Strategy/Wikimedia movement/2018-20/Transition/Global Conversations/Lightning talks

This is a space to propose lightning talks for the second set of Movement Strategy Global Conversations (to take place on 5 and 6 December 2020). Having prioritized initiatives for global-coordination, the lightning talks will be an opportunity to pitch any ideas or initiatives from Strategy that may have been missed out in the 21-22 November events, as well as to speak to how they will be implemented. Each lightning talk will be 3-5 minutes long.

This page can also be a space to start discussing these ideas with the community before the events take place.

How to participate

Register to join the 5-6 December Global Conversations.
Add your lightning talk proposal below.
Create a single slide for your presentation, using the link attached in the welcome email (in case you need any help with this step, feel free to contact the Support Team at: strategy2030 wikimedia.org).

Selected lightning talks

Environmental sustainability

Title of the lightning talk: Facing the climate crisis: becoming an environmentally sustainable Movement by 2030

Connected to the initiative: Initiative 8: Align with environmental sustainability initiatives
While we grow and become more sustainable as a Movement, we will also align our practices to support the environmental sustainability of our planet.

Language of presentation: English

Author of the submission: User:Gnom

Affiliate or community (if applicable): n.a.

Date of presentation: Saturday, December 5th

Abstract

Initiative #8 calls on the Wikimedia Movement to “align our practices to support the environmental sustainability of our planet”. This requires us to reduce our environmental impact and to partner with organisations from the environmental sustainability movement.

The community-led Wikimedia sustainability initiative (currently supported by 670 community members) has been calling on the Wikimedia Foundation to procure green energy for its data centres, offer remote event participation at events to reduce the number of flights taken by Wikimedians, and to ‘divest’ the Wikimedia Endowment since 2016. Even thought the WMF board has committed the Wikimedia Foundation to "[seek] ways to reduce the impact of our activities on the environment" in 2017, our carbon footprint continues to grow. In 2019, the Wikimedia Foundation operations department adopted a sustainability roadmap aimed at changing this. Spearheaded by the Wikimedians for Sustainable Development, the Wikimedia community is partnering with environmental sustainability organisations around the globe to provide reliable, up-to-date, and multilingual information about the climate crisis. During the Movement Strategy implementation prioritisation meeting on November 21-22, initiative #8 was voted a moderate strategic priority.

So what do we need to do to reach the goal set out by this initiative? In my view, we need to

make the Wikimedia Movement carbon-neutral by 2030 and
turn the Wikimedia projects into the ‘essential infrastructure’ for information about the climate crisis and climate justice with the help of environmental sustainability organisations.

For this end, we should

align existing sustainability initiatives with the strategy
partner with environmental sustainability organisations
coordinate community efforts on climate topics

Let's align our practices to support the environmental sustainability of our planet! Who wants to help?

Slides or further information: (none)

Development of cross-wiki tools

Title of the lightning talk: Development of cross-wiki tools, why is important, and how will it be done

Connected to the initiative: Initiative 14: Cross-project tool development and reuse

Language of presentation: English (and I promise to make it really easy for the interpreters!)

Author of the submission: User:Amire80

Affiliate or community (if applicable): Wikimedia Foundation staff / Wikimedia Israel volunteer / editor in Wikipedia, Wikisource, Wiktionary, and Wikidata in Hebrew, English, Russian, and Catalan / translatewiki localizer and maintainer

Date of presentation: Saturday, December 5th

Abstract (up to 300 words to describe your proposal)

We want to achieve Knowledge equity, fit the modern technological landscape, and open ourselves up to people from more cultures. And to do it all while preserving all the good things we've built till here, and cherishing all the unique skills we've acquired along the way! This is not a generic slogan, it's a big a difficult we need to do, all together. To achieve it all, we need to improve many things in our technical platform. Much of this happens under the "Improve User Experience" cluster of initiatives. All the initiatives in that cluster are important and desirable, but none can be attained efficiently, equitably, and completely without having a platform using which the editors can easily share the tools they develop on the wikis: gadgets, templates, and modules. This is initiative 14: Cross-project tool development and reuse. I've been editing different wikis in multiple languages for fifteen years; I designed and developed templates, modules, gadgets, user scripts, core MediaWiki, and extensions; I taught people to edit and develop tools in multiple countries and languages; and from all that experience I learned that the most important cause of inefficiency in our collaboration is the lack of such a platform. I've discussed this with dozens of relevant people, and I believe I have a plan to address this problem. The collaboration I look for are: editors in all wikis; platform developers; affiliate who are willing to invest resources in empowering editors to build better tools, for better projects.

