Grants/Requests/2026/Mask4Mask Queers Hfx Edit-a-thon

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    <title>Grants/Requests/2026/Mask4Mask Queers Hfx Edit-a-thon</title>
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      <timestamp>2026-07-04T16:43:22Z</timestamp>
      <contributor>
        <username>Ben MacLeod</username>
        <id>10752</id>
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      <comment>added activity report</comment>
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      <text bytes="6505" sha1="oi5w8u2i11t2z2fdy0p7kwvlf4k7lm9" xml:space="preserve">== Description ==
''Describe here the activity including its goal, a detailed plan, and the expected impact.''

'''About the host''' – Mask4Mask Queers is a volunteer group that has hosted regular in-person events for Covid-cautious queer people (and allies) in Halifax since 2023. For more information about our group, please see [https://www.instagram.com/mask4mask_queers_hfx/ mask4mask_queers_hfx on Instagram] or see [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19kztjzuhRPXR9RNhA5mGlBGChbooYh5kg9MVHmPe4b8/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnihFBe1r25CiSirX8pTXvI-pKdfSC9nmE4gRKnGqRVgobf2EG8wGBcHpVjvY_aem_6O8Vv9tnj1u6mR62HkoJsg&amp;tab=t.0 this FAQ on Google Docs].

'''Activity''' – We plan to hold a Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon (our first) on June 30, 2026. The tentative event schedule is as follows:

* Set-up (30 min)
* Introductory Wikipedia training, Q+A (30 min)
* Edit-a-thon (2 hours)
* Sharing session, wrap up (30 min)

Participants will be asked to create a Wikipedia account prior to the event and bring their own computers. Because the venue does not have on-site research materials, the training session will introduce participants to online resources such as the Internet Archive.

We will abide by the Universal Code of Conduct, Friendly Space Policy, and Event Ban Policy. Mask4Mask Queers Hfx's goal is to create safer spaces that are free from discrimination and oppression. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral bathrooms. Masks will be required at the event, and the venue will be well ventilated.

'''Expected impact'''
* Introduction of new and inexperienced editors to:
** the fundamentals of Wikipedia editing and policies
** online research resources such as the Internet Archive
** resources available from Halifax institutions such as the public library and archives
** Wikimedia Commons
* Improvement of the quality of the Wikipedia articles edited
* Improved representation of the queer community on Wikipedia

== List of participants ==
''Indicate here the list of participants that will incur expenses for this activity; you do not need to list all participants that will take part in the activity. Make sure to indicate who is in charge of the activity.''
* Ben MacLeod (Edit-a-thon facilitator)
* Mask4Mask Queers Hfx (host, will incur expenses for venue)

== Pre-Approval (before expenses) ==
=== Planned Budget ===
''Indicate here your detailed planned budget in Canadian dollars (CAD).''

{| class=&quot;wikitable&quot;
!Item !! Amount !! Name of the participant that will incur this expense
|-
|Venue rental (Halifax Central Common Multi-Purpose Room)
|Approx. C$100
|Mask4Mask Queers Hfx
|-
|Total
|Approx. C$100
|}

=== Decision of Wikimedia Canada ===
''This activity has been '''pre-approved''' for $100.00 CAD.''
*[[User:Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)|Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)]] ([[User talk:Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)|talk]]) 17:04, 22 May 2026 (UTC)

== Approval (after expenses) ==
=== Activity Report ===
The Mask4Mask Queers Hfx Edit-a-Thon was held on June 30, 2026 at the multi-purpose room at the Halifax Common. 

There were around 11 in attendance (including the three organisers). Aside from the facilitator (Ben), all were new or novice contributors (a couple of participants had limited past editing experience). Six editors added themselves to the [https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Mask4Mask_Queers_Hfx/Mask4Mask_Queers_Hfx_Edit-a-thon_June_2026 Outreach Dashboard] which recorded 9 articles edited, 21 total edits, 1.21K words added, and 11 references added. No new articles were created.

Some participants did not bring their own computers, but came to listen to the orientation presentation, learn more about Wikipedia, and edit together with those who did have computers. Since Mask4Mask Queers Hfx holds events regularly, many of the participants already knew each other and so were comfortable working collaboratively.

Due to a miscommunication, the event was shorter than intended (2 hours vs. 3 hours as originally proposed). This is unusually short for an Edit-a-Thon and meant its direct impact on the encyclopedia was limited, but as the event was held on a weeknight, a longer committment may have discouraged some participants from attending.

