since: 2008

Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, Esperanto, English

Professional Experience: I worked for NGO in the past, and now i run wikis and web 2.0 tools for Business Education purposes. I'm Consultant in a Knowledge Management department in a financial institution, where i work for 11 years. I also act as instructor of strategical and operational financial planning in the same organization.

Statement

Hi, i've been contributing to Wikipedia (Portuguese and Esperanto version), and other wikis in Esperanto language (Wiktionary, Wikinews, Wikisource, Wikibooks, Wikiquote). During the last 2 years, i've been involved in Brazilian chapter discussions, regional cooperation (e.g. Iberocoop & teamwork on underrepresented languages) and more recently prospecting potential partnerships for content sharing with cultural institutions, for GLAM-like initiatives. I'm very interested in the issues of Oral History, traditional knowledge and language & cultural diversity. I would like to improve the multiculturalism in this process of funds dissemination, as i think language/cultural centrism can be a barrier for the achievement of our mission. CasteloBranco^msg 18:33, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Amqui (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Brief Profile

Name: JP Béland

Age: 25

Location: Canada (Alberta)

Wikimedian since: 2006

Education: B.Eng (Civil Engineering), B.Sc (Applied Computer) on going, a lot of professional courses on management, leadership and ethics (plus other technical and safety courses irrelevant here).

Professional Experience: For the last 5 years, I'm working as a Manager and Engineer for the Canadian Government (have worked in 4 different provinces) and I have worked in southern countries (Barbados and Haiti) including assistance in hurricane and earthquake relief within Canada and aboard. I have been involved in humanitarian assistance and I have followed the Humanitarian Assistance and Response Training of the US Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance which also gave me a good insight on international NGOs organization and some of the cultural challenges faced around the World. I have experience in managing large budgets (such as construction projects, property assets maintenance budget, etc). I also have experience in organizing and managing projects and analyzing them to allocate funds according to priorities. I have experience in writing scopes and strategy plans. Last two years, I was in charge of a construction company of approx. 40 people, but I recently got promoted and now have over 70 people of different trades working for me, so I have good understanding of managing human resources and good administrative skills. Prior to that, I have experience in teaching and information management.

Wikimedia-related Experience: I have been involved on several Wikimedia projects, mainly French Wikipedia, Wikinews, Wikiversity, and Wiktionary, English Wikipedia, Incubator, etc. I'm admin on three Wikipedias (Inuktitut, Cree, and Cheyenne) and test-admin/creator of Wikipedias in the Incubator. I have created the Canadian Aborignal Language Wikipedias Coordination group in order to help in the development of Wikipedia in Native American Languages. I'm a member of Wikimedia Canada.

Grant-related Experience: Other than managing budgets in my primary job, I have experience working with donations and grant on some projects. I have been in charge of a construction project for Habitat for Humanity and a lot of renovations to organisms such as Youth Centres, SPCA and Food Aid which rely solely on donations. I have help those organisations to properly format their requests to get grant or help from the government. I also had to manage requests for such help from different organizations since we cannot fullfil them all.

Languages: French (native) and English (have been tested as fully bilingual by the Canadian's Public Services Test), I can read basic Spanish and Italian.

Statement

I have been involved in several different projects within Wikimedia and I recently started looking at getting involve more seriously. That began by joining the Wikimedia Canada Chapter and starting to explore ways to promote Wikimedia projects as well as reaching Aboriginal communities. I also look to get involve with the recently created Sister Projects Committee and I'm collaborating with the Language Committee to set up a cooperation with the Google Endangered Languages Project. I feel that I would bring a certain experience, despite my young age, to the Funds Dissemination Committee and I have enough free time to invest myself into it seriously. I would also be looking at the experience that being part of the Committee can bring to me. I don't have any conflict of interests and accept to recuse myself from any discussions and decisions towards funding Wikimedia Canada. Amqui (talk) 22:10, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Name: Moushira Elamrawy - مشيرة (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Where else to find me: WMF meta account,Ar WP account

Location: Permanent (Alexandria, Egypt), temporary (Barcelona, Spain from fall 2012 to early summer 2013)

Languages: Arabic (mother tongue), English (very good), French (moderate), Spanish, Catalan, Italian (basic)

