Thank you and bye (for now), Jill!

Today, I invite you to join me in expressing our collective thanks to Jill Binder (@jillbinder) for her remarkable contributions to the WordPress open sourceOpen Source Open Source denotes software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. Open Source **must be** delivered via a licensing model, see GPL. project. After a decade of leadership, Jill has decided to step away from her work with WordPress, so let’s send her off with our best wishes for her next big adventure! 

Jill has been a key player in our community as the leader of the Diverse Speaker Training (#WPDiversity) working group and as the co-creator & maintainer of the Diverse Speaker Training Workshop. Her dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the Project has been inspirational. She’s been an incredible mentorEvent Supporter Event Supporter (formerly Mentor) is someone who has already organised a WordCamp and has time to meet with their assigned mentee every 2 weeks, they talk over where they should be in their timeline, help them to identify their issues, and also identify solutions for their issues. and guide, offering motivation, practical tips, and support to aspiring speakers from underrepresented groups. Her dedication to training others to run these workshops propelled this vital work globally; people have taken this workshop in 100 cities in over 50 countries and in 6 languages. Under her guidance, two additional projects were created: a Workshop focused on organizing diverse and inclusive WordPress events and a Diverse Speaker Support channel in the Make WordPress SlackSlack Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform https://slack.com/. The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at https://make.wordpress.org/chat/.. Jill’s tireless advocacy has profoundly influenced the diversity of speakers at WordPress events and fostered more inclusive gatherings. Check out the extraordinary impact of #WPDiversity and use the invaluable open-source resources created for WordPress event organizers, underrepresented speakers, Diversity and Community workshop organizers and #WPDiversity workshop translators.

Jil’s next chapter naturally embraces new challenges, including pursuing her passion for art, self-care, and 1:1 DEI consulting for individuals and companies. Please join me in celebrating her numerous accomplishments and to wish her well in her future endeavors. Thank you, Jill!

There’s still more DEIB work to be done! The DEIB working group is keeping the momentum going in the Making WordPress #deib-working-group channel and warmly welcomes your participation.

Report: Diverse Speaker Workshop September 2023

In September 2023, the #WPDiversity group held a 2 day workshop for women in India (and other countries) who were thinking about speaking at a WordPress MeetupMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. or WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. to help them to own their expertise and generate WordPress-related topics to give a talk on.

September 2023

Diverse Speakers Program

Speaker Workshop for Indian Women in the WordPress Community, September 23 & 24, 2023.

Facilitator: @jillbinder, @pastelito, and @annagargioni

  • Number who attended: 28
  • From number of cities: 14
  • From number of countries: 2 (India and Costa Rica)
  • Self-report increase in public speaking confidence after taking the workshops: 27%

Testimonials

“To the women who feel they aren’t good enough, attend this workshop to know about how we can help and encourage each other! Boost your confidence to become a speaker through this workshop. Everything worked well! From the zoom setup to great coverage of myths and why one should speak. We brainstormed ideas, discussed them, encouraged which topic is good and more appealing, and much more to learn from this workshop!”

Nikita Sawarkar, Blogger, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

“I’ll encourage everyone who has already spoken at meetupsMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. or WordCamps or at some event to attend this workshop. This will leave you with simple steps on how to structure, approach the topic and clarify some myths. This is also a good opportunity to learn from other members about their experience. The setup, clear instructions, Interactive sessions are good.  The exercises in the workshop were to help us to apply the knowledge right after we learned it were an excellent help!

Akshaya Rane Wed Developer, Thane, Maharashtra, India

“This foundation workshop is very insightful and helps gain confidence to speak at WordPress events.  The Speaker Workshop is very well structured and helps both beginners or experienced speakers. The experience of brainstorming together helps refine our ideas and build up a solid talk. The workshop was well structured and covered all aspects right from choosing a topic to guidelines for becoming a good speaker.”

Shamali S, Web Developer, Maharashtra, India

“This workshop will be useful even beyond WordPress events, though it focuses on WordPress-related themes and the community. Another benefit is interacting with very different people than the ones at the top of the organiser groups of local events. It helps make WordPress more accessible and welcoming.  This workshop is a good module if you have no experience at all in speaking and want help in conceptualizing a talk, through to tips on delivery. 

