WikiAdvocates/Programs/Wikimania 2023/Reflections

Mhille26

Wikimania 2023

• Where do you see yourself as a volunteer Wikimedian in the next few years?

As a volunteer I see myself few years from now is that Im still a volunteer, contributing and promoting different Wikimedia project.

• What is the importance of having a local celebration of Wikimania in your own country?

For me, having a local celebration of Wikimania in my country is important. Why? Because we have a chance and opportunity to and reconnecting with other Wikimedian.

• What learning have you gained during Wikimania 2023?

Before I share what I gained from Wikimania 2023, Let me thank those people behind this learning. To Ma’am Imelda Brazal and Sir Anthony Diaz, thank you for the opportunity to attend Wikimania online and for trusting us and believing that we can do it. To my co-volunteer, thank you for always guiding me in many ways. As a volunteer and WAP officer-in-charge at that time, I gained a lot of knowledge about collaboration and of course I learned how to build a strong relationship with my co-volunteers.

• What other programs do you think should be included?

For me, the program that should be included in Wikimedia projects is: since we have a human and environmental program, why can we add the rights of animals? We know that animals have an impact on our society, and animals are also a part of our society.

• What expectations do you have for Wikimania 2024?

My expectation for this coming Wikimania 2024 is more sharing about free knowledge and advocacy. I hope Wikimania 2024 is more of a fun and enjoyable journey for Wikimedian participants.

MaxixKatana

Wikimania2023

Diversity, Collaboration, and the Future

Wikimania 2023, held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme of "diversity, collaboration, and the future," was a transformative experience that has left an indelible mark on my journey as a volunteer and member. The event, held from August 16 to 19, brought together a global community of volunteers, educators, and enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of knowledge sharing and camaraderie.

While physical attendance was not possible for all, the virtual platform provided an immersive experience, allowing me to connect with fellow Wikipedians from around the world. The first day of the conference opened with a workshop on Wikipedia Basics, offering a comprehensive introduction to the platform's editing tools and guidelines. This session proved particularly valuable, as it demystified the editing process and highlighted the importance of responsible sourcing. The exploration of Wikimedia Commons, a repository of freely usable media files, further broadened my understanding of Wikimedia's vast resources. While some aspects of the platform remain unfamiliar, my curiosity and enthusiasm remain unwavering.

Initially, I approached the workshop with skepticism, fearing it would be tedious and devoid of practical benefits. However, my perception was swiftly challenged as the session unfolded. The engaging presentation and interactive exercises ignited a passion within me, fueling my eagerness to participate in future workshops. Wikimania's virtual format transcended geographical limitations, allowing me to feel like an active participant amidst the vibrant gathering of Wikipedians in Singapore. The opportunity to attend seminars, engage in discussions, and forge connections with fellow volunteers proved invaluable.

Day three of Wikimania witnessed our virtual support for our organization's chairman of the board, Sir Anthony as he presented on "Wikiboses: Preservation of Language." Although physical presence was not possible, we ensured that our unwavering support extended to him and our fellow Wikipedians in Singapore. Wikimania's celebration of diversity and collaboration left a profound impact on me, highlighting its role in shaping the future of the Wikimedia Foundation. The event opened my eyes to the organization's mission of sharing open knowledge and empowering volunteers to contribute to this global movement. I am deeply grateful to Wiki Advocates Philippines for granting me the opportunity to virtually participate in Wikimania 2023. The experience has instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose as a Wikipedian. I aspire to become a future representative of our organization, sharing my knowledge and bridging the gap between those with and without access to information.

As a Wikipedian, I am committed to leveraging my skills and influence to encourage others to join the movement, contributing to the open knowledge ecosystem, and promoting the principles of diversity and equity. I envision a world where knowledge is freely accessible, fostering a more informed and inclusive global society.

BiancaBrazal

BiancaBrazal at the Wikimania Singapore

Wikimania2023

"Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge." - Jimmy Wales

It was a profound experience to be in the same room as the people with the same dream as you - free, accessible knowledge to everybody.

The society where I live is so busy earning a living that gaining knowledge, much less sharing, is not something to focus on. Contributing knowledge is a daunting task that, at times, I feel like I'm not making a dent in what little I can give. Thus, meeting like-minded people made me realize this is not all in vain. Every single effort poured in is a piece making up the whole.

There is still a lot to do, so I'll continue editing Wiksyunaryo (or any other Wiki projects), one word at a time and with a renewed purpose.