Wikimedia experience: I got introduced to Wikimedia as a movement in 2007 through the bid process for Wikimania 2008, which was hosted in Alexandria Egypt, and which I was among the lead coordinators in the local team (mainly for fundrasising and program committee). I later started to edit Arabic Wikipedia in 2008. I mainly create stubs, so my edit count isn't the most impressive, but I do have lots of characters count :-) (am not obsessed with the mere qualitative count, though!) and I am considerably well known around Arabic Wikipedia online and offline. In late 2010, I got more involved with the conversations concerning starting a chapter in Egypt, and to learn more about chapters, I applied for a temporary role among the fundraising team as a coordinator between chapters and WMF, and I was accepted and hired as a contractor. After the 2010 Fundraiser, the plan went completely different, and I had another contract for a role on supporting chapters legal and admin alignment with the movement and providing assistance in program planning, when needed, my role was titled as "chapters relations manager". Starting fall 2011, the chapter load was gradually moving off my plate, and I started to focus on supporting the initiation of the Arabic Language Initiative, another catalyst program along with WMF's similar programs in Brazil and India. I have since been leading the program, including planning, budget design, and taking care of most of the execution (except for the Education program part since it has its own team). Right now am getting ready to move to school in Barcelona, so my official role with WMF as a contractor is likely to end within a few weeks, while I will continue to support the Arabic Wikipedia programs as a volunteer.

General background and professional experience info: I _proudly_ have a non-profit oriented professional background. Before working as contractor for the Foundation, my other major roles where a communication designer in Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a lead architect for a development project funded by the EU, in Sinai desert in Egypt, and a project manager for a development project funded by Cook Foundation in Sahara desert of Morocco.

Statement: Supporting the community in making decision around the global funds is a big responsibility _especially for those have been closely involved with the fundraising process_ which I am willing to contribute to, given my familiarity with existing projects, fundraising process, familiarly with planned projects assessments (for chapters and for Arabic Wikipedia local user groups), and general familiarity with budget planning and projects design whether as part of my work with WMF or before. I also combine familiarity of different hats (volunteer, staff, event planner, etc.) which can help with evaluation and discussion while keeping the different perspectives in mind. Most importantly, I did learn a lot in the last couple of years as a Wikimedia Foundation consultant, where I am willing to contribute my leanings by sharing them in different community roles. This is actually the one main reason why I am applying to FDC. Moushira (talk) 23:24, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

sandeep1986 (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Background

I am a MBA with operations management from mumbai, india. I want to be a member and to show my skill in wikimedia. I am very good in fianance. Currently working as a security manager in reliance industries. User:sandeep1986 (talk)

Anders Wennersten (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Qualifications

• Active Wikimedian since 2007 Puting in some 2000 hours/year writing artciles etc on sv:wp, 135 000 edits)
• Former Treasuser in WM:SE, former member of ChapCom, former member of Audit comitte to the Board. Member of election comittee for WM:SE
• 64 years of age, former senior manager at Telecom company Ericsson, thorough experience from how to make orgsantions work well and how to handle finances to the benefit of the organisation

Statement

My main interest is to set up the orgaanisation so it performs well. Also to have a focus on the balance of the creativity and anthusisiam of the voluntary work and the resources and results that extra money can enable. Money must not make todays alert cats (volunteer community) fat and lazy, but alert and strong.

I put in this nomination also for the memeber role above. Anders Wennersten (talk) 14:04, 21 July 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Pedro De Abreu (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Qualifications Seasoned entrepreneur with management and leadership experience. Also, interested in changing the world for the better.

abhijithsince1986 (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Personal

Name: Abhijith Jayanthi (User:abhijithsince1986)

Age: 26

Location: India

Education:

• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi: B.Tech in Electrical Engineering (Power)
• NILEM: Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations
• Harvard Divinity School – Harvard University: Summer Leadership Institute
• UNU – MERIT: Certificate in Design and Innovation Policy in Developing Countries
• World Bank Institute: Certificate in Energy Sector Strategies to Support Green Growth
• University of London (Lead College: LSE): B.Sc. in Economics and Management (Pursuing)

Languages:

Fluent: English, Hindi and Telugu

Executive Profile

Abhijith Jayanthi is a First Generation Entrepreneur with Business Strategy & Investment Management Experience in the fields of Renewable Energy, Industrial Infrastructure, IT/ITES and Media & Entertainment. His experience spans areas such a Business Diligence & Strategy, Technology Diligence, Policy Framework, Investment Advisory and Management having worked extensively across India, Middle East and African Geographies.

He currently serves on the board for mid–sized companies, where he is currently responsible for Finance, Strategy and Global Partnerships. Also, he serves as a council member expert on GLG Councils and Technical Consultant to World Bank amongst others.

Outside his business interests, he is passionate about youth empowerment and is/was associated with various International Non-Profits/Bodies, such as TakingITGlobal, The Pixel Project, Amnesty International and UNFPA amongst others. Also, he presently serves as Under Secretary – Information, India at Global Unification International.

Abhijith holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power) from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) and diplomas/certifications in areas of Public Relations & Advertising, Religion (Harvard University), Design and Innovation Policy in Developing Countries (UNU – MERIT) amongst others.

