Commons:Commons Photographers User Group/Board Elections 2023

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Commons Photographers User Group/Board Elections 2023

    The election is closed, you can find the results at Commons:Commons Photographers User Group/Board Elections 2023/Results.

    The board elections for the Commons Photographers User Group will start on the 15 September 2023 and will run until 16 December 2023. The process is being run by FN/Frederick Noronha and every effort will be made to conduct a free, impartial and fair election. If you find any issues in the conduct of the poll, kindly mention it on the Talk page alongside, and the same will be addressed publicly and transparently. In the unlikely eventuality of an impasse over any issue, the volunteer polling officer will declare the same and hand back the process to the group to be conducted as per its satisfaction by someone suitable whom the group deems fit. --Fredericknoronha (talk) 18:59, 19 October 2023 (UTC)[reply]

    Commons Photographers User Group
    Commons Photographers User Group

    Elections underway

    [edit]

    Elections for the Commons Photographers User Group Board is currently underway, and the process will be open till Dec 10, 2023. You can endorse candidates below, whom you wish to support. The winners will be decided by those getting the maximum number of votes. There will be no negative voting. Those entitled to vote may endorse any number of candidates they wish to support.Fredericknoronha (talk) 14:01, 19 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]

    Important dates

    [edit]

    Applications invited for the election committee: 15 September 2023 - 30 September 2023

    Vote for election committee (ideally comprised of three members: 01 October 2023 - 09 October 2023

    Election Committee work starts: 10 October 2023

    Nomination phase for candidates: 20 October 2023 - 16 November 2023. (This date has been extended from the original date of 09 November 2023, so as to give interested members more time to file nominations.)

    Elections: 17 November 2023 - 10 December 2023

    Announcement of results: 16 December 2023

    Timings for all deadlines on this page is AoE (Anywhere on Earth)

    Instructions

    [edit]

    For candidates

    [edit]
    • Elections will be held for six posts of the board. The six persons getting the most number of votes will then, from amongst themselves, decide the allocation for the following posts: (i) Chair (ii) Vice-Chair (iii) Treasurer (iv) Secretary (v) Membership Coordinator (vi) Event Coordinator.
    • Only Commons Photographers User Group members who have joined the group on or before 15 September 2023 are eligible to be nominated. Members may nominate themselves.
    • Board members would serve in their personal capacities and not represent the organisations they work for, if any.
    • The committee members would serve for a term of two years.
    • The position would require an average of 4-6 hours per month and attending a majority of conference calls with the committee. Nominees are strongly urged to consider if they have the time to devote to serving in a board member role.
    • Conference calls will as per the desired schedule, and will be set once the board membership has been put in place.
    • As part of their self-nomination, nominees should indicate what they expect to bring to the board in terms of ideas and aspirations. This includes what they will try to apply inside the board to help the user group be more active, diverse and inclusive. References to previous experiences and roles played can be useful to show the practical efficiency of these proposed ideas.
    • Once the board is established, members will decide among themselves what roles they each will fill.
      • Chair: (i) Represents the organisation (positioning the organisation towards third parties will require membership surveys) (ii) Ensures that all board members are engaged and that the board as a whole is effective in its work (iii) Organises quarterly board meetings
      • Vice-Chair: (i) Supports the chair in her/his duties (ii) Stands in for other board members whenever needed and appropriate
      • Treasurer: (i) Manages the financial affairs of the organisation (ii) Provides financial information to support decision-making
      • Secretary: (i) Prepares and submits reports, e.g. annual reports (ii) Takes minutes at board meetings and publishes those minutes as appropriate (iii) Keeps the international Wikimedia community informed about status and work of the user group (e.g. on Wikimedia-l)
      • Membership Coordinator: (i) Keeps the membership list up to date (ii) Greets new members
      • Events Coordinator: (i) Ensures that the user group conducts on average two to four virtual meetings each year (ii) Identifies and invites speakers for virtual meetings (iii) Informs members about upcoming meetings

    As per a decision of the existing CPUG Board, "At least two existing board members should act as advisors to the new board in order to ensure continuity". This may also be noted.

    This is the second elections of the CPUG Board. The first was held in 2021.

    For voters

    [edit]
    • Only the members of the Commons Photographers User Group who were members as of 15 September 2023 are eligible to vote.
    • You can vote support for multiple candidates, but only one vote per candidate. Oppose votes are not allowed, although discussion can happen on the talk page.

    Nominations

    [edit]

    Ailura

    [edit]

    Hi, my name is Andrea, I am active on Wikimedia Commons as sports photographer since 2011 and in the CPUG since 2017. I'm the chair in our first board. I'm living in Austria and could build some experience in the board and the Commons Experts Group of Wikimedia Austria. I've been contributing to the organization of WLM and WLE in Germany and Austria and I'm organizing community events. I want the Usergroup to collaboratively work on making Wikimedia Commons a better place and I want us as an affiliate to serve as a point of contact between our contributors and the WMF.

    Endorsement

    [edit]
    1. --Z thomas 06:50, 23 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    2. --Isiwal (talk) 10:45, 27 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    3. —Matthias Süßen (talk) 20:33, 27 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    4. Bluerasberry (talk) 21:50, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    5.  Support--Pierre André (talk) 22:05, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    6.  Support --B20180 (talk) 02:26, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    7.  Support --Ermell (talk) 15:26, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    8.  Support Thank you for all your commitment! --Aristeas (talk) 15:53, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    9.  Support --Harald Krichel (talk) 11:33, 11 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    10.  Support -- Gnangarra 04:44, 12 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]

    Suyash Dwivedi

    [edit]
    Suyash Dwivedi

    Greetings, I'm Suyash Dwivedi, reaching out from India. I've devoted over a decade to contributing to Wikiprojects (my outreach activities), driven by my deep passion for photography. Notably, I took the lead in organizing WLM 2017 in India and served as a jury member for Wiki Loves Folklore in both Itali and Ghana. My involvement extended to being a jury member for WLM in both India and Ghana. Additionally, I proudly held the position of vice chair at CPUG.

    My aim is to enhance the skills of our user group, foster a more supportive environment, and reach out to our diverse community. This inclusivity extends not only to our members but also to those advocating for open-source photography. Throughout my tenure, I successfully expanded our thematic group globally, establishing partnerships in India and Nepal. Notable projects, including Wiki Loves Folklore, hands-on workshops, training sessions, PhotoWalks, and more, have contributed to our success. I've had the privilege of showcasing CPUG's work on various platforms, including at Wikimania Singapore.

    Among our aspirations, the Commons Photographers Conference stands out as a significant dream, and we're determined to make it a reality. Exciting times lie ahead!

    Endorsement

    [edit]
    1. --MB-one (talk) 16:32, 21 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    2. …--Kwameghana(Bright Kwame Ayisi) (talk) 10:58, 5 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    3. Sangram Keshari Senapati (talk) 11:29, 5 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    4. Sumita Roy Dutta (talk) 15:04, 5 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    5. An absolute yes. Wojciech Pędzich Talk 15:51, 5 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    6. Valuable Candidate for CPUG Board Bijay Chaurasia (talk) 17:35, 5 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    7.  Support Wilson (talk) 01:55, 6 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    8.  Support Brahmavadini (talk) 13:48, 6 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    9.  Support --J. Ansari Talk 16:52, 8 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    10. --Mardetanha talk 05:54, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    11. Bluerasberry (talk) 21:50, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    12.  Support--Pierre André (talk) 22:01, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    13.  Support --B20180 (talk) 02:26, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    14.  Support -- Biswarup Ganguly (talk) 15:18, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    15.  Support --Aristeas (talk) 15:55, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    16.  Support --Harald Krichel (talk) 11:33, 11 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    17.  Support --Gnangarra 04:40, 12 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]

    Shreya

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    During an event

    "Hello, I'm Shreya (She/Her), an active and committed Wikimedia participant for over six enriching years. My journey has been driven by a profound dedication to community engagement and cultural preservation. I've led impactful initiatives, from organizing online workshops to participating in Wiki conferences and serving as a member of the Trust and Safety team at Wiki Conference India 2023. Moreover, my role as a board member and Event Coordinator at the Commons Photographers User Group has allowed me to foster connections, nurture enthusiasts, and promote visual heritage through photography.