Unlike many edit-a-thons, this one had no particular theme, in part because it was held at a venue without any on-site research resources. I explained how to find existing articles of interest within a particular subject area using categories, and how some articles are relatively underdeveloped compared to others. I also introduced participants to the Internet Archive and the digital resources available there. Some participants gravitated to articles within their areas of expertise, while others made edits on local history, politics, and current affairs.

Some participants commented that they had long wondered about editing Wikipedia, but hadn't had a chance to try it. Although the edit-a-thon was short, it gave participants a grounding in the fundamentals of English Wikipedia's policies as well as how to edit, which will hopefully leave some participants confident enough to continue editing on their own (or at future edit-a-thons), and explore other aspects of Wikipedia (and other Wikimedia projects).

I was pleasantly surprised that participants were able to jump into editing quickly, without too many technical issues or questions.

This was my first time facilitating an edit-a-thon. In the future, I would likely ensure the event is a bit longer. I'd also love to have freebies on hand (such as Wikipedia logo stickers) to help build enthusiasm for the project.

&lt;gallery&gt;
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 1.jpg
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 2.jpg
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 3.jpg
&lt;/gallery&gt;

=== Final Budget ===
''Indicate here your detailed final budget in Canadian dollars (CAD).''

{| class=&quot;wikitable&quot;
!Item !! Amount !! Name of the participant that made this expense
|-
|...
|... $CAD
|...
|-
|...
|... $CAD
|...
|-
|Total
|... $CAD
|}

=== Decision of Wikimedia Canada ===
''This section will be filled by a Wikimedia Canada staff member.''

== Technical Information ==
''This section will be filled by a Wikimedia Canada staff member.''
* Request Number : 2026-013
* Type of activity in the Annual Budget : {{LangSwitch|en=Workshops &amp; Campaigns |fr= Ateliers et campagnes}}
* Total Approved Amount : 

[[Category:2026 Grant requests|{{#titleparts: {{PAGENAME}} | 1 | 4 }}]]</text>
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        <username>Ben MacLeod</username>
        <id>10752</id>
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      <comment>/* Approval (after expenses) */</comment>
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      <text bytes="6498" sha1="cf4b37ibd48plf0mq1yirop9caykc0b" xml:space="preserve">== Description ==
''Describe here the activity including its goal, a detailed plan, and the expected impact.''

'''About the host''' – Mask4Mask Queers is a volunteer group that has hosted regular in-person events for Covid-cautious queer people (and allies) in Halifax since 2023. For more information about our group, please see [https://www.instagram.com/mask4mask_queers_hfx/ mask4mask_queers_hfx on Instagram] or see [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19kztjzuhRPXR9RNhA5mGlBGChbooYh5kg9MVHmPe4b8/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnihFBe1r25CiSirX8pTXvI-pKdfSC9nmE4gRKnGqRVgobf2EG8wGBcHpVjvY_aem_6O8Vv9tnj1u6mR62HkoJsg&amp;tab=t.0 this FAQ on Google Docs].

'''Activity''' – We plan to hold a Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon (our first) on June 30, 2026. The tentative event schedule is as follows:

* Set-up (30 min)
* Introductory Wikipedia training, Q+A (30 min)
* Edit-a-thon (2 hours)
* Sharing session, wrap up (30 min)

Participants will be asked to create a Wikipedia account prior to the event and bring their own computers. Because the venue does not have on-site research materials, the training session will introduce participants to online resources such as the Internet Archive.

We will abide by the Universal Code of Conduct, Friendly Space Policy, and Event Ban Policy. Mask4Mask Queers Hfx's goal is to create safer spaces that are free from discrimination and oppression. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral bathrooms. Masks will be required at the event, and the venue will be well ventilated.

'''Expected impact'''
* Introduction of new and inexperienced editors to:
** the fundamentals of Wikipedia editing and policies
** online research resources such as the Internet Archive
** resources available from Halifax institutions such as the public library and archives
** Wikimedia Commons
* Improvement of the quality of the Wikipedia articles edited
* Improved representation of the queer community on Wikipedia

== List of participants ==
''Indicate here the list of participants that will incur expenses for this activity; you do not need to list all participants that will take part in the activity. Make sure to indicate who is in charge of the activity.''
* Ben MacLeod (Edit-a-thon facilitator)
* Mask4Mask Queers Hfx (host, will incur expenses for venue)

== Pre-Approval (before expenses) ==
=== Planned Budget ===
''Indicate here your detailed planned budget in Canadian dollars (CAD).''

