Wikipedia Diversithon - celebrating diversity in science and Scottish history

The Diversithon is a Wikipedia editing event in a social and supportive setting to celebrate diversity in science and Scottish history for the Festival of Creative Learning and LGBT+ History Month 2019.

Wikipedia is the 5th most visited website in the world and is an important first stop when looking up science and history topics. But it lacks diversity both in its editorship and its articles.

"To increase the diversity of voices, genders, and cultures among its contributors and editors, the Wikimedia Foundation has made it a strategic goal to recruit and foster more women, people of colour, and other underrepresented individuals—including LGBT+ populations... the Wikimedia Foundation recognizes that the majority of its Wikipedia contributors and editors are disproportionately male, under 22 years old, and (most likely white and straight) from “the Global North”. They also admit that Wikipedia’s coverage is skewed toward the interests, expertise, and language skills of the people who created it..." Wexelbaum, Herzog, & Rasberry, "Queering Wikipedia" (2015).

This event will help you build the skills to contribute to and improve Wikipedia - a useful skill for anyone to have - and focuses on creating new articles to include notable Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic professionals; LGBT+ professionals; and continuing our work to address the systemic gender gap on Wikipedia where only 17.83% of biographies are about notable women.

No prior knowledge is required and you’ll be supported to develop articles of your choice. Sharing open knowledge is a fun & empowering experience and you’ll meet new people interested in the same topics as you.

•    12:15-12:30pm: Refreshments
•    12:30-1:30pm: Welcome and crash course in editing.
•    1:30-3:30pm: EDIT!
•    3:30-3:50pm: Tea break.
•    3:50-4:45pm: Publishing.
•    4:45-5pm: Thanks and close.

NB: Please bring a laptop along to the event or email [email protected] if you require to borrow one.

This event is organised and supported by Information Services Group.