| Wikipedia Ambassador program (UK) | |
|---|---|
| Ambassador Principles | |
| Campus Ambassadors (WP:CAMPUS/UK) | |
| Schools and courses | |
| Resources (General) |
The UK Wikipedia Ambassador Program is an effort supported by Wikimedia UK to help new users and reach out to new potential contributors—particularly professors who want to incorporate Wikipedia into the classroom and their students who are assigned to edit Wikipedia. The program is a regional organization supporting the international Wikipedia Ambassador program.
Campus Ambassadors serve as local representatives of the Wikipedia community on college and university campuses. Their central role is to teach professors and students about the basics of Wikipedia and provide a first-point-of-contact with the Wikipedia community. The program is currently limited to U.S. universities participating in the Public Policy Initiative, but will be rolled out more broadly in the future. If you are interested in being trained as a Campus Ambassador, or if you are a teacher and are interested in working with Wikipedia Ambassadors for a Wikipedia project in one of your classes, add yourself to the interest list.
Wikipedia Ambassador Principles
edit- 1. Always be friendly
- As a Wikipedia Ambassador, you are the first point of contact for new contributors. The way you treat them will shape their view of Wikipedia. Show respect and courtesy to the people you are trying to help. Act in good faith and assume good faith on the parts of the people you are dealing with.
- Be visible and responsive to newcomers, giving them permission and ample opportunity to seek guidance. Encourage others to give positive and constructive feedback, and model constructive feedback in your own interactions. Facilitate open and honest communication oriented toward a positive result. Be patient with people who have varying levels of computer literacy.
- 2. Exude passion toward Wikipedia
- Infect new contributors with your enthusiasm. Promote Wikimedia's vision: "Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge." And cultivate familiarity with Wikipedia's core policies, especially the Five Pillars. Adhere to the wider community and its values, and help new contributors do the same.
- 3. Act as an advocate for new contributors
- Be mindful that new contributors often need help advocating for their needs; they are in an unfamiliar environment and lack knowledge of both specific processes and community norms. Find ways to speak up on their behalf when they clash with longer-term community members and other stakeholders. Give them space to grow in the project.
- 4. Communicate in a clear and understandable manner
- Be present in all conversations. Translate complex concepts into forms your audience can easily grasp. Take time to listen openly to what is being said and isn't being said without having an agenda. It's okay to be human.
- Use jargon and acronyms sparingly and with an appropriate level of explanation.
- 5. Listen and share openly
- The Wikipedia Ambassador program ultimately belongs to YOU, the Ambassadors. You are the leaders and the driving force behind this program. Take charge, speak up about what's working and what's not, get creative, and be bold and proactive in sharing your ideas with the group! At the same time, give your fellow Ambassadors sufficient space to do the same; listen sincerely and remain open to different ideas.
- 6. Have fun!
- Your biggest asset is that you enjoy Wikipedia! Have fun, and seize opportunities to express your enjoyment. And if something you're doing isn't fun, speak up! Somebody will be happy to help you out.
Allow yourself to think outside the box. Reflect on what's working, change the things that are not working and experiment with new ways of doing.
And be aware of your own development through the program. Choose tasks that match your abilities, or abilities you are seeking to develop. We're all learning together!