*Tl;dr:* Want to learn how to effectively organize editing campaigns and
events in the movement? Join the beta 2 version of Organizer Lab on
WikiLearn to understand how to organize a global campaign around a topic
for impact area! This year’s Organizer Lab will focus on upskilling
organizers with tools and tactics to run effective campaigns related to
gender and sustainability. Applications
<https://wikimedia.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/previewId/7db03f8a-f9a3-4e…>
are
open from *6* - 17 Sep.
Dear Wikimedians,
The Campaign Programs Team
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Campaigns/Foundation_Programs_Team> at the
Wikimedia Foundation is excited to announce Version 2 of the Organizer Lab
<https://diff.wikimedia.org/2022/09/22/join-the-organizer-lab-beta/>. This
call is open to all Wikimedia community organizers with local organizing
experience who embrace the potential of the Wikimedia movement to mobilize
around Topics for Impact
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Strategy/Wikimedia_movement/2018-20/Recomme…>
and
are ready to enhance their international organizing skills.
Why an Organizer Lab?
Campaigns and other topic-based calls to action have greatly influenced the
Wikimedia movement. However, organizers consistently report challenges in
designing programs that effectively engage and retain new and experienced
contributors who meaningfully address knowledge gaps and continue
participating in movement activities.
In 2022, during the Beta version of the Lab, we tested the curriculum for
the course to better understand how to train organizers to run events that
fill knowledge gaps related to topics for impact. We know that training and
access to organizing skills help organizers become more involved and
effective at building Wikimedia communities through tactics like campaigns.
Initial evaluation of the Beta version of the Course was positive:
Participant feedback described the course material as very helpful in
building confidence in their organizing practices and ability to support
other organizers. Furthermore, analysis of the organizing activity from our
first 21 graduates indicates that Lab graduates are running more effective
content-creating events.
What’s new?
The Organizer Lab provides a structured path for organizers to enhance
their abilities, and learn how to design campaigns and effective calls to
action that address two strategic knowledge gaps: namely climate &
sustainability, and gender (new addition). Importantly, participants can
apply these skills to other topics for impact areas.
This year we are further testing the learning material with a second,
larger cohort and an additional topical focus on Gender. The goal is to
refine and strengthen the learning so that we can make public the course
materials in the future for use across the movement, as part of larger
Learning and Development opportunities on WikiLearn. We are also offering
the course in one additional language (Spanish!) and expanding our target
audience beyond Sub-Saharan Africa to Latin America.
What can I expect from the Lab?
The Organizer Lab is a 12 week online learning experience that will run
from early October to mid-December 2023. Participants will refine their
skills in designing strategic calls to action for prioritized knowledge
gaps, along with general Wikimedia organizing and campaign/event design
skills.
Participating organizers will leave the course with:
-
A strong understanding of how to develop a locally relevant topic list
for a knowledge gap-focused campaign.
-
A process for identifying suitable local audiences and organizations for
activation and recruitment.
-
Familiarity with effective event design tactics, tools, and newcomer
engagement strategies.
-
A scalable project proposal for events or projects related to global
campaigns on Earth Day and Women’s History Month, as well as other regional
and international campaigns.
Only 50 spots are available for the course, and not all qualified
applicants can be accepted. While movement and organizing experience will
help determine qualification, we will use a lottery system to ensure that
factors such as geographic representation (with a focus on Africa and Latin
America, although other regions may also be considered based on certain
criteria), and gender diversity in order to create a more equitable and
diverse cohort.
Apply now or learn more
To apply to join the cohort, please read the instructions on Meta
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Campaigns/Organizer_Lab>, where you will
find: an application form
<https://wikimedia.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/previewId/7db03f8a-f9a3-4e…>,
important dates, and general guidance. You are also invited to read about
the projects of the grantees
<https://diff.wikimedia.org/2023/04/13/inaugural-edition-of-the-organizer-la…>
from
the last cohort. If you missed our session at Wikimania you can watch the
recorded version here. For any queries reach out to the team at
campaigns(a)wikimedia.org.
Best,
--
Felix Nartey
Senior Program Officer, Campaigns
Wikimedia Foundation <https://wikimediafoundation.org/>
Hello everyone
- Français plus bas -
The season for submitting Rapid Grant requests to participate to Wiki
Loves Africa 2024 *will open soon*. We wanted to provide you some
information ahead of time for you to better plan and anticipate
Wiki Loves Africa is the annual media contest opened on the entire
african continent and beyond.
The website (for promotion) : https://www.wikilovesafrica.net
On Commons (for participation) :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2023
And on meta (for organization) :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa
The next edition of the contest will take place in March and April 2024
(same than last year).
The 2024 theme will be communicated within the next 10 days
Some of you need some funding to organize activities during the contest.
Two situations
- Your organization is already covered by a Wikimedia Foundation one
year or three year grant. In that case, WLA is probably somehow included
in your general grant.
- You are not covered by a year-long grant ---> continue reading
Different funding sources are available to support individuals or teams
accross Africa organize activities.
The three main ones for the next edition are
1) the Rapid Grant system : proposed by the Wikimedia Foundation
2) the WikiFranca microfunding system : proposed by WikiFranca and
opened to French speaking participants
3) some Wikimedia affiliates may propose micro-funding to their members.
For example, Wikimedia Nigeria has a microgranting system opened to
Nigerians.
*This message aims to address the general case of rapid grant requests
to the Wikimedia Foundation. *
*LINK : **https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid*
According to the calendar of the rapid grant system, *the next cycle you
need to submit your request to is Cycle 3, with an application deadline
on November 1st.*
This cycle would allow you to receive the funding in time for the
organization of activities.
Should you miss the november deadline, you can join Cycle 4, with an
application on January 15.
If you choose cycle 4, you will be informed of the approval before the
launch of WLA, but the funding will get to you after the launch. This
might be a problem, but can be an option for late comers.
If you are interested, I highly recommand you take the next couple of
weeks to
1) think of your plans for WLA 2024
2) check the eligibility criterias :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid
3) make sure you are compliant (eg, finish those due reports...)
4) review last year applications :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa_2023/Participating_commun…
Wilson (currently super busy finalizing the announcement of
international winners ;)) will get in touch with you shortly for support
in October.
Thanks
Florence
-------
La saison pour soumettre des demandes de subvention pour participer à
Wiki Loves Africa 2024 ouvrira bientôt. Nous souhaitions vous fournir
quelques informations à l'avance pour que vous puissiez mieux planifier
et anticiper.
Wiki Loves Africa est le concours médiatique annuel ouvert à l'ensemble
du continent africain et au-delà. Le site Web (pour la promotion) :
https://www.wikilovesafrica.net Sur Commons (pour la participation) :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2023 Et sur
Meta (pour l'organisation) :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa
La prochaine édition du concours se déroulera en mars et avril 2024
(comme l'année dernière). Le thème de 2024 sera communiqué dans les 10
prochains jours.
Certains d'entre vous ont besoin de financement pour organiser des
activités pendant le concours. Deux situations :
* 1. Votre organisation est déjà couverte par une subvention d'un an
ou de trois ans de la Wikimedia Foundation. Dans ce cas, WLA est
probablement inclus d'une manière ou d'une autre dans votre
subvention générale.
* 2. Vous n'êtes pas couvert par une subvention annuelle --->
continuez à lire.
Différentes sources de financement sont disponibles pour soutenir les
individus ou les équipes à travers l'Afrique dans l'organisation
d'activités. Les trois principales pour la prochaine édition sont :
1. 1. le système de subvention (rapid grant) : proposé par la Wikimedia
Foundation
2. 2. le système de microfinancement WikiFranca : proposé par
WikiFranca et ouvert aux participants francophones
3. 3. certaines associations Wikimedia peuvent proposer un
microfinancement à leurs membres. Par exemple, Wikimedia Nigeria a
un système de micro-subvention ouvert aux Nigérians.
*Ce message vise à aborder le cas général des demandes de subvention
rapide à la Wikimedia Foundation. LIEN :
**https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid*
Selon le calendrier du système de subvention rapide, le prochain cycle
auquel vous devez soumettre votre demande est le Cycle 3, avec une date
limite de candidature le 1er novembre. Ce cycle vous permettra de
recevoir le financement à temps pour l'organisation des activités. Si
vous manquez la date limite de novembre, vous pouvez rejoindre le Cycle
4, avec une candidature le 15 janvier. Si vous choisissez le cycle 4,
vous serez informé de l'approbation avant le lancement de WLA, mais le
financement vous parviendra après le lancement. Cela peut poser
problème, mais c'est une option pour les retardataires.
Si vous êtes intéressé, je vous recommande vivement de prendre les
prochaines semaines pour :
1. - réfléchir à vos plans pour WLA 2024
2. - vérifier les critères d'éligibilité :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid
3. - vous assurer que vous êtes en conformité (par exemple, finaliser
les rapports dus...)
4. - examiner les demandes de l'année dernière :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa_2023/Participating_commun…
Wilson (actuellement très occupé à finaliser l'annonce des lauréats
internationaux ;)) vous contactera prochainement pour vous apporter son
soutien en octobre.
Merci,
Florence
Greeting Wikimedians,
The CfA WiR community is sending a warm shout-out to budding Wikimedians
and is thrilled to announce a specially curated session to enhance their
wiki skills.
📌 *What’s on the Agenda?*
- Customising your Wiki Userpage
- Customising Wiki page
- Categorisation on Wiki
- Mastering Infoboxes & Enhancing Articles with Short Description
📆 *Date: starting 08 September 2023*
🎙 *Meet the Maestros*
- Popoola James: The Beacon of Open Future Africa
- Iwuala Lucy: Steering the helm at Igbo Wiki Fan Club, Alvan
- Rhoda James: The creative force behind Wikimedia Nigeria User Group
- Daniel Obiokeke: The brainpower founding Space Bar Africa
📝 *Registration is Just a Click Away!*
Secure your spot here
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPOQ3Rg18Rd3v8VQkyavjHT2EJe216PYZ…>
[
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPOQ3Rg18Rd3v8VQkyavjHT2EJe216PYZ…
]
Come, let’s make Wikipedia more vibrant, one edit at a time. We can’t wait
to see you there!
Warm regards,
Bukola James
Community Coordinator
Code for Africa WiR initiatives
*---P.S. Share with friends and colleagues who might benefit. Let’s grow
our Wiki community together!*
Dear all,
Did you miss the Wikimania 2023 conference? Would you love to hear what it
was like attending in-person Wikimania in Singapore? Craving to hear the
experiences of first time attendees and more?
Then it is my pleasure to invite you to the episode 30 of WikiAfrica Hour,
titled *Echoes From Wikimania 2023*.
We shall be hosting some Wikimania 2023 scholars to share their various
experiences from the just concluded in-person Wikimania 2023 held in
Singapore.
Date: 8th September 2023
Time: 4pm UTC
Details: http://w.wiki/5dft
Regards,
Ceslause Ogbonnaya
*Host, WikiAfrica Hour*
OpenAI (@OpenAI) tweeted at 1:07 PM on Thu, Aug 31, 2023:
We’re releasing a guide for teachers using ChatGPT in their classroom —
including suggested prompts, an explanation of how ChatGPT works and its
limitations, the efficacy of AI detectors, and bias. https://t.co/rVFdEUH6ph
(https://twitter.com/OpenAI/status/1697295029763715166?s=03)
Interesting.
There were several presentations that mentioned chatgpt at the Singapore
Wikimania Conference. While at the conference I ordered a couple of books
about Chatgpt and have watched YouTube videos. [still learning]
The biggest limitation of chatgpt is a lack of references.
Wikipedia is the go- to platform for education. Plus any data search on
chatgpt will not go past 2021.
Plus Chatgpt has a fee component, and Wikipedia is free.
Still learning what the challenges of chatgpt will be for Wikipedia
editors.
Take care,
Linda Fletcher-Dabo
Dear Wikimedians,
We're thrilled to announce the plan to host the EduWiki Conference 2024 – a
significant step in our journey, expanding our reach and inclusivity. This
move represents our commitment to ensuring global representation and
overcoming barriers, building on our learnings from past conferences.
We're seeking your voice to ensure a diverse and enriching experience for
all attendees! [image: 🌟]
We introduce the Community Engagement Survey for EduWiki Conference 2024
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3rykNznns2a56trSBbiMLivSAQOhYRD6…>.
Your insights are invaluable in shaping the agenda, sessions, and the
overall conference vibe. Be it your personal experiences, educational
discussions, or innovative session ideas – we're eager to know.
[image: 🔗] Please fill out the survey here: [Community Engagement
Survey-EduWiki Conference 2024
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3rykNznns2a56trSBbiMLivSAQOhYRD6…>
]
Why contribute?
-
Influence the Program: Help us design an event that resonates with the
community's needs and celebrates our shared successes.
-
Strengthen the Community: Your feedback ensures we embrace the diverse
perspectives and aspirations of our global community.
-
Global Collaboration: This conference offers a chance to bring together
voices from all corners of the world, fostering unity and mutual
understanding.
Your privacy is of utmost importance. Know that your responses will be
shared exclusively with the Wikipedia & Education User Group board members.
Though some aggregate statistics may be shared, your personal information
will remain confidential.
Your insights are our guiding light. Let's come together to craft an
unforgettable EduWiki 2024!
Warm regards,
*Bukola James* <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bukky658>
*Wikipedia + Education User Group*
Hello everyone,
Just a friendly reminder that the upcoming #SheSaid campaign
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Women/SheSaid> is scheduled to
run from October 1st to December 31st this year. For those of you who are
planning to organize a #SheSaid local event during this time, please take
note that the *deadline to apply for a grant from the Wikimedia Foundation*
is *September 1st, 2023*.
To ensure a streamlined and comprehensive process for your grant
application, we have prepared a grant request template
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nutGLLDBWr33wVvQ7oPE3qeTGBxndzb1qF-E6Za…>
for you to use. We kindly request that you refrain from replying to the
document with your application. Instead, if you're ready to submit your
grant application, kindly complete the Fluxx form
<https://wmf.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new> linked for that purpose.
If you happen to have any specific questions or require assistance, we
encourage you to join our *Office Hour session today* at *3:00pm* *UTC* via
this link
<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81126530358?pwd=K3oxQ01DNFUzRi8zM2FFTDNuWXVOZz09>.
Your inquiries will be addressed there.
Best,
Afek