    I've actively organized in Wiki events, editathons, and workshops, notably contributing to 'Wiki Loves Monuments, India', 'Wiki Loves Folklore, India', 'Wiki Loves Earth, Ghana' and 'Wiki Loves Monuments, Ghana as a jury member. Locally, I've championed the Wiki cause by establishing and managing a vibrant Wiki Club within my college, fostering an environment of collaborative learning and knowledge sharing.

    This extensive journey has endowed me with a keen understanding of diverse cultural nuances and a proven ability to drive successful community initiatives. I am eager to bring this wealth of experience and unwavering passion for the Commons Photographers User Group board.

    Endorsement

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    1. Ziko van Dijk (talk) 20:36, 1 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    2. Sumita Roy Dutta (talk) 15:05, 5 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    3. Bijay Chaurasia (talk) 17:46, 5 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    4.  Support Brahmavadini (talk) 13:49, 6 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    5.  Support --J. Ansari Talk 16:52, 8 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    6. Bluerasberry (talk) 21:50, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    7.  Support--Pierre André (talk) 22:06, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    8.  Support --B20180 (talk) 02:27, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    9.  Support -- Biswarup Ganguly (talk) 15:18, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    10.  Support --Aristeas (talk) 15:55, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    11.  Support --Harald Krichel (talk) 11:33, 11 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]

    Kingsley Abasili (Kingsley Nkem)

    [edit]

    I am Kingsley Nkem, a member of the Igbo Wikimedians User Group. Currently I assist the Igbo Wikimedians User Group in social media communications as well as communications within the User Group. It has so far recorded a good level of success and I intend applying same strategy on a broader platform such as this. I will therefore ensure diversity in the Commons User Group by inviting more people through the various Communication channels of the group such as the mailing list, telegram and other communication channels. I will also ensure wider publicity of programs and events by dispersing information on various groups/platforms where I belong. I look forward to being part of the team. Thank you.

    Endorsement

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    1. Bluerasberry (talk) 21:50, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    2.  Support --B20180 (talk) 02:29, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    3. -- SupportAdoscam (talk) 09:35, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    4.  Support -- Gnangarra 04:44, 12 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    5.  Support Sayvhior (talk) 10:03, 5 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]

    Irvin Sto. Tomas (User:Filipinayzd)

    [edit]

    I am interested in making CPUG more visible thru offline and online campaigns, and in encouraging the members to participate in the activities spearheaded by the user group and by fellow members. Ever since I became a member and part of the Board, I made a conscious effort to represent CPUG at local and international conferences. In 2022, I initiated our first local event during the Wikimania satellite event in Naga City, Philippines and had partnership with PhilWiki Community during Wiki Loves Folklore 2023 in the Philippines. CPUG members from the Philippines participated at the Bikol Wikipedia Conference 2023 and Bikol Wiki Weekend on 97.5 OK FM which I organized, and later this December we will be collaborating with PhilWiki Community for the WikiCommons PH Conference 2023.

    I am the project lead of Wiki Loves Monuments (WLM) in the Philippines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023, a team member of Wiki Loves Earth (WLE) in the Philippines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023. In 2020, I was a Wikipedia Asian Month international jury member, and a final round jury in Wiki Loves Earth 2020 in Armenia, Wiki Loves Monuments 2020 in Armenia, and Wiki Loves Monuments 2023 in Ghana. From 2018 — 2020 and 2023, I also served as a jury member in Wiki Loves Earth in the Philippines.

