Wikimedia CH has launched a platform to facilitate more active communication with its members. It was presented at the General Assembly on 10 May. In the new protected member area (Membership Space), which can also be accessed directly from the website, active members will find opportunities to get involved in association projects, news from the association, surveys and important documents, such as the documents for the General Assembly. Our Innovation Team developed the new platform based on open source software from Nextcloud.

Members only need a login to access this protected area. This can be obtained on request from membership@wikimedia.ch.

This space offers additional tools such as personal BigBlueButton access, a calendar function, an address book and more. In the near future, the new platform will also help members get involved in WMCH programme projects.

The reason behind this change is to improve member management. The goal is to offer opportunities to participate. However, it is important that the association is able to communicate specific offers. The new platform is designed to achieve this goal.

Until now, information flowed from the association to its members via the MetaWiki page Memberswiki. To facilitate access to information for non-Wikipedian members, the association has now opted for this solution. The Memberswiki page will remain online but will no longer be maintained.

Active membership enables members to influence the development of the association, e.g. by providing direct feedback or voting at the General Assembly. Members can get involved in the work of the association (please do not confuse this with the work of the community, who is responsible for the content of the wiki projects!

Other benefits include the new, protected member area, an email address …@wikipedian.ch on request, business cards in the WMCH design, annual member gadgets and invitations to events. On request, we will confirm voluntary work for the association with a certificate. ‘Our dream would be for members to become ambassadors for free knowledge,’ says Executive Director Jennifer Ebermann.

Those who do not wish to actively participate in the association but would still like to support Wikimedia CH on a regular basis can apply for a supporting membership. We offer a reduced membership fee for students or people on low incomes on request. Institutions and organisations can also become members of Wikimedia CH.

Membership is a commitment to the values of an association. The more members an association has, the stronger its voice is as a partner or opinion leader. Help us and strengthen our commitment to free knowledge, the cornerstone of democracy.

Membership fees:

  • Active members: CHF 50 per year
  • Supporting members: CHF 75 per year
  • Institutional members: CHF 150 per year

Further information can be found on the page Become a member

Contact for further questions: Clara Wiest, Membership manager Wikimedia CH, membership@wikimedia.ch