I was fortunate to participate in Train the Trainer (TTT) 2024, a leadership-focused program organized by CIS-A2K in Bhubaneswar, India from October 18 to 20. This program was designed to equip active Indian Wikimedia community members with essential skills, enabling them to take leadership roles and expand the Wikimedia movement in their regions. The program focused on event management skills like community research and needs assessment, program designing, identifying collaborations, communication strategies, etc. all aimed at empowering participants to inspire and guide others within the Wikimedia ecosystem.
“TTT 2024 reminded me that every voice in the Wikimedia movement has the power to inspire and lead, especially when we embrace inclusivity and break down barriers to technology.“
This blog is my attempt at recapping my experience and learnings from the TTT 2024 program:
Initial Impressions
Exploring the event details on the meta page excited me about the learning opportunities ahead. Each session seemed like a chance to dive deeper into leadership and outreach within the Wikimedia community. What truly intrigued me was the diversity among the participants not only in terms of gender, age, and region but also in their varied backgrounds in contributing to Wikimedia. I was eager to hear their unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges, especially during the group activities, where I knew our collective knowledge would spark meaningful discussions and offer fresh insights for future opportunities.
Sessions and Learning
The program had three themes (Needs Assessment & Community Research, Program Designing, and Collaborations) and it followed a structured approach that allowed attendees to develop a holistic toolkit. Each session is focused on preparing the participants for leadership roles in community outreach and training. Among them, three sessions stood out to me particularly. They are:
- Hands-on Group Discussion on Challenges & Opportunities in Wikimedia: This session provided a collaborative environment where we openly discussed the hurdles and opportunities for growth in our work on Wikimedia. It was insightful to hear how different communities, despite using the same tools, faced distinct issues unique to their context. It was an enriching experience to share ideas and explore potential growth opportunities collaboratively.
- Presentations on Experience Contributing to Wikimedia Projects: It was truly inspiring to learn about the personal journeys of fellow Wikimedians, especially their dedication to projects like 100WikiDays. At the end of the presentation, the presenters announced a new initiative—a program designed to support and guide other Wikimedians interested in embarking on a similar journey.
- Brainstorming on Engagement with Open Knowledge Stakeholders: This session gave me an opportunity to sit with fellow wikimedians from my region and deepen my connection with them. Being a technical contributor, I don’t spend much time with the editor community in my region but this session helped me understand them better. We brainstormed partnerships with various stakeholders in the open knowledge ecosystem both within and beyond Wikimedia.
Collaboration and Networking
In the collaboration sessions, connections were made with potential editors from the Telugu Wikimedia community, and they shared insights about their experiences and challenges with various technical tools. These discussions highlighted areas where technical support could be tailored to better meet community needs. These connections could facilitate outreach efforts, enabling our user group to provide targeted support to help improve contributions. Outside of the formal sessions, the social dinner presented another valuable networking opportunity. During this time, discussions with local Odia Wikimedians allowed for the exchange of experiences and perspectives. Additionally, two participants expressed interest in joining the upcoming hackathon organized by our user group (Indic Mediawiki Developers User Group), where their insights and support are likely to strengthen collaborative efforts.
Individual Takeaway
One important insight I gained was that some community members feel intimidated by technology, often viewing it as something complex and inaccessible. This perception can make them hesitant to reach out to tech teams or consider applying for technical events organized by our user group. Unfortunately, communication around these events sometimes unintentionally reinforces this impression.
To create a more welcoming environment, event-related communication must be clear, inclusive, and accessible to people of all technical backgrounds. When sharing event information, we should emphasize that participants who offer valuable insights, such as asking critical questions about how technology functions or considering ways to make it more inclusive are always welcome, provided they have at least basic knowledge of technical aspects.
“Each challenge we face is an opportunity for growth, and together, we can transform fear of technology into confidence and collaboration.“
A highlight of the event for me was seeing a new level of diversity, both in participation and leadership in terms of gender. For the first time in TTT, over 40% of participants were women, marking a significant step toward gender balance. Additionally, the two guest speakers were women, whose expertise and perspectives enriched the sessions with their insights, experiences, and challenges they faced in their work towards this movement. This representation made a strong impact, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere and adding to the value of diverse voices in shaping Wikimedia’s future.
Conclusion
Attending Train the Trainer 2024 was a transformative experience, offering both skill development and meaningful connections within the Wikimedia community. Each session, discussion, and networking opportunity reinforced the value of collaborative learning and highlighted the potential for future projects and initiatives. Equipped with new insights and a deeper understanding of the community’s diverse needs, I’m inspired to contribute more effectively and inclusively.
I’m excited to apply my TTT learnings to support others, especially by easing hesitations around technology and fostering a more inclusive, engaged Wikimedia community
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