{| class=&quot;wikitable&quot;
!Item !! Amount !! Name of the participant that will incur this expense
|-
|Venue rental (Halifax Central Common Multi-Purpose Room)
|Approx. C$100
|Mask4Mask Queers Hfx
|-
|Total
|Approx. C$100
|}

=== Decision of Wikimedia Canada ===
''This activity has been '''pre-approved''' for $100.00 CAD.''
*[[User:Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)|Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)]] ([[User talk:Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)|talk]]) 17:04, 22 May 2026 (UTC)

== Approval (after expenses) ==
=== Activity Report ===
The Mask4Mask Queers Hfx Edit-a-Thon was held on June 30, 2026 at the multi-purpose room at the Halifax Common. 

There were 11 in attendance (including the three organisers). Aside from the facilitator (Ben), all were new or novice contributors (a couple of participants had limited past editing experience). Six editors added themselves to the [https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Mask4Mask_Queers_Hfx/Mask4Mask_Queers_Hfx_Edit-a-thon_June_2026 Outreach Dashboard] which recorded 9 articles edited, 21 total edits, 1.21K words added, and 11 references added. No new articles were created.

Some participants did not bring their own computers, but came to listen to the orientation presentation, learn more about Wikipedia, and edit together with those who did have computers. Since Mask4Mask Queers Hfx holds events regularly, many of the participants already knew each other and so were comfortable working collaboratively.

Due to a miscommunication, the event was shorter than intended (2 hours vs. 3 hours as originally proposed). This is unusually short for an Edit-a-Thon and meant its direct impact on the encyclopedia was limited, but as the event was held on a weeknight, a longer committment may have discouraged some participants from attending.

Unlike many edit-a-thons, this one had no particular theme, in part because it was held at a venue without any on-site research resources. I explained how to find existing articles of interest within a particular subject area using categories, and how some articles are relatively underdeveloped compared to others. I also introduced participants to the Internet Archive and the digital resources available there. Some participants gravitated to articles within their areas of expertise, while others made edits on local history, politics, and current affairs.

Some participants commented that they had long wondered about editing Wikipedia, but hadn't had a chance to try it. Although the edit-a-thon was short, it gave participants a grounding in the fundamentals of English Wikipedia's policies as well as how to edit, which will hopefully leave some participants confident enough to continue editing on their own (or at future edit-a-thons), and explore other aspects of Wikipedia (and other Wikimedia projects).

I was pleasantly surprised that participants were able to jump into editing quickly, without too many technical issues or questions.

This was my first time facilitating an edit-a-thon. In the future, I would likely ensure the event is a bit longer. I'd also love to have freebies on hand (such as Wikipedia logo stickers) to help build enthusiasm for the project.

&lt;gallery&gt;
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 1.jpg
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 2.jpg
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 3.jpg
&lt;/gallery&gt;

=== Final Budget ===
''Indicate here your detailed final budget in Canadian dollars (CAD).''

{| class=&quot;wikitable&quot;
!Item !! Amount !! Name of the participant that made this expense
|-
|...
|... $CAD
|...
|-
|...
|... $CAD
|...
|-
|Total
|... $CAD
|}

=== Decision of Wikimedia Canada ===
''This section will be filled by a Wikimedia Canada staff member.''

== Technical Information ==
''This section will be filled by a Wikimedia Canada staff member.''
* Request Number : 2026-013
* Type of activity in the Annual Budget : {{LangSwitch|en=Workshops &amp; Campaigns |fr= Ateliers et campagnes}}
* Total Approved Amount : 

[[Category:2026 Grant requests|{{#titleparts: {{PAGENAME}} | 1 | 4 }}]]</text>
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    </revision>
    <revision>
      <id>30206</id>
      <parentid>30205</parentid>
      <timestamp>2026-07-04T16:49:43Z</timestamp>
      <contributor>
        <username>Ben MacLeod</username>
        <id>10752</id>
      </contributor>
      <comment>/* Activity Report */</comment>
      <origin>30206</origin>
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      <format>text/x-wiki</format>
      <text bytes="6554" sha1="nmlbam5zzeqykaedhz7zivpq0wuqyfs" xml:space="preserve">== Description ==
''Describe here the activity including its goal, a detailed plan, and the expected impact.''

'''About the host''' – Mask4Mask Queers is a volunteer group that has hosted regular in-person events for Covid-cautious queer people (and allies) in Halifax since 2023. For more information about our group, please see [https://www.instagram.com/mask4mask_queers_hfx/ mask4mask_queers_hfx on Instagram] or see [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19kztjzuhRPXR9RNