Train. Transform. Transfer – Empowering Wikimedia Leaders through Train the Trainer Program

The Center for Internet & Society – Access to Knowledge (CIS-A2K) has launched the 8th iteration of the Train The Trainer (TTT) Program, following TTT 2020. The Train The Trainer 2023 Program is scheduled for the 29th to 30th of September and the 1st of October 2023. The TTT scholarship application window is now open, and it welcomes individuals who have a strong interest in delving deeper into Wikimedia, sharing their knowledge with others, and having the dedication and capacity to volunteer for the growth and betterment of their communities actively. The application form will remain open until the 14th of August. It’s important to note that the scholarship participants will be exclusively from India and must not have attended any previous Train The Trainer Programs.

Train the Trainer, commonly known as TTT, is a multi-day residential training program designed to nurture leadership skills among members of the Indian Wikimedia community. The program aims to groom individuals to become effective trainers and leaders, capable of inspiring and guiding others in the Wikimedia movement. 

TTT’s journey started in Bangalore, India, from 3rd to 6th October 2013. This event empowered community members to lead in the Wikimedia ecosystem. The second iteration occurred from 26th February to 1st March 2015, building on the success of the first TTT.

During these transformative days, participants engaged in intensive training, skill-building sessions, and collaborative activities, enhancing their capabilities as leaders within the Wikimedia community.  TTT has become a key initiative in encouraging leadership development and building a strong network of trainers and mentors. 

The Significance of TTT: Nurturing Wikimedia’s Future Leaders

The Train the Trainer (TTT) program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of our community, who are trained to drive the movement forward. 

One of the primary reasons for making TTT impactful is its ability to enrich a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Through TTT, participants gain the necessary skills to effectively train and guide others in the Wikimedia ecosystem, creating a wavelet effect of knowledge dissemination within the community. This, in turn, leads to a more empowered and interconnected community, united in their mission to share knowledge freely with the world.

Train the Trainer, where three T’s hold the key to unlocking leadership potential and community-building expertise. Train the Trainer (TTT), spotlighting its three pillars of strength – the Three Strong T’s!

Training:

At the depth of the Train The Trainer lies the core principle of training. Wikimedians are given the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and competencies, enabling them to serve as effective trainers within their communities. From mastering communication techniques to designing engaging workshops, the training aspect of TTT equips individuals to be transformational leaders.

Transformation:

Last but not least, the second T symbolizes “Transformation.” Train the Trainer is more than just a program; it’s a journey of personal and collective learning for participants, organizers and trainers. People come to TTT not just for gaining some new skills but also to collaboratively learn and improve connections with Wikimedians of other languages and project communities.

Transfer:

The third T stands for “Transfer.” Train the Trainer is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about sharing and transferring that knowledge to others. Participants are encouraged to become motivated for knowledge dissemination and develop a network of learning and growth within their Wikimedia communities.

Join The Train The Trainer 2023 Program

After 2020, the program has significantly emphasized experiential learning, actively encouraging participants to grasp knowledge through hands-on activities and practical experiences. An additional focal point of the event has been the identification and resolution of biases that could obstruct the development of inclusive and diverse communities.

The upcoming TTT event is scheduled to occur from 29th September- 1st October 2023. For this iteration, the Wikimedians of Kerala group is joining as a co-host community, enriching the event with their unique perspectives and valuable insights.

To express your interest to be a participant in the program scholarship form should be filled out until 14 August.  

By participating in this program, individuals can not only enhance their own understanding of Wikimedia but also play an active role in furthering positive change within their communities. Whether it’s through organizing workshops, contributing to Wikimedia projects, or spearheading initiatives that champion diversity and inclusivity, scholars will have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact.

The Evolution of Train the Trainer’s Vision

After the Train The Trainer (TTT) program holds exciting possibilities for further enriching the Wikimedia movement and community Such as

Leadership Development: Broaden the focus of TTT to contain broader leadership development, providing trainers with skills to drive strategic planning, Governance, and advocacy initiatives.

Advanced TTT: Introduce advanced TTT tracks for experienced trainers to deepen their skills and explore specialized areas such as sustainable leadership, conflict resolution and project management.

Localized Content: Collaborate with community leaders in planning to develop TTT content and resources in multiple languages, ensuring that trainers can effectively serve their respective language communities and address unique challenges.

Continuous Learning: Establish an ongoing development framework for TTT alumni, offering webinars, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to support their growth as trainers and community leaders.

Collaboration with Affiliates: Strengthen collaboration between TTT and Wikimedia affiliates to align training efforts with local needs and initiatives.

By envisioning and implementing these future possibilities, the Train the Trainer program can continue to empower Wikimedia community leaders, boost their impact, and contribute to the overall advancement of the Wikimedia movement.