Idea Smith, Wed Developer and Blogger, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Thank you

A lot of people contribute to making these workshops successful. Thank you to each and every one!

#diversespeakerworkshopsreports

#diversespeakerworkshopreports, #wpdiversity

For the Community: WordPress Diversity #WPDiversity Resources

Permalink of this material: https://tiny.cc/wpdiversity (https://make.wordpress.org/community/handbook/meetup-organizer/event-formats/diversity-speaker-training-workshop/)

Video

A video walk-through of these #WPDiversity resources

What is the Diverse Speaker Training Group (#WPDiversity)?

  • We are a working group within the WordPress Community team
  • Our mission is to create diverse speaker lineups and inclusive, diverse WP events for official WordPress MeetupsMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. and WordCamps.

Our Programs and how to get involved

Running a #WPDiversity group meeting


Resources for WordPress MeetupMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. and WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. Organizers

Creating a Diverse Speaker Lineup

Creating a Diverse, Inclusive, Welcoming WordPress Meetup or WordCamp

Resources for Underrepresented Speakers in WordPress

Resources for Underrepresented Speakers in WordPress

Resources to Hold a Diversity Workshop

Hold An Underrepresented Speaker workshop (aka “How to Own Your Expertise and Start Speaking at WordPress Events”)

Hold an “Organizing Diverse and Inclusive WordPress Events” workshop

Resources for WordPress Diversity and Community Workshop Organizers

Template of workshop background admin tasks for a successful workshop and to collect data

Resources for WPDiversity Material Translators

Instructions to translate WPDiversity material

Have you run a diversity event or workshop?

Have you run a diversity event or workshop? Tell us here!

Attention WordPress women in India and those who support you: This important workshop this weekend is for you!

Speaker Workshop for Indian Women in the WordPress Community

Speaker Workshop for Indian Women in the WordPress Community

September 23 and 24, 2023
9:30am-12:00pm IST
check your time

This is a 2-day workshop (2.5 hours each day) for women in India (other countries are welcome to join us, too) who are thinking about speaking at a WordPress MeetupMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. or WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more..

When we say women, we include anyone who identifies as a woman some or all of the time.

Does the thought of speaking at a WordPress Meetup or WordCamp intrigue you? The focus of this hands-on, online workshop will be to generate WordPress-related topics for a talk, boost your speaking confidence, and allow you to practice speaking in a safe space. At the end of the workshop you will have a few ideas for talks, an outline on one topic, a title, a pitch/proposal for applying to events, and a chance to practice speaking.

***You do NOT have to have any experience in public speaking. This workshop is for all levels of experience.

WordPress Meetup and WordCamp organizers in India: Want to empower the women in your community? Invite them to this workshop! Promo materials

Register now

P.S. Plus be sure to bookmark this resource! You can find all of our upcoming #WPDiversity events on our handbook page.

#wpdiversity, #wpdiversityworkshops

Report: #WPDiversity Inclusion and Diverse Speaker Workshops July to August 2023

In July and August 2023, the #WPDiversity group held several DEI workshops and knowledge-sharing events.

July 2023

July 2, 2023:  “How to Own Your Expertise & Start Speaking at WordPress Events APAC”

We held a 2-hour interactive watch party to help boost speaking confidence, which included exercises for speaking topics and real-time feedback. The attendees were supported by speaker mentorsEvent Supporter Event Supporter (formerly Mentor) is someone who has already organised a WordCamp and has time to meet with their assigned mentee every 2 weeks, they talk over where they should be in their timeline, help them to identify their issues, and also identify solutions for their issues. who shared their expertise through the experience.

Facilitator: @jillbinder

  • Number who attended: 15
  • From number of cities: 12
  • From number of countries: 9 (Bangladesh, Cameroon, Egypt, India, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, USA)
  • Self-reported increase in public speaking confidence: 72%!

July 20, 2023: “Organizing Diverse & Inclusive WordPress Events #WPDiversity

An interactive watch party workshop to help MeetupMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. and WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. organizers, as well as anyone in WordPress who would like to champion this work, create diverse and inclusive events. We added new material: 1. Why do we care about diversity in WordPress?  2. What does diversity look like in your part of the world? 3. How do we move towards that?