During his free time, he enjoys traveling, exploring new places and has been to 61 Countries.

Fellowships/ Other Committee Roles

• StartingBloc Fellow
• AIESEC Alumnus
• International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa 2008 (ICASA 2008): Co – Chair, Media & Communications Committee – YouthFront
• International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific 2007: Youth Rapporteur
• The New 7 Wonders of the World: National Champion - India

What is my vision for the proposed role?

As we envisage to empower and engage people around the world; there is a growing need to reach out, ensure participation and encourage accountability of entities and groups critical for our global mission. The following are few of the points on my agenda for the proposed role:

• Chalk out a procedure document for flagging disputes and grievances followed by suitable procedure to be followed during the resolution - negotiations to resolve the issue (will be presented to the Board/FDC and seek their approvals)
• Ensure an independent, transparent and a a fair dispute resolution procedure is followed for resolving any dispute in a timely manner.
• Improve on Knowledge Sharing - Capacity Building Activities such as webinar trainings amongst others to participants (Stakeholders, funded organizations) on how to file a dispute complaint and the standard procedure that will be followed during dispute resolution.
• Populate and compile disputes/complaints received and mechanisms used to resolve the disputes - A collection of best practices for future reference will be put together.
• Support, encourage and reward greater accountability and transparency from all funded organizations
• Respect, Uphold and Cultivate the values of Wikimedia Movement and represent the interests of Wikimedia Movement whenever called for.

Contact me

If you want to discuss about my candidature or generally say hi and be friends, feel free to contact me:

• Email: abhijith.jayanthi@yahoo.com
• Skype: Abhijithsince1986
• Mobile: +91-9866898311

Cidel (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Background

I am currently a twenty three years-old person that studies Physics on the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM in Spanish). I have "Bachillerato LOGSE" (Bachelor) title and the ESO (High School) degree. Also I work in private lessons of Mathematics and Natural Sciences for paying my studies.

Personal

• Age: 23 years-old
• Name: Lorenzo R. Ramírez Ramos
• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Education: (read the Background, please)
• Wikimedian: Upper 6 years (In spanish wikipedia)
• Languages: Spanish (Mother language), Extremaduran Language -Also called Castúo- (Mother language), English (Medium-upper level), French (Medium level)
• Another skills: Programmer in Matlab (Upper level), C++ (Medium-low level)

--Cidel (talk) 18:10, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Ronns (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

From Mombasa, Kenya. Five years ago I was looking for some information about my country that was not available on the internet; so I created my first article. Since then, I have witnessed Wikipedia become a respected source of information in my country - something I am proud to be part of.

Lankiveil (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

My Wikimedian background is primarily focused on the English language Wikipedia, where I have been an active editor since 2004. In the real world, I work as a business analyst and serve as Treasurer of Wikimedia Australia. I am also pursuing postgraduate studies at the Queensland University of Technology on a part-time basis, concentrating on information management. I'm resident in Brisbane, Australia, and speak fluent English, and have a smattering of Irish, Japanese and German. I have been involved in the Wikimedia grants process for a number of years, as a member of the GAC, as an applicant for grants from the Foundation, and in assessing grants submitted to my chapter, and I am across the process and issues that are involved.

I'm interested in the position because the #1 threat I see to the successful operation of the FDC is that it will not gain legitimacy with the community, and will become seen as simply a veneer of community participation painted over a process that is controlled entirely by the Foundation. Obviously, this would not be in anybody's interest. By acting as a strong, independent and fair ombudsperson, I believe I can help the Board in its goal of making the FDC seen by the community as an independent and fair body.

Akhilaprem (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA) My name is Akhil Aprem. I'm a 16yrs old plus two student, and i'm a Indian lived in Kerala. I'm a active user in malayalam wikipedia. :)

prakashinimishra (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

I am Prakashini 28 and I live in ahmedabad, India. --Prakashinimishra

• R.T.Argenton here
• Rodrigo.Argenton at Commons
• Rodrigo Tetsuo Argenton (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

I am a volunteer of the Wikimedia Brazil, OTRS, Commons ... participated actively in the processes of strategic planning of Wikimedia, and I've been active editor of the Lusophone Wikipedia.

Today my focus as a volunteer of the Wikimedia is spread the free knowledge and the Wikimedia Movement, through outreach activities, lectures, workshops, discussions, among others...

Personal

Name: Tomo Suzuki (Tomo_suzuki)

Age: Mid 20s (born 198x) and the age of majority in both home and residing countries.

Gender: Male

Languages: Ja-N, En-3^{[* 1]}, Ko-1

Location: Current: Pakistan. Permanent: Japan and South Korea.

Occupation: Government employee

Wikimedian since: 2005

WMF volunteer work: Editor and administrator on Japanese Wikipedia. Participants of Wikimania 2011.