Slides or further information (optional): TBA

PATHWAY TO CAPACITY BUILDING

Title of the lightning talk: PATHWAY TO CAPACITY BUILDING

Connected to the initiative: Initiatives 31 & 33: Global approach for local skill development - gathering data, matching peers, mentorship, recognition and Skill development infrastructure

Language of presentation: English

Author of the submission: User:MsKabintie

Affiliate or community (if applicable): Wikimedia Community Kenya
Date of presentation: Sunday, December 6

Abstract

The need for capacity building as captured in recommendation 6; Invest in Skills and Leadership Development ,has been highly identified and voted by wikipedians across various jurisdictions as a priority area. My thoughts on how we can achieve this is first by empowering local communities/affiliates to carry out Internal Skills Assessments to establish members strengths and gaps.

This assessment will also help in other areas like in allocation of roles for projects. For instance you might have an individual not keen on editing articles but a good resource when it comes to securing partnerships with external organizations or managing events. At the global level, the foundation can also conduct surveys to identify the areas individual members of the Wikimedia community are keen on developing or enhancing, this will help to tailor make resources and projects to meet these needs. Once the surveys are done, the community can leverage on webinars, bootcamps and local trainings and workshops to equip members with the information and skills needed. When it comes to implementing some of these initiatives, especially in the African continent, it’s also prudent for the community to try and align in the development agenda of the respective countries, somehow political goodwill is still a major factor in the continent. Kenya for instance, which has a youthful population, has been keen in investing in digital literacy.

Regional language hubs

Title of the lightning talk: Regional language hubs

Connected to the initiative: Initiative 25: Regional & thematic hubs

Language of presentation: English

Author of the submission: Jon Harald Søby (WMNO) (presenter), Astrid Carlsen (WMNO), Mali Brødreskift (WMNO)

Affiliate or community (if applicable): Wikimedia Norge

Date of presentation: Sunday, December 6th

Abstract (up to 300 words to describe your proposal)

Our idea is that there should be a network of regional language hubs that focus on strengthening and empowering indigenous and minority languages in their region. The role of a language hub would be to help out with and facilitate work that goes into minority languages, both by Wikimedia affiliates (and aligned organizations) and by the volunteers themselves. The reason we believe there should be several such hubs is that the challenges faced by minority language communities can differ greatly between various regions.

Wikimedia Norge would like to be one of these regional language hubs – starting in 2017, we have got a lot of experience with this kind of work from our Sámi project, focused on improving coverage in and about Sámi languages and culture on the Wikimedia projects (you can read about the Sámi people here). Using this experience to help even more groups in the same fashion would be a great way to expand the impact we can make, and serve more affiliates and communities alike.

In order to put this into action, we would establish a hub in collaboration with volunteers, partner organizations and affiliates. We will arrange the Arctic Knot Conference (a part of the Celtic Knot Conference series) in June of 2021, and this would be a good occasion for interested parties to come together and further develop a plan of action. We are looking for input from volunteers and other affiliates to see whether this is a good idea and how the proposal can be fleshed out further.

Decolonising Wikimedia

Title of the lightning talk: Decolonising Wikimedia

Connected to the initiative

Initiatives 37 and 38: Bridging content gaps and Content initiatives in underrepresented communities.

Language of presentation: English

Author of the submission: Lucy Crompton-Reid (WMUK)

Affiliate or community (if applicable): Wikimedia UK

Date of presentation: Saturday 5th December

Abstract (up to 300 words to describe your proposal)

Diversity has been central to Wikimedia UK’s strategy for the past five years, over which time we have developed a number of projects and programmes focused on increasing the engagement and representation of marginalised people and subjects. We believe that diversifying Wikimedia’s content and contributors is crucial to building knowledge equity, and would like to support the delivery of movement strategy initiatives 37 and 38 which both speak to this. As a relatively well-resourced chapter based in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world - and with Britain’s history as a colonial power reflected in the collections of the country’s museums and educational institutions - we would love to work with other affiliates and interested individuals across and beyond the movement to decolonise Wikimedia. We don’t yet know how to put this into action at a global level, and want to make sure that we are listening to and foregrounding the voices of the people and communities who have been left out by structures of power and privilege. However the decolonisation of collections and curricula is something that many organisations in our networks are currently grappling with, and we would be keen to draw out the lessons that we and others are learning to support the movement’s work in this area.

