What a time to be a Wikimedian!
Some say COVID-19 has drastically slowed down the pace of the world itself and in many ways all but flipped it upside down! Many a Wikimedian, can tell tall tales about how changes in demand for our content has propelled us to push boundaries and up our game and in doing so, assert new meaning to what it is we do.
It’s the perfect time to bring back Wiki Indaba, our annual regional conference that allows us — Wikimedians in Africa and the diaspora to get together, share our common goals and vision, and develop better, more effective ways of working together.
The Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda will make history, hosting the first virtual Wiki Indaba in 2021. “We were taking notes during Wiki Indaba events we attended in the past, but never could we have imagined this new normal (the COVID-19) we’re living in now, we’ve definitely had to adapt, but we’re up for the challenge” — Geoffrey Kateregga, Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda
Wiki Indaba 2021 will take place from the 5th – 7th of November with the apt theme “Rethink + Reset : Visions of the future”
Why this theme?
While the opportunities to rethink and reset our approaches and community involvement had always existed, never had these two been more real for the Wikimedia Community in Africa and the diaspora than in the last year.
Restricted travel and even lesser opportunities to meet in person caused a rapid and we daresay, continuous transformation of Wikimedia’s landscape in Africa – its models of engagement, strategies, regional and thematic value and content chains, affiliate operations, communication, knowledge sourcing, and access were all affected across international networks and geographic boundaries.
However, it is not enough to just reset the compass; we must envision the future in our responses as we emerge from the pandemic. To tell you what you already know, innovation stands at the core of it. From all corners of the continent, our activities over the last year have been supported by innovation. It is no longer a question of “Should we choose A, B, C?” but rather “Which direction do we take by using the available resources?” Another good question is “What kind of choices enable us to stay aligned with our true North?” This transformation is among the main issues of many communities while embracing the changes and planning for the future is a priority for all. In such strange times, therefore, it is only realistic to acknowledge that these two are becoming the standards for sustainable growth within the African Wikimedia Community.
While we focus on this theme, we welcome your insights and experiences as a Wikimedian, a Wikimedia movement group, or an affiliate. Share your reality in all areas of Wikimedia that are relevant to the community in Africa and the diaspora
Submit your proposal for a session by simply stating the title of your session and providing a brief description via https://pretalx.com/wiki-indaba-2021/cfp. The submission window runs from 2nd to 24th September 2021.
Successful applicants will be notified by 5th October 2021. In the event that your submission is not accepted, please don’t be discouraged. Wiki Indaba 2021 will have time set aside in the schedule for participants and attendees to participate in unofficial, self-organized talks and working groups. You will have many opportunities to bring topics forward on-site, as well as socializing and sharing ideas casually. Your voice will be heard!
Registration is open. Click on http://bit.ly/wikiindaba2021 to reserve your free ticket to attend the event. You may also want to stay tuned to Wiki Indaba 2021’s social platforms via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for updates leading up to the event.
If you have any questions regarding getting involved with wikiIndaba2021, you can contact the Program Committee or Organising Team via wikiuganda@gmail.com
Like school kids returning to school after a long break, we are super excited to converge, humblebrag, and trade war stories with our fellow community members once again.
See you at Wiki Indaba 2021! 📢📢
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