Statement

• The fact that I am not affiliated with any active Wikimedia related community will guarantee my fairness as an ombudsperson. While the affiliation itself is not a negative aspect for the qualification as an ombudsperson, deep engagement with management and fundraising roles can jeopardize fairness as an ombudsperson. If I am elected, I will stay away from such engagement during my tenure so that no one would cast doubt that an ombudsperson considers individual or organizational interests either in direct or indirect way.
• I am pursuing my professional career which requires advanced skill of information gathering and analytic from many, mostly conflicting parties. Although I do not consider myself to be fully equipped with the skill yet, such vocational orientation will help me meeting expectation as an ombudsperson.
• I have always tried to be aware of diversity. Two major factors that led me to take the attitude are: I lived and worked in four different countries so far, and my family members consist of three different nationalities. Ombudsperson will receive complaints from people with varieties of background and interests, and I am ready to handle them without prejudice or discrimination.
• I have some understanding of funding distribution process because I took grant proposal class in college, and also helped submitting grant request from Japanese community to Wikimedia Foundation in the past.
• I have involved with policy making process at Japanese Wikipedia, such as implementation of local Oversighter election process. I am well trained to lead constructive discussion in an online environment.

Notes

Risker (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Background

My primary contributions are at English Wikipedia, where I am an editor and administrator; I started contributing in 2005. Since January 2009, I have been a member of that project’s Arbitration Committee, elected to this role twice by that community. As an arbitrator, I have had considerable and extensive involvement in dispute resolution, most notably in public cases. I have also interacted with the broader Wikimedia community, participating in over-arching policy discussions and as an active member of the cross-wiki CheckUser group. In August 2011, I was one of the community scrutineers for the Personal Image Filter plebiscite. I am not a member of any Wikimedia chapter or other formal or informal organization.

Statement

The ombudsman role provides a route for eligible entities and members of the community to report their concerns about the FDC process, and to have them documented, reviewed and (where appropriate) addressed. This is a completely new process, and I anticipate that a significant number of concerns will be identified in the first year or two: how these concerns are dealt with will be important to the success of the FDC. It would be my intention to provide structure and support to the community and the Board of Trustees in addressing both specific and general issues.

Thamizhpparithi Maari (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Dear All: This is Professor Maa. Thamizhpparithi from Periyar University, Salem-636011, Tamil Nadu, India. I have been associated with Wikipedia from 15:41, October 25, 2011. I am one of the high resolution Photo and Video contributor. Recently, I have won the continuous contributor prize from ta.wikipedia.org for Wiki Media Contest.I have documented morethan 5 Government museums in Tamil Nadu and Tamil and Indian ethnic photo, videos; you may visit my Commons contributions. user summary,Counter,edits
Statement:
I was associated with couple of World Bank Projects as a State Level, District Level Project Administrator viz., in Water and Sanitation, Poverty Reduction and Empowerment, HIV/ AIDS control and Women Empowerment. I am having having state level capacity monitoring and disbursements of fund. My wises to the FDC/ Nominations

• Professor of Journalism and Mass communication
• Periyar Univesity, Salem-636011, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Mobile: 91+9750933101,
• Email: tparithi@gmail.com,
• Url:thamizhagam

--Thamizhpparithi Maari (talk) 18:27, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

lusitana (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

• Background info:
  • Name, Susana Morais
  • Age, 33
  • Location, Portugal
  • Wikimedian since 2004
  • Member of Wikimedia Portugal since 2009
  • Languages, Portuguese (mother language), English (experienced user), German (experienced user), Spanish, I can also understand some Italian, a little French, and very little Mandarin. Also I've had, in the last couple of years, some communications experience.
  • Occupation, Industrial Designer
  • Conflict of interest: I am not holding a post in an entity that would compromise the ombudsperson mandate, or that constitutes a potential conflict of interest. Also, my formal role in Wikimedia Portugal is not (or has been) finance related.
• Statement:
  • I believe in the Wikimedia movement and in free knowledge. I have a very good understanding of how chapters function, and especially of small chapters dynamics and its needs for funding. I believe in clear speech and getting to the point. After all these years I like to think of myself as a trusted volunteer that is known for its hard work, transparency and good judgment in difficult situations.
• If you have questions, please get in touch! Thanks. Lusitana (talk) 23:52, 15 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Hi there from Sicily, Italy. I've been participating to this wonderful project for more than two years allready. Even if consensus reality has its bias. Please feel free to contact me on my user page on Wikipedia for public comments. Unfortunately I am with my laptop in the middle of nowhere and my battery is running VERY low. Sorry. Maurice Carbonaro (talk) 17:52, 14 August 2012 (UTC)[reply]