Slides or further information (optional)

Please see our latest impact report to the Wikimedia Foundation, including an overview of the work delivered through our Knowledge Equity programme in 2019/20: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:APG/Proposals/2018-2019_round_1/Wikimedia_UK/Impact_report_form#Programme_1:_Knowledge_Equity

This blog post outlines a recently launched project at one of our education partners, London College of Communication: https://blog.wikimedia.org.uk/2020/11/london-college-communications-decolonisation/

A content adapted to new generations

Title of the lightning talk

A content adapted to new generations

Connected to the initiative

Initiative 41-Continuous experimentation, technology, and partnerships for content, formats, and devices.

Related to recommendation 9 Innovate in Free Knowledge.

Language of presentation

English

Author of the submission

User:Yamen

Affiliate or community

Wikimedia Tunisia - Wiki World Heritage UG.

Date of presentation

Saturday, December 5th

Abstract

Several studies show that new generation Y and Z are more keen to watch videos on mobile devices rather than reading text.

According to a study conducted by Pearson in 2018, Generation Z ranked YouTube and video as preferred methods for learning. According to another study by Limelight Networks in 2018, young people aged under 25 years spend 70% of their online time watching videos rather than reading and this time is mainly spent on mobile devices. According also to Cisco, in 2021 video content will represent ̹82% of the international internet traffic.

Despite all these facts and despite the fact that the WMF conducted a research in 2016 that showed the importance of visual content—and video in particular for more user engagement, Wikipedia as of today is mainly text based, with a few videos and these videos are not well handled by mobile browser.

What is your idea?

-Increase the video content on Wikipedia̩.

-Facilitate the upload of videos on Commons.

-Better handling of videos on mobile devices.

-make Commons (or another project) a video platform ?

Slides or further information

(none)

La Mutation Wikimédienne

Title of the lightning talk: La Mutation Wikimédienne

Connected to the initiative: Initiative 24/25
Language of presentation: Arabic/French

Author of the submission: User:Bachounda

Affiliate or community (if applicable): WikiDZ

Date of presentation: Saturday, December 5th

Abstract

The Wikimedian mutation En: Currently, new phenomena are appearing in the Wikimedian community. This causes a lot of controversial discussions and the appearance of multiple conflictual relationships between communities and foundations, even individuals. To sum up, there is a real mutation of community, after billions of pages created and more than 20 years of existence of projects These mutations of passage towards maturity occur naturally accompanied / guided by the foundation to which we must be attentive. to stay abreast of all that is being done - to continue to contribute to knowledge. With the opportunities that are currently available to us.

Fr: Actuellement apparaissent des phénomènes nouveaux dans la communauté wikimedienne. Qui provoque beaucoup de discussions de polémique et apparition de relations conflictuelles multiples entre communautés et fondation même individus. Pour résumer il y a une réel mutation de communauté, après des milliards de pages créer et plus de 20 ans d'existence des projets Ces mutations de passage vers l'âge adulte s’opère naturellement accompagné / guidé par la fondation dont ont se doit d'être attentifs pour rester au courant de tout ce qui se fait - pour continuer à alimenter la connaissance. Avec les possibilité qui s’offre à nous actuellement .

Improve Uploader for Alt-Texts

Title of the lightning

improve upload-wizard to fill in suitable picture-descriptions for visually impaired people

Connected to the initiative: 2 Funding for underrepresented communities; 9 Adaptable UX to various devices; 10 Compatibility with Accessibility Guidelines

Language of présentation: english

Author of the submission: KH32, Conny

Affiliate or community (if applicable): Commons, Wikidata, Wikipedia

Date of presentation: 5. Dezember 2020

Abstract (up to 300 words to describe your proposal).

Wikimedia-Projects are full of images. Obviously they are important. But blind and visually impaired people cannot see them in the same way sighted people do. That’s why alt-texts and image descriptions are so important for them. Existing descriptions in Commons and Wikipedias are not always helpful for visually impaired people. They often contain many interesting things, but often not what the picture shows - exactly, concretely, visually.

On the Internet an image without alt-text (as a minimum, or even a full image description) is like a black hole for blind users, unaccessible. And even texts that refer to the image are affected, they become less accessible.

Alt-texts and image descriptions are a necessity for an accessible Internet. And the Internet is for blind people a gate to the world, even more than for sighted people.

Wikipedia being the single eminent source of free knowledge would be the best place on the Internet to give an example for full accessibility.

Our project aims at spreading this thought, finding allies and eventually more image describers inside and outside the Wikimedia-Projects creating more alt-texts and image descriptions for a more accessible Wikipedia.

We will outreach to schools, universities, libraries and courses that are held elsewhere on literature, creative writing, arts, art history etc. to convince them to have their students write more alt-texts and image descriptions.

We have good educational reasons. To write an image description with the blind reader in mind is a great exercise. It trains the articulacy, it sharpens the perception, it makes you reflect on your perception and the given image.

Necessary for this is a structured field in die upload wizard to fill in Alt-Texts into picture data. That could also be at first hidden via URL Setting or via API, which we can do testing in a team with experienced users for image descriptions. It would be very nice to organize these in Wikidata or Structured Commons.

By way of looking for new image describers we hope to find also new Wikipedia-Authors.

Material

Alt-text = short (ca 90 signs in English, 115 in German e.g.) description that appears in the screen reader instead of the picture when you mouse over it.

Image description for blind and visually impaired people = a translation of the visual into language. Its length is not defined. As long as necessary, as short as possible. Should be easy to read and to understand. Should capture the image the image blind people ultimately see in their mind.

Alternatives

|alt=... could also be added via API.

Links

Introducing Strategic Wikimedia Affiliates Network (SWAN)

Strategic Wikimedia Affiliates Network (SWAN) is a forum for continuous community conversations on Wikimedia 2030 Strategy. We welcome the community to join the effort and participate in our upcoming forums about the Movement Charter and Interim Global Council.

Lightning talk for Strategic Wikimedia Affiliates Network (SWAN) (2 minutes, 45 seconds)

Connected to the initiative

SWAN is a forum designed to address multiple strategic goals through a grassroots approach. Its goal is to bring together people in conversation from affiliates and other communities from around the world. As such, it encompasses a wide range of Wikimedia 2030 Strategy goals.

2. Improve User Experience

12 Peer-to-peer spaces

4. Ensure Equity in Decision-Making

22 Movement Charter

23 Interim Global Council

27 Guidelines for board functions and governance

5. Coordinate Across Stakeholders

28 Living documents to define responsibilities for specific areas of work

29 Enhance communication and collaboration capacity with partners and collaborators

6. Invest in Skills and Leadership Development

31 Global approach for local skill development - gathering data, matching peers, mentorship, recognition

7. Manage Internal Knowledge

34 Facilitate a culture of documentation

9. Innovate in Free Knowledge

41 Continuous experimentation, technology, and partnerships for content, formats, and devices

10. Evaluate, Iterate, and Adapt

43 Develop a comprehensive evaluation system for Movement activities and structures - including technology, coordination, capacity, policies and governance

44 Iterative change processes

45 Adaptive Policies (flexible policies, structures, budgeting and planning to adapt to global changes)

Language of presentation: English

Author of the submission: User:Fuzheado

Affiliate or community (if applicable): Informal collaboration of many affiliates
Date of presentation: Both Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th

Abstract (up to 300 words to describe your proposal)
1. What is your idea?

Introducing the Strategic Wikimedia Affiliates Network (SWAN) as a forum for all Wikimedia movement affiliates to share ideas on the Wikimedia 2030 strategy process among community members as an adjunct to the main WMF-hosted strategy conversations.

2. What are your resources & skills?

SWAN's goal is to fill a need by supporting continuous conversations among the Wikimedia communities as it relates to Wikimedia 2030 strategy. Thus far, we have helped foster feedback to the Foundation and the board of trustees in the areas of the Brand project (via m:COLOR - the Community Open Letter on Renaming) and proposed Foundation bylaw changes. It has served as a productive exchange and dialogue with Wikimedia Foundation staff and board members taking part in meetings and global video calls.

3. How will you put it into action

SWAN is an international virtual wiki community with a global scope: facilitating community conversations that are friendly to multiple timezones that have about 100 participants per month. Although many participants are active in affiliate activity, SWAN is not an affiliate.

4. What kind of collaboration are you looking for?

With the absence of in-real-life gatherings, the informal and highly productive international community conversations at Wikimedia Summit, Wikimania and other regional and thematic events have been lost.

