Learning and Evaluation/News/Learning Days for Wikimedia Conference 2018/Wednesday sessions

Welcome & Orientation

no etherpad ?

Plenary Opening Session Day 1

Planning and Testing New Projects

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Planning-and-Testing-New-Projects

Abstract:

Have you ever started a project, and then realized it was larger and more complicated than you thought? Have you ever had an idea for a new project, but wished you could test it out beforehand? Have you ever wished you could know the future, to know that your new project will succeed?

Then you might be interesting in running a pilot project. A pilot project is a way for you to test an idea, at a small scale. It offers you greater control over your project, allowing you to easily correct mistakes when they happen; it allows you to more easily see the direct consequence of an action or decision. And most importantly, it allows you to work out all the major and minor details of the project, before you use up all your volunteer, partner, staff time and resources. Lastly, while a pilot project won't predict the future, its low-risk way to see if your idea can work at a larger scale.

Time allocated:

60 min

Specific learning objectives:

Participants will leave with a clear sense of how to work through ideas and create sustainable projects.

Presenter roles:

Facilitator:

Sati Houston

Programs, Grants, and Support: An Introduction to Organizing in the Wikimedia Movement

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Wikimedia-Programs-and-Events_-an-Introduction

Abstract:

This session will introduce organizers relatively new to movement events, to the range of leadership and organizing opportunities available as part of the Wikimedia movement. Starting with how the movement is structured, the session will look at the various different established community practices for spreading the impact of the movement.

This session is highly recommended for first time participants at Wikimedia Conference and folks who are relatively new to working with Wikimedia affiliates.

Time allocated:

105 Minutes

Specific learning objectives:

Participants understand what kinds of projects, activities, and grants are appropriate for different stages of development
Participants are able to identify the low risk, high reward opportunities for growing their capacity and communities.
Participants identify the kinds of questions that they want to ask over the course of Wikimedia Conference

Presenter roles:

Alex Stinson -- facilitator, and programs section, and wrap up activity
Alex Wang and Woubzena Jifar -- grant section
Maria Cruz -- Support section
Dumsani Ndubane -- Affiliates structures section

Communications Plans

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Communications-Plans

Abstract

How can you better communicate your projects? What are the different parts you need to consider to create a communications plan? In this session, we will consider the communications plan as a tool for collaboration (like contribution guidelines, style guidelines, and other tutorials for collaboration). We will review each part (Framing, Explanation, Theory of change, and Requirements), and take some time to work on each section. Come to this session with a project in mind! If you don't have a project to work on, you can use some standard examples that we will share.

Time

60 minutes.

Specific learning objectives

Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to build a communications plan.
Participants will understand the connection between the communications plan sections and other program design elements.

Facilitator

María Cruz

Lightning Talks

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Lightning_talks_Berlin_2018

Tools Demonstrations

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Tools-Demonstration

Abstract:

Data tools are a critical piece of the evaluation puzzle however, in the Wikimedia world you may not always know what metrics you might be able to collect or how to go about collecting them. In this session, experienced Wikimedia program evaluators will share demonstrations for participants to learn about up to three tools that they choose.

Time allocated: 45 minutes

Specific learning objectives:

Participants learn one or two key tools for their evaluation data collection and/or use
Participants get to engage in question and answer session with someone experienced with using the tool who can support their applied learning as they work to try out the tools.

Presenters & Tool Topics:

Programs & Events Dashboard (Sage Ross) 8 mins
Wikimedia Resource Center (Maria Cruz) 7 mins
Hashtag Tracking (Alex Stinson) 5 mins
Grant Metrics Tool (Beta version) (Sati Houston) 5 mins
Library Card Platform (Jake Orlowitz) 5 mins
WikiData on Commons (Sandra Fauconnier) 8 mins

Making Decisions Together: Methods for Community Listening

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Community-Listening

Abstract:

Listening to community voices in a balanced way is key to making decisions that are collaborative and inclusive, both important values of the movement. There are many methods we use for community listening: surveys, consultations, community wish lists, mailing lists, and many others. These methods each have unique purposes, strengths, and challenges. The first half of the session will cover the concepts and core values related to group decision-making. The second half of this session will cover the pros and cons of various community listening methods. Participants will practice applying a method to a problem they want to solve.

