2024:Program/Let’s Connect Open Connectathon: Relax and lets connect together!

Session title: Let’s Connect Open Connectathon: Relax and lets connect together!

Session type: Demonstration

Track: Contributor/Community Engagement

Language: en

Join us for 40 minutes of fun questions and interactions. Why? Because, sometimes we just want to relax and get to know people, as people. Sometimes this is hard in such a a big conference. We also came for a laugh. And who knows, this brief and spontaneous interaction with others may lead to more connections in the Wikimedia Movement.

Description

The Connectathon will provide participants with an open, enjoyable, and safe space to share interests, ideas and stories, embodying the Let’s Connect spirit of peer connection, inclusion, and collaboration. Additionally, participants will leave feeling included, welcomed, and curious about further involvement in Let’s Connect.

How does your session relate to the event theme, Collaboration of the Open?

Our session, "40 Minutes of Fun Questions and Interactions," fosters genuine human connections within the Wikimedia community by providing a relaxed environment for personal interactions and lighthearted fun. This aligns with the theme "Collaboration of the Open" by promoting inclusivity and peer connection, encouraging participants to share interests, ideas, and stories in a safe space. Ultimately, it strengthens relationships and sparks new connections, embodying the Let's Connect spirit of collaboration.

What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?

Everyone can participate in this session

Speakers

• BUKOLA JAMES

I am a certified Nigerian librarian and the Regional Liaison Officer for the Sub-Saharan Africa on the Let's Connect working group. I am also the Community Coordinator for the Africa Wikipedian Alliance and serves as the Special Advisor for the Wikipedia + Education User Group. Additionally, I am an active member of the Creative Commons Open Culture Platform.

As the founder of the Kwara State University (KWASU) Wiki Fan Club in 2022, I promoted the use of Wikimedia projects among the university's staff and students. My role as a Content Campaign Organizer includes co-organizing the first WikiClimate Campus Tour in Nigeria and leading the inaugural Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom Nigeria as a certified Trainer.

My involvement extends to various Wikimedia initiatives within and outside Nigeria. Furthermore,I have provided facilitation and mentorship support to other Wikimedians, fostering collaboration and guiding new editors in their journey to become fully integrated into the Wikimedia community, ensuring they feel safe and have a sense of belonging. My work within the Wikimedia community has been focused on fostering community engagement and promoting open knowledge.

• Jessica Stephenson

Let’s Connect enthusiast

• Chinmayee Mishra

An Engineer by profession, Wikimedian by passion.

Happy daughter hailing from the east coast of India, believing in creating an inclusive space where everyone has a fair chance to thrive, free from any discrimination or bias.

• Gorana Gomirac (VMRS)

I am a GLAM Manager at Wikimedia Serbia, #1Lib1Ref Global Coordinator, and a CEE Liaison for Let's Connect.