Facilitator: @jillbinder

  • Number who attended: 21
  • From number of cities: 21
  • From number of countries: 11 (Canada, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Nepal, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, The Netherlands, United States)
  • Self-reported increase in preparedness to run an inclusive event: 32%

This material is available online:

  1. Diversity in WordPress: Why and what is it in your part of the world?
  2. Creating a Welcoming and Diverse Space Part 1
  3. Creating a Welcoming and Diverse Space Part 2

Testimonials:

“I recommend that you attend this workshop if you want to expand your understanding of what diversity means and how to begin to think about it.”
~ Dave Margowsky, Project Manager, Washington, United States

“This workshop is a safe place for people of all creeds to be they’re utter, vulnerable selves and to be heard and listened to! It’s too easy to get caught up in the technical and business aspects of WordPress, forgetting the greatly diverse human element that makes the WordPress Community really stand out.”
~ Christos Paloukas, Proud Weird Human, Athens, Greece

“My point of view was broadened, and I’m more aware of what we’re trying to do as a community to improve DEI in WordPress events. We all got personal insights on what we’re trying to do as a community, which tools are available and what’s our general approach about improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at WordPress events, and ultimately make our community even more friendly and welcoming.”
~ Piermario Orecchioni, Web Designer, Olbia, Italy

“I really liked the new section on what diversity looks like in WordPress. It was important for setting the stage. Many of us were surprised when we looked up our region’s actual diversity data! All meetup organizers should attend this workshop – you’re missing out if you don’t!”
~ Sallie Goetsch, WP consultant and meetup organizer, California, USA

“This workshop was fantastic. It is tailored for WordPress event organizers, but it would also be helpful for sponsors and volunteers on WordCamps to attend a similar workshop.”
~ Birgit Olzem, Freelancer, #DEIB advocate, Germany

“In two short hours, I learned tools I’ll use for a lifetime to make events better by being more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming.”
~ Eric Amundson, Web Developer

“This a great starting point to open up to being more inclusive and helping diversity flourish.”
~ Wendie Huis in ‘t Veld, Lead Organiser WordCamp Europe 2024

July 30, 2023: Contributor Mentorship: A Primer for DEIB at WordPress Events (#WPDiversity)

@jillbinder held a workshop for @harishanker‘s Contributor Membership Pilot program to talk about: what does diversity mean in the context of WordPress and why does it matter?

This workshop is available online: A Primer for DEIB at WordPress Events (#WPDiversity) (video)

August 2023

August 17, 2023: Inclusion Follow-up SlackSlack Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform https://slack.com/. The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at https://make.wordpress.org/chat/. Chat

We hold a “Follow-up Slack chat” a month after the Inclusion workshop to help people with their diversity efforts at WordPress events ongingly.

Facilitator: @jillbinder

  • Number who attended online: 8
  • From number of cities: 8
  • From number of countries: 5 (Cameroon, Germany, India, Spain, USA)

August 30, 2023: #WPDiversity Resources Walk-Through Workshop

@jillbinder held a walk-through of all of the #WPDiversity workshops, systems, and resources available on https://tiny.cc/wpdiversity

This information is available now and is good for:

  • Event Supporters
  • #WPDiversity Members
  • WordPress Meetup and WordCamp organizers
  • Translators
  • Community organizers of any workshop in WordPress
  • Anyone who cares about diversity in WordPress

The video will be available online soon. This post will be updated with the link when it is available.

Thank you

A lot of people contribute to making these workshops successful. Thank you to each and every one!

Upcoming Workshop

Speaker Workshop for Indian Women in the WordPress Community
Saturday, September 23, 2023 and Sunday, September 24, 2023
9:30am-12:00pm IST
For women in India
Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-workshop-for-indian-women-in-the-wordpress-community-sept-23-24-tickets-633636773647

The list of upcoming #WPDiversity events is posted on the Diverse Speaker Group (#WPDiversity) page in the Community handbook. Please check there for upcoming events.

#diversespeakerworkshopsreports

Report: #WPDiversity Inclusion Workshops April to June 2023

In April to June 2023, the #WPDiversity group held 3 “Organizing Diverse and Inclusive WordPress events” events.