Time allocated: 120 minutes (with a break in the middle)

Type of presentation: Workshop

Specific learning objectives:

Understand the dynamics and value of group-decision making
Describe the core values associated with participatory decision-making
Describe the pros and cons of various community listening methods
Apply community listening methods to your own work

Presenter roles: Dana McCurdy, facilitator

Engaging Volunteers Through Social Media

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Engaging-Volunteers-Through-Social-Media

Program and Event Practices

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Program-and-Event-Practices

Abstract: Best practices are a critical piece of program and event planning puzzle however, in the Wikimedia world you may not always know where to go for guidance. In this session, experienced Wikimedia program and community events staff will share guidance and resources for participants to learn about up to three topics of their choice during the length of the session. Time allocated:

Specific learning objectives

Participants learn one or two key tools for their evaluation data collection and/or use
Participants get to engage in question and answer session with someone experienced with using the tool who can support their applied learning as they work to try out the tools.

Presenters & Tool Topics:

Event Safety (Christel Steigenberger)
Event Planning (Rachel Farrand)
Developing WikiData and Commons Partnerships (Sandra Fauconnier)
GLAM Data Tools (Alex Stinson)
Libraries (Jake Orlowitz)
Affiliate Reporting Best Practice (Dumisani Ndubane)

Conflict Engagement & Consensus Building In Organizations

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Conflict-Engagement-and-Group-Consensus-Building

Abstract:

Wikipedians tends to focus on local or personal concerns rather than on the broader development of their organization or community. This view has led to thinking that a Wikimedian is not interested in, or doesn't seek to be involved in the larger community's organizational development. Awareness, collaboration, and commitment are key factors in building consensus in an organization. In this session, we'll review these key factors, and using the 5 Why's process we'll brainstorm the importance of each alone, and in combination within the context of building consensus in organizational development. We will also explore what happens, if consensus building is not possible, due to unfortunate circumstances, to prepare participants for difficulties that could arise in real life. Bringing in an element of "fun", we'll use the example of a fictitious Affiliate, Wiki Arctic User Group (which includes people from the 8 countries of the Arctic), throughout the session.

Time allocated:

90 minutes

Specific learning objectives:

Participants learn about key factors in consensus-building necessary for organizational development. They also learn about ways to deal with conflicts that can not be solved by finding a consensus and when to ask for outside help in such situations.

Presenter roles:

Rosie Stephenson-Goodknight, presents explanation of key factors in consensus building necessary for strategy development, and the 5 Whys tool.
Christel Steigenberger, presents overview of situations not solved by conflict in the past and general ideas on how to deal with them.
Community presenters facilitate small, round-table groups using the key factors (awareness, collaboration, commitment) in addressing specific struggles faced by the User Group:

Community presenter 1, facilitates a small group focused on: who will be the UG's representative in Berlin for the Wikimedia Conference (e.g. people).
Community presenter 2, facilitates a small group focused on: where will the UG hold its first conference (e.g. logistics).
Community presenter 3, facilitates a small group focused on: budget (e.g. not enough money for everything that the stakeholders want to do).

Build Your Communication & Public Speaking Skills Workshop

https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/Presentation-Skills

Abstract:

As members of the movement, we often find ourselves as ambassadors, explaining to others our mission, our role, and all about Wikipedia. All speaking is public speaking, and we can’t not communicate. So let’s learn about how we are perceived, and practice how we present ourselves, our work, and our movement.

Time allocated:

60 minutes

Specific learning objectives:

Participants learn of basic tenets of effective communication, public speaking and understand why it matters.
Participants get to test out some of the basic principles through lightening talks and small group practice.

Preparation

Come with a couple of stories you want to share in a 1 minute "presentation" to practice with your peers. It can be a project you're excited to be working on, a challenge or a success story!

Presenter roles:

Facilitators: Andrew Lih & Alex Wang

Learning Days 2018