Activity report (Q1 2012–2013)

This report describes the activities of Wikimedia District of Columbia from October 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Wikimedia DC efforts during this time focused on the Wiki Loves Monuments and Wikipedia Loves Libraries campaigns.

Wiki Loves Monuments 2012

In September we conducted the Wiki Loves Monuments 2012 contest for the United States. During this time, over 22,000 photographs from the United States were contributed to Wikimedia Commons, of which three became finalists for the worldwide contest.

These three finalists were showcased at a reception at the National Press Club on Friday, December 14, 2012. The reception was part of the National Press Club Young Members Committee's holiday activities, and was co-sponsored by 100Reporters, Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Fund for Investigative Journalism. The event featured high-quality prints of the finalist photographs, as well as informational displays about the contest and the value of using free media in news media. Five representatives from Wikimedia DC attended the reception, along with over 50 journalists from the DC area. During the event, we discovered that Wikimedians and young journalists have many complementary skills and interests to share, and had productive discussions with a group working towards the development of a local wiki for Washington DC, to serve as a clearinghouse for information about social services. The Young Members Committee enjoyed the event, and is looking to working with Wikimedia DC in the future.

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  First Place: The Cabin Creek Historic District, Kittitas County, Washington

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  Second Place: Wupatki National Monument, near Flagstaff, Arizona

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  Third Place: Al Mac's Diner-Restaurant, Fall River, Massachusetts

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  "What is Wiki Loves Monuments" display featured at the National Press Club

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  "Use Free Media In Your Publications" display featured at the National Press Club

Academic and educational outreach

Backstage at the Smithsonian Libraries

On October 12, Wikimedia DC worked with the Smithsonian Libraries to hold an edit-a-thon. Around 40 people attended and participated in a new editor training session, including Wikipedians, Smithsonian Institution staff, students, and the general public. At least seven new user accounts were created, and a number of new users had in-depth discussions with experienced Wikimedians about issues related to conflict of interest, an important topic for professionals working in cultural heritage and scholarly institutions. Many articles were created or improved as part of the event. See the event report for more information.

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  Attendees being welcomed to the event

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  New editor training in progress

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  Edit-a-thon in progress

George Washington University Edit-a-Thons

Wikimedia DC collaborated with George Washington University on two events: one at the Global Resources Center on October 20, and another the Labor History Research Center on October 27. These edit-a-thons gave participants the opportunity to use the resources of GWU to improve Wikipedia on many issues, including labor history and foreign affairs. Attendees included local Wikimedians, GWU faculty, and union members. Twenty-four articles were improved as a result of the edit-a-thons.

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  Edit-a-thon in progress

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  Edit-a-thon in progress

University of Maryland Edit-a-Thon

Wikimedia DC collaborated with the University of Maryland in College Park to organize an edit-a-thon in honor of Ada Lovelace Day on October 16.

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  Attendees at the edit-a-thon

Wikimedia DC also held two Wikipedia Workshops at the Baltimore Free School.

Cultural outreach

Wikimedia DC Board member Kristin Anderson attended two Library of Congress "Native by Native" events, which showcased rare books and Native American flutes in honor of Native American Month, providing several uploads for Commons. Kristin thanks Wikimedia Foundation staffer Amir Aharoni, Library of Congress staffer Bodhan Kantor, Amqui of Wikimedia Canada, and Paulette of the Missoula Public Library for their assistance with Native American fonts, especially Cheyenne and Salish.