Title
Wiki Committee
Description

The IPA recognises that psychoanalysis has what might be described as an image problem; there is no concise agreed description of what psychoanalysis is or the methods of treatment - the so-called "elevator pitch". The IPA is often perceived by the outside world to be old, male, arcane and, occasionally, homophobic. The symbols we use for our institutions (including the IPA's own logo) are mostly taken from the Classical World and relate to things like the myth of Oedipus and the Sphinx, which were part of the shared western education and culture of the early twentieth century, but which today do not often feature in the ordinary education of most people (there is, of course, no suggestion that these symbols do not remain a vital part of psychoanalytic theory!).

These things conspire against us, and the Wiki Committee will work towards correcting these perceptions. Its remit is to ´sell’ the value of psychoanalytic ideas by influencing and editing third-party web content to emphasise a positive image of psychoanalysis, promoting open-mindedness and diversity, and by positioning it as a modern, evidence-based science that is proven to benefit patients experiencing mental health issues.

Wikipedia is the most important tool for reaching 12-18 year olds, students, journalists, and probably most other related mental health professionals. Thus, the Wiki Committee’s first and immediate priority is, as its name suggests, Wikipedia.

Tasks

The Wiki Committee will:

  • consult with the Website Editorial Board, the Social Media Committee, the Communications Advisory Board and the Head of Communications;
  • explore the ways in which psychoanalysis is perceived online - in a global, multi-lingual context - and develop recommendations about how it might be more effectively presented using the communication tools at our disposal (including image and imagery, pitches and key words, language and presentation);
  • keep the work of the Image Task Force alive by taking on board their conclusions and adding to the initial findings if and when appropriate;
  • consider both the existing image and imagery of psychoanalysis (which will undoubtedly differ from place to place), and what we wish it to be. This, in turn, will inform their actions;
  • assemble a team of experts with the objective of influencing and editing Wikipedia and other online wikis on a global scale according to the requirements outlined above;
  • have reviewed and successfully edited the main Wikipedia articles, in all Wikipedia languages, on the IPA, psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud etc. by the end of 2017;
  • make a final report to the Executive Committee on their work.

Composition

The Wiki Committee shall consist of a Chair, plus two representatives from each region; the Chair of the Website Editorial Board, the Vice President, the Executive Director and the Head of Communications shall be ex officio Members. The Committee composition also should include IPSO Members, ideally one from each region as it is felt that this activity would benefit from more IPSO input. The Committee may appoint as Consultants such other Members of related committees as it wishes (Consultants will not be funded to attend in-person meetings).

Way of Working

The Wiki Committee will be expected to do most of its work electronically, using Skype, GoToMeeting, or other free-to-use communication systems. While a staff member may be allocated to provide some professional support to the task force in the implementation of their work, the task force, like all IPA committees, will be expected to be self-supporting for secretarial and other purposes.

Approved by the Board August 2016

Change to committee name approved December 2016

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