SWAN is interested in engaging the community in new modes of brainstorming or imagining ideas for future governance by using novel methods that go beyond video calls or on-wiki talk page discussion. Using a variety of methods to stimulate participation is a nod to inclusivity, by supporting people who may not be comfortable speaking out in these types of forums or may find language barriers to be prohibitive.

This may include but is not limited to using modern tools like virtual summits, breakout rooms, collaborative whiteboard or notetaking software, kanban, or other agile collaboration. This is not meant to supplant but to supplement and complement the methods supported by Foundation and strategy staff.

SWAN is organizing the next series of calls and online meetings be focused on the Interim Global Council and Movement Charter.

Anyone with an interest in Wikimedia affiliates is welcome to join, even if they are not officially a liaison or representative. Those interested are encouraged to visit the meta page for future meetings and announcements:

Lightning talk to explain People-centeredness (3 minutes, 12 seconds)

Wikimedia for the People (People-centeredness principle)

Title of the lightning talk: Wikimedia for the People

Connected to the initiative: Initiatives: 9 Methodology to improve the Wikimedia platform UX research, design, testing and community engagement; 11 Resources for newcomers; 16 Code of Conduct; 42 Monitoring, evaluation and learning at all levels with support and mutual accountability.

Language of presentation: English

Author of the submission: User:marcmiquel

Affiliate or community (if applicable): Amical Wikimedia
Date of presentation: Sunday, December 6

Abstract

I share with many of you the desire of growing larger and more diverse communities, with no gender gap, and a representation as close as possible of the society.

When I was writing the recommendations, I realized that to get there, we needed a principle for Wikimedia in addition to specific actions. The first principle: People-centeredness.

"People-centeredness means that every aspect of our Movement must address the needs and challenges of the people who power it and whom it serve, so that each one can contribute in their way to the sum of human knowledge"

By focusing on people's needs and changing what is necessary to overcome their barriers, Wikimedia will grow larger and more diverse. Recommendations 2 and 3 are about this: improve user experience, and provide for safety and inclusion. They are processes that focus on people's needs and change what is necessary, and they need to be iterative. Our environment will only become the best it can be when in every affiliate, in every community, there is a critical mass of organized Wikimedians in taking care of improving the User Experience and the atmosphere. A critical mass of people-centered Wikimedians.

Not selected lightning talks

La connaissance libre et équitable

Title of the lightning talk: LA CONNAISSANCE LIBRE ET ÉQUITABLE.
Connected to the initiative: Initiative 3: Assurer la sécurité et l'inclusion.
Language of presentation: FRANÇAISE
Author of the submission: Use:DOUMBIA

Affiliate or community (if applicable): Wikipedia comme volontaire

Date of presentation: Dimanche le 6 décembre 2020

Abstract (up to 300 words to describe your proposal).: Le partage d'information comporte des risques et il doit se faire dans la plus grande confidentialité et sans distinction de sexe. Homme comme femme, chacun doit se sentir libre et hors de portée . Surtout dans ce monde actuel où même la vérité blesse.

Le mouvement Wikimedia doit faire de la sécurité et de l'inclusion sa marque de lutte.

Pour plus de confidentialité et en tant que volontaire Wikipedia je propose :

- Wikimedia doit proposer des noms d'utilisateur plus codés

- créer des groupes d'affiliation plus mix.

- facilité encore l'accessibilité au centre d'aide et de secours.

Pour faire face à ces défits ,le mouvement Wikimedia doit proposer des noms d'utilisateur plus codé des nouveaux membres s'il constate que ces noms d'utilisateurs sont plus exposés. Exemple :des noms d'utilisateur donne prénom plus nom ou bien nom plus prénom . Pour encore plus de confidentialité Wikimedia doit proposer un autre nom d'utilisateur plus codé.

Dans chaque groupe d'affiliation le mouvement doit proposer le même cauta d'homme et de femme si possible pour plus d'équilibre et de diversité dans les débats et les discussions.

Wikimedia doit encore plus facilité l'accès au centre d'aide et de secours. Oui je reconnais l'effort louable et considerable du mouvement sur le plan sécuritaire et égalitaire mais on peut encore mieux faire . Si par exemple :un membre se fait arrêter pour avoir publié une information et que la véracité de l'information est approuvée. Qui doit-il contacter?