Organizing Diverse & Inclusive WordPress Events

An interactive watch party workshop to help MeetupMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. and WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. organizers, as well as anyone in WordPress who would like to champion this work, create diverse and inclusive events. We hold a “Follow-up SlackSlack Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform https://slack.com/. The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at https://make.wordpress.org/chat/. chat” a month later.

April 20, 2023: Follow-Up Slack chat

Facilitator: @jillbinder

  • Number who attended online: 14
  • From number of cities: 14
  • From number of countries: 6 (India, Luxembourg, Mexico, Philippines, Uganda, United States)

May 13, 2023: Organizing Diverse & Inclusive WordPress Events APAC

Facilitator: @jillbinder

  • Number who attended online: 8
  • From number of cities: 8
  • From number of countries: 5 (Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, United States)
  • Self-reported increase in preparedness to run an inclusive event: 50%

Testimonials

“Everything about the workshop was mind-blowing. People should take this workshop because it will open their minds to what’s possible in organising successful WordPress Meetup events.” – Emmanuel Ekanem, Web Developer, Calabar, Nigeria

June 17, 2023: Follow-Up Slack chat

Facilitator: @jillbinder

  • Number who attended online: 7
  • From number of cities: 6
  • From number of countries: 6 (Australia, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Philippines, United States)

Diverse Speaker Support Channel

We have a Slack channel (#diverse-speaker-support) in the Make WordPress Slack for:

  • getting to know other speakers and event organizers
  • workshopping talks with each other and with mentorsEvent Supporter Event Supporter (formerly Mentor) is someone who has already organised a WordCamp and has time to meet with their assigned mentee every 2 weeks, they talk over where they should be in their timeline, help them to identify their issues, and also identify solutions for their issues.
  • finding out about WordPress speaking opportunities from WordPress MeetupsMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. and WordCamps
  • getting connected with support for speaker travel expenses

Wins these months:

A win counts as:

  • Applying to speak at an event
  • Speaking at an event
  • Getting speaker mentorship in the channel

There have been so many of these (but most of them not reported in the channel itself) that it’s been hard to keep on tracking. We created a form for this that has not been well used.

Thank you

A lot of people contribute to making these workshops successful. Thank you to each and every one!

Upcoming Workshops

The list of upcoming #WPDiversity events is posted on the Diverse Speaker Group (#WPDiversity) page in the Community handbook. Please check there for upcoming events.

#diversespeakerworkshopsreports

Recap of the Diverse Speaker Training group (#WPDiversity) AMER/EMEA on August 23, 2023

Attending: @coachbirgit , @franrosa, @jillbinder, @martatorre, @onealtr

Host: @jillbinder

Start: wordpress.slack.com/archives/C037W5S7X/p1692810111358429

Summary

0 – Check-ins (everyone)

1 – First time here

Information for newcomers

2 – Who we are (@jillbinder)

Our goals, our 3 initiatives, how people can help

3 – WPDiversity Member Updates (everyone)

@martatorre starting to prepare material for diversity in Spain

4 – New DEIB group (@jillbinder on @coachbirgit’s behalf)

Please join #deib-working-group

5 – Setting you up for my time away (@jillbinder)

6 – Bonus meeting next week! Zoom call (@jillbinder )

  • @jillbinder will be holding a Zoom call next week
  • Walk-through of all of the #WPDiversity workshops, systems, and resources.
    • All of the material is available for the whole WordPress community to keep doing our material in 2023 and beyond.
  • Wednesday, August 30, 2023 @ 5pm-6:30pm UTC  (just in case there are a lot of questions)
  • Ask me for an invite. I also might put it up on Meetup Learn.

7 – Workshops (@jillbinder)

8 – Comments, questions, ideas (anyone)

End: wordpress.slack.com/archives/C037W5S7X/p1692813789894869

Recap of the Diverse Speaker Training group (#WPDiversity) AMER/EMEA on August 9, 2023

Attending: @coachbirgit, @franrosa, @jasonways, @jillbinder, @martatorre, @onealtr, @sc0ttkclark, @wpfangirl

Host: @jillbinder

Start: https://wordpress.slack.com/archives/C037W5S7X/p1691600448570469

Summary

0 – Check-ins (everyone)

1 – First time here

Info for newcomers

2 – Who we are (@jillbinder)

Our goals, our 3 initiatives, how people can help

3 – WPDiversity Member Updates (everyone)

