In 2024, a bold step was taken to address the underrepresentation of Latino voices on Wikipedia, particularly in reproductive rights. Through a series of edit-a-thons known as the Latino Repro Series, the initiative mobilized editors across the United States to expand and improve content on abortion rights, local ballot measures, and reproductive healthcare in both English and Spanish.
The Latino Repro Series sought to fill critical knowledge gaps on Wikipedia by creating and improving articles related to reproductive rights, particularly in US states where abortion access was a key 2024 ballot issue, such as Nevada, Arizona, and Florida. With in-person and virtual events, the initiative empowered new and experienced editors to contribute in providing culturally relevant and impactful content.
Art and Community Engagement
A key element of the Latino Repro Series was its intentional blending of edit-a-thons with art installations. The goal was to go beyond a standard Wikipedia workshop and create a collective experience that resonated deeply with participants. By incorporating visual art, music, and cultural expressions from Latino artists, these events became spaces to combine creative engagement and activism and ultimately build community.
These artistic expressions served as conversation starters and community-building tools, reinforcing the importance of storytelling and cultural preservation alongside Wikipedia editing. This approach ensured that the edit-a-thons were not just about contributing to Wikipedia, but also about fostering a dynamic and interactive experience that connected digital activism with artistic expression.
Statistics
The numbers speak for themselves. According to the Dashboard, our Latino Repro Series resulted in the creation of 24 new articles and edits across 77 articles. We added 43,000 words and over 380 sourced references. And the reach? Those articles have been viewed by an astonishing 125,000 people, amplifying knowledge on a growing scale.
Learnings
Engaging communities in Wikipedia editing, particularly around a sensitive and legally complex topic like reproductive rights, was not without challenges. We were up against:
- Entangled Articles: Most of the articles that already exist in the English Wikipedia on abortion follow a template that hardly lends itself to a readable format, making it inconvenient to search for accurate information in real time. It is up to us to think of new ways to structure this information so that it’s easily and readily available to those looking for it.
- Overcoming Resistance to Wikipedia Editing: Many reproductive rights advocates were initially hesitant about engaging with Wikipedia. However, through training and workshops, participants came to appreciate Wikipedia’s role as a neutral, widely accessed platform for information dissemination.
- Language Barriers: Spanish Wikipedia posed hurdles with translations, specially using the Translation Tool. One of the initiatives to overcome this barrier was the introduction of Simple English Wikipedia, a wiki designed for persons whose second language is English. This wiki offered more room for experimentation for newcomers.
Looking Ahead
With shifting political landscapes, ensuring sustained efforts to keep reproductive rights information accurate and visible on Wikipedia is crucial. Laying the groundwork for long-term engagement is the first step.
A comprehensive online course and a community convening are being developed to empower participants with the skills and confidence to contribute effectively to reproductive rights on Wikipedia. Additionally, we want to inspire volunteers to organize their own events, amplifying the reach of this initiative.
Wikipedia remains an essential resource for accurate and multilingual information on reproductive rights. During 2024, the Latino Repro Series demonstrated the importance of digital activism in preserving and sharing knowledge, ensuring communities have access to well-documented and reliable content.
Interested in joining the effort? Join WP:LATINOS to get involved in future edit-a-thons and help shape the digital record of reproductive rights!
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