Nous devons discuté de nos problèmes ou nos difficultés locaux dans les groupes d'affiliation. Nous devons collaboré,Nous donner des conseils et le mouvement doit coordination nos actions. Ça doit se passer comme dans une famille.

wikiBlind, wikiKind & wikiWonderlands

WikiBlind Wikimedians Logo - a black puzzle piece representing “inclusivity, the missing piece”

Title of the lightning talk: WikiBlind, wikiKind & wikiWonderlands - Inclusivity, the missing piece

Connected to all the initiatives re: Inclusivity, Capacity & Partnership Building

Language of presentation: English

Author of the submission: User:DrMel

Affiliate or community (if applicable): WikiBlind, wikiKind, wikiSoCal & San Diego Wikimedians User Group

Date of presentation

Abstract

1. What is your idea?

wikiBlind - a group where you don’t have to see to participate

The initiatives regarding inclusivity, capacity and partnership building spurred the formation of WikiBlind.org, a membership group designed to bring blind, low vision and sighted supporters and contributors into the wiki open-knowledge movement.

In 2016, WikiBlind was conceived of by Drs Kirk Adams and Mel Ganus. In 2019, Graham Pearce, a Wikipedia admin who has been blind since birth, made it possible to launch.

On April 25, 2019 wikiBlind launched as a Facebook group, with more than 40 members joining in the first 24 hours.

By the end of 2019, the wikiBlind Wikipedians User Group was approved of by the Wikimedia Affiliations Committee, officially recognizing us as one of the affiliate groups in the Wikimedia projects.

wikiKind - beyond wikimedia, meta-groups of people and the platforms we contribute to - committed to caring and sharing kindness with those we can reach

A larger, more inclusive meta-group is WikiKind, designed to include and support members of wikiBlind and related projects. To include other people who would like support the extension of accessibility and enlargement of input to Wikimedia, Wikimania, and other groups interested in expanding knowledge. The basis for WikiKind is a desire for being kind to each other, to be helpful for anyone needing help, and to overcome barriers to nonacceptance and noninclusivitity. Too many people feel they don’t fit in due to others’ assumptions and lack of understanding. The goal for WikiKind is to recognize and act on the knowledge “we are all in this together.” Our mission is to care for the well-being of the people contributing to the open knowledge movement.

wikiWonderland - learning EdVentures for wikiBlind & wikiKind

We design and facilitate guided learning experiences, inviting people into the rabbit holes and through the mirrors into wonderlands of discoveries. Inviting and welcoming our newcomers and returning visitors, engaging them in meaningful quests with opportunities throughout to contribute in real world causes. Causes like helping improve Wikipedia and other wikimedia and mediawiki projects.

We provide a growing collection of personalized, guided learning experiences for whomever wants to dive into the rabbit holes.

All three of these projects combine in working to solve one of the more fundamental problems: how can we help more people participate?

When do we issue the invitations, welcome the newcomers, and give provide experiences and support everyone can treasure?

2. What are your resources & skills?

The founders of wikiBlind include three prestigious blind people: Dr Kirk Adams, currently President of the American Foundation for the Blind, Dr Skylar Covich, and Graham Pearce. Skylar and Graham, both long time wikipedians and admins, have the unique understanding of how to get things done within mediawiki. They use visual accessibility tools with the ingenuity and creative problem solving ability needed to work in Wiki environments.

These three projects can bring millions of human resources, with fantastic skills, creativity, kindness, and eagerness to work. In addition, we are connected with other leaders and organizations around the world who are enthusiastic about seeing what we can do next.

3. How will you put it into action?

The planning, implementation, and development is an ongoing process, begun in 2016. As each project continues to grow, our plans are interwoven with the interests and objectives of those who wish to experiment with us. We will work with anyone who shows an interest. Please contact us for up-to-date details.

4. What kind of collaboration are you looking for?

We invite you, reading this now, to come check us out. You can start down the rabbit hole at wikikind.org and see what leads you. Can we pique your curiousity? You can also email me at dr.mel.ganus -at- gmail.com and let’s start the conversations. DrMel (talk) 07:44, 5 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Ateliers itinérants/ wikicaravane

Title of the lightning talk: Ateliers itinérants/ wikicaravane

Connected to the initiative

Initiatives 37 and 38: Bridging content gaps and Content initiatives in underrepresented communities.

Language of presentation: French

Author of the submission: User:Saliousoft

Affiliate or community (if applicable): wikipedia, wikicommons.... avec Wikimediens user Group

Date of presentation: Saturday, December 5th

Abstract

Ateliers itinérants/ wikicaravane Parcourir les villes reculées afin de rendre plus accessible wikimédia et projets aux publics et ainsi faire émerger plus de contributeur en produisant et améliorant plus du contenu au niveau local. Ce projet consiste à parcourir des villes défavorisées pour faire connaître et mieux rendre accessible les projets Wikimédias à travers plusieurs activités dont: Création de contenu, Création de pages wiki sur chaque ville qui n’est pas encore sur notre portail. A cela s'ajoute la Formation de nouveaux membres(10 à 15 personnes y compris les femmes pour répondre à l’approche genre. Le projet également l'opportunité d'apporter plus d'illustration aux articles par les séances de prise de photos des monuments et place importants des villes défavorisées pour l'amélioration des articles existant sur les villes défavorisées. En tant que contributeur wiki, nous avions déjà participé à plusieurs activités et initiatives au niveau local surtout au sein des Wikimédiens User group du Monde. De plus, il sera mis à contribution les membres de la communauté afin de mieux rendre le projet inclusif et participatif. Pour y arriver, les appuis à divers niveaux de la fondation nous seront d’une très grande utilité.

Slides or further information: (none)

One View from the Trenches

Title of the lightning talk: Strategy 2030: one View from the Trenches

Connected to the initiative

Initiatives 1, 11, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, & likely more.

Language of presentation: English

Author of the submission: User:Llywrch

Affiliate or community (if applicable): en.wikipedia

Date of presentation: Sunday, 6 December

Abstract

I've contributed articles to Wikipedia for over 18 years now, & the process from the point of the volunteer has not changed much. Creating the articles -- which is the reason people come to Wikipedia -- has not changed much: the editor is still on her/his own, relying on their own resources to identify & obtain the raw materials -- also known as research -- needed to create or improve articles. Because the quality of the existing content has improved over the years, the challenge of getting information not included in Wikipedia has grown. Some editors have access to resources to overcome this increased challenge. Some do not. All would benefit from help with these challenges, which would encourage newcomers, improve volunteer retention, as well strengthen sustainability.

While some help currently exists, more is needed. Based on my experience, there are three ways help would be welcomed. One would be through providing materials in fixed form, such as pdfs: an example would be a guide to how to perform research, because schools rarely do a competent job of teaching how to research, especially to fit Wikipedia's needs. A second would be by providing expert help to volunteers. Having a research librarian to consult with would often be invaluable. (One reason I had to give up working on Ethiopia-related articles was because I could not find sources for different related topics.) A third (& the one that everyone expects to be included in any discussion) is money. In short, there appears to be no thought of any processes or conditions for granting money to enable Wikimedians -- no matter how deserving -- to request & receive money needed to finish research, an issue that needs to be addressed.

Global Englishes

Title of the lightning talk: Global Englishes and the resulting networking possibilities

Connected to the initiative: Initiative 25 (Regional & thematic hubs)& 45: Adaptive Policies (flexible policies, structures, budgeting and planing to adapt to global changes)
Language of presentation: English (US, spelling)
Author of the submission: User:Ai24
Affiliate or community (if applicable): n.a.

Date of presentation: Saturday, December 5th (very grateful to the use of BST)

Abstract

This Wikimedia movement process shows that the Wikimedia is a global, i.e. transnational movement. Therefore, the main communication tool, the English language, has to be addressed. Global English means using effectively to address a global audience and to encourage global communication in a different language. While is seems paradox to foster English for Multilingualism, is a nondiscriminatory English, which is meant here. Of course also a global language has glocal consequences, language can only be used in a context. However, already existing networks can be used here and Wikipedia movement and the foundations can (and should) align to use external recourses. However, other institutions follow different trajectories, the mind-map gives an impression to what institutions and projects the Movement and Foundation could align with to address visibility in Global (English) audience.

How could raise an awareness for Global Englishes and what would be the benefits? In my view, we need to

using Wiki-data effectively
saving time to foster our already strong position as information hub
align existing scientific projects with the strategy
continuously adapt our tools: can't use a Japanese template here: Template:World Society

For this end, we should

in Europe, Euro-English is related to a common European public and an open migration policy
in the US, there are projects of open society, the UN (with UNEP in Nairobi)
in Japan (and other Asian countries) it is coordinating community efforts on languageS

Slides or further information: Mind-map