This Connectathon challenges Listeners to collaboratively build a Lego castle based solely on verbal instructions from the Builders, who have already constructed the lego castle. Separated by a barrier to prevent visual interaction, the Listeners must replicate the Builder's creation without seeing it until their attempt is complete. Builders must articulate each step clearly, while Listeners can ask clarifying questions but cannot hold up pieces for confirmation. This Connectathon highlights the importance of patient active listening, clear communication, and following instructions within a team. The end goal is to demonstrate how effective communication and listening can enhance collaboration, whether working with familiar or unfamiliar Wikimedians. By the end, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these skills contribute to a multigenerational, sustainable, inclusive, and impactful movement.

As a follow-up to a workshop held during the 2024 Wikimania, hub representatives will reconvene in person to discuss the current state of affairs, assess changes over the past year, identify challenges they are facing, and determine the support they require from one another and the Wikimedia Foundation.

A hands on, (maybe even no words necessary for those who are shy!) interactive, Connectathon with your peers. Build a castle of cups with only string, rubber bands and your team members.

This lecture aims to provide a strategic overview of the Wikimedia & Education Movement, highlighting its evolution, challenges, and the steps being taken to build a more integrated and scalable support system. We will present the Theory of Change, which outlines a vision for strengthening global collaboration and providing services to education program leaders. Additionally, we will share updates on global programmatic activities, identify opportunities for educators, institutions, and Wikimedia communities to engage, and discuss governance changes as we eventually move toward establishing a hub-like infrastructure. By the end of this session, participants will have a clear understanding of the movement’s direction, available resources, and ways to contribute to the future of Wikimedia and education.

This session will explore strategies to build welcoming environments that support beginners and foster long-term engagement across different age groups and experience levels. We will bring in the learnings from the Let’s Connect evaluation report where we will go over the needs/desires Let’s Connectors wish to see more of in the peer to peer learning space. Through success stories, mentorship opportunities, WikiLearn, and other interactive discussions, participants will gain practical tools, ideas and meaningful connections. The learnings from this session can be brought back to local communities, leading to a sustainable, diverse and thriving multigenerational Wikimedia ecosystem.