@coachbirgit:

  • Reached out to diverse groups of speakers for the upcoming WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. Germany
  • Working on organizing a global DEIB working group team on the WordPress SlackSlack Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform https://slack.com/. The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at https://make.wordpress.org/chat/.
  • Will facilitate a session on DEIB in WordPress at the WordPress Community Summit

@martatorre:

  • interviewed on a podcast and we talked about the DEIB diversity initiative and this group 


4 – Setting you up for my time away: (@jillbinder)

  • @jillbinder is taking an extended break for 4 months, starting September 1, 2023
  • Jill invited the group to keep the work going:
    • these 2nd and 4th Wednesday #WPDiversity Slack meetings
    • our 2 workshops -> especially for local WordCamps / meetupsMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook.. There is a growing need for more localized help.
    • How to Own Your Expertise & Start Speaking at WordPress Events
    • Organizing Diverse & Inclusive WordPress Events



5 – Shorter version of our Inclusion workshop with the Training team – who can take this on? (@jillbinder)

We are looking for someone to:

  • Work with @webtechpooja in the Training Team to put it into the format that the Training Team needs it in – to make it into shorter, more digestible content.
  • Create quiz questions
  • Work with the Training Team on creating polished videos –> you don’t need to be in the videos yourself, but you would be the contact leading finding the person/people to be in them



6 – Diversity in Spain projects (@martatorre)

  • Marta will be working on materials next week with @franrosa
  • Next year Marta will organise an event specialising in accessibilityAccessibility Accessibility (commonly shortened to a11y) refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design ensures both “direct access” (i.e. unassisted) and “indirect access” meaning compatibility with a person’s assistive technology (for example, computer screen readers). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessibility)



7 – Diversity in Asia (@onealtr)

  • Lots of events coming up in Asia: Meetups and WordCamps are in full swing.
  • Some WordCamps are already announcing their speaker lineup and you can clearly see the diversity in the selection!


8 – Comments, questions, ideas (anyone)

End: https://wordpress.slack.com/archives/C037W5S7X/p1691603997037569

Recap of the Diverse Speaker Training group (#WPDiversity) AMER/EMEA on July 26, 2023

Attending: @askdesign, @coachbirgit, @franrosa, @jasonnickerson, @jillbinder, @margheweb, @martatorre, @oneal

Host: @jillbinder

Start: https://wordpress.slack.com/archives/C037W5S7X/p1690390843642729

Summary

1 – First time here

2 – Who we are (@jillbinder)

  • Our goals, our 3 initiatives, how people can help


3 – WPDiversity Member Updates (everyone)

  • No updates today


– Workshops (@jillbinder)

5 – Volunteer Dashboard! (@jillbinder)

  • @jillbinder shared the new dashboard to empower volunteers and asked for feedback


– Diversity in Spain projects (@martatorre)

– Diversity in Asia (@onealtr)

  • @onealtr shared what the additional diversity concerns are at our WP events in Asia, as well as dates of upcoming WordCamps in Asia.

8 – Project updates (@jillbinder)

@jillbinder gave updates on:


9 – Comments, questions, ideas (anyone)

  • @jillbinder shared about being called in on a tweet she wrote
  • @martatorre asked for ideas on how to get more women and other underrepresented groups onto the pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory https://wordpress.org/plugins/ or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party review team

End: https://wordpress.slack.com/archives/C037W5S7X/p1690394396187739

Recap of the Diverse Speaker Training group (#WPDiversity) AMER/EMEA on July 12, 2023

Attending: @coachbirgit, @franrosa, @jillbinder, @martatorre, @onealtr

Host: @jillbinder

Start: https://wordpress.slack.com/archives/C037W5S7X/p1689181333018259

Summary

1 – First time here

2 – Who we are (@jillbinder)

3 – WPDiversity Member Updates (everyone)

4 – Workshops (@jillbinder)

5 – WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. Speaker Selection & wpspeakers.com (@jillbinder)

6 – Volunteer Dashboard! (@jillbinder)

7 – Marketing (@bjmcsherry)

8 – Diversity in Spain projects (@martatorre)

9 – Comments, questions, ideas (anyone)

End: https://wordpress.slack.com/archives/C037W5S7X/p1689184876915369

#wpdiversity