    Thank you and may we have more collaborations.

    Endorsement

    [edit]
    1. --Herbertkikoy (talk)
    2. Beko (talk) 08:58, 30 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    3. Bijay Chaurasia (talk) 17:46, 5 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    4. Bluerasberry (talk) 21:50, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    5.  Support --B20180 (talk) 02:31, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    6.  Support - Maffeth.opiana (talk) 03:46, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    7.  Support -- Gnangarra 04:41, 12 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]

    Ayokanmi Oyeyemi (Kaizenify)

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    Ayokanmi Oyeyemi

    I am a professional photographer from Nigeria with six years of experience contributing quality images to Wikimedia Commons. In addition to contributing images, I also focus on encouraging other professional photographers from Africa to contribute to Wikimedia commons through Wiki Photo Tour and Wiki Photo talk conference . As a nominee for the board election, my goal is to support and encourage professional photographers to become Wikimedia contributors, and to strengthen contributors' techniques to become better photographers, especially those from underrepresented communities. If elected, I plan to achieve this by organizing training sessions and workshops for new photographers, and providing necessary resources and support. With my unique perspective and experience, I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the board and help make the user group more active and inclusive. Thank you for considering my nomination.Kaizenify (talk) 16:13, 15 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]

    Endorsement

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    1. Koutchika Lihouenou Gaspard (talk) 21:36, 4 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    2. Ei'eke 09:20, 6 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    3. Bluerasberry (talk) 21:50, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    4.  Support --B20180 (talk) 02:32, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    5.  Support --Harald Krichel (talk) 11:36, 11 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    6.  Support Sayvhior (talk) 10:04, 5 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]

    Aleksey a.k.a Xelgen

    [edit]

    IT specialist in daily life, I am amateur photographer and long time Wikimedian. As a photographer, I love technically challenging shots, trying myself in many different types of phorography, with concert shots, bird photography, ultramacro, drone photography and 360 photo being my current favs. In past I used to moderate local photo forums, organized few amateur photo exhibitions in Armenia and couple in Europe and taught photography in local non-profit. I also co-organized first WLM in Armenia in 2013 and then in 2022, while also being a jury in years between, as well as jury of WLE in Armenia. I'm Wikipedian since 2006 and sysop on hy:wp from 2009. As Wikimedian I was one of co-founders of Wikimedia Armenia and board member 2013-2014 and 2017-2019, I am currently being on-boarded as member of AffCom. I am saddened to see not many candidates nominated themselves and I hope to see our user group more active. Few ideas I have and hope to have a chance to implement together with board, members and external supporters of CPUG are:

    • Create communication channels: Mailing list, Telegram and/or IRC, which should help UG members be more involved and included.
    • Involve more photographers active on Commons. There are many devoted photographers sharing their work on Commons which are not yet part of the user group.
    • Work with WMF tech teams and individual developers to work on technical side of Commons and Media Viewer. There were feature requests here and there. I also believe it's time we support more rich content, e.g. panoramas, 360 photos, 3D photos, virtual tours. Search has evolved in last year, but finding good image among 100 million images is a very serious technical challenge I think requires more resource investment.
    • Many of Commons volunteers spend lots of their money on photo gear and software, and while not much can be done to help with photo gear, I believe photographers donating their work to the World do qualify for at least educational discounts for photo processing software they use. CPUG could negotiate deals with software companies.
    • We come from Free and Open Source Software world, and maybe we can facilitate some donations from WMF to open source image processing software like GIMP, Inkscape, Darktable and libraires/subsystems they use.

    Thank you!

    Endorsement

    [edit]
    1. Beko (talk) 08:58, 30 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    2. Bluerasberry (talk) 21:50, 9 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    3.  Support --B20180 (talk) 02:34, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    4.  Support Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 19:27, 10 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    5.  Support --Harald Krichel (talk) 11:35, 11 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
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