Hi everyone, We just wrapped up an amazing GLAMcamp DC. Not only was the weekend productive and inspiring, but we were able to solidify some solid plans for this year's WLM. Here is a brief yet disorganized summary: * Kaldari gave a brief explanation to the group about how the tech side works. This was to give us a better idea of what it would entail to have the United States participate, and how he can help. (Thanks Kaldari for volunteering!) * Kippelboy gave a great explanation of how WLM worked (Catalonia/Spain?) in his area and it was really really valuable. He also was great at calming us all down - especially me! * On that note, Benoit, myself, and a few other folks decided to be BOLD! First, I'm working on the Commons page for the WLM US page, more to come with that, I've been traveling and really really busy. That will reflect these updates in an organized way. * We have decided once we can gain access to the WLM.us website (Aude purchased) we are going to translate, copy and paste a WLM site that is similar to others. Benoit is helping me with this, as I am not a tech genius but I want to get it done since we are a bit behind schedule. * We are going to translate WLM US into Spanish, hoping to get more Spanish speaking communities involved. (Spanish speaking communities are the fastest growing in the US) * We have decided to focus specifically on ONLY the National Register of Historic Places. Not only is this easier for us to digest the data (since most of the data for state specific content isn't easily organized on Wikipedia at this point), but it's also less overwhelming for first time participants. Next year we can expand. Besides, over 1 million properties are on NHRP - I think we'll be just fine :) * Templates will be modified so that each state can have it's own - it'll just show the flag and name of that state. I'm not sure how all that works, but, Jarek, Kaldari and Benoit are going to be on top of it. * We will of course reach out to NHRP for a partnership opportunity and we need to get a game plan together for other sponsors. Right now we just need to get a web presence. * We haven't quite solidified a judging process for the US winner, however, we did agree that the public will vote on the winner(s). I'm thinking it'll run something like the Commons Picture of the Day contest with some assistance from volunteers to weed out just plain bad images (blurry, rainy, ideally not helpful for WM projects). Not more details on that at this time. * We figure that since the US is so large, Wikimedians can organize their own Wiki takes and road trip events, mixed with encouraging national participation. All 50 states and US territories will be involved in the NHRP data. * Flickr will be used, we might have some special groups organized, contests, we're not sure yet. I'm a big Flickr person, so, I've offered to lend a big hand with this. Other details are rather unimportant right now, but we've got the ball rolling. Short term goal right now: * Get a web presence. I am seeking help, because I am not savvy with graphic design, to modify the WLM logo to feature "United States" someplace in the logo. Please let me know if you can help (or be bold and do it ;-) ). This week I have other priorities, but I hope when I'm back in DC I can get the website content started. Benoit and I will be speaking with each other. I also know we want to have a meeting at Wikimania about this. Perhaps after we get the web presence part started, a Skype can be arranged or an IRC talk for those interested in volunteering for the US/Canada events. We also are going to have cross-border events too :) I hope the US people don't mind me being bold about this, I just want to get the ball rolling, and I know that myself, Kaldari, Benoit and Pharos have agreed that "let's do this and get it started now," is the best policy. Time is ticking! -Sarah -- *Sarah Stierch* */Wikimedia Foundation Community Fellow/* <https://donate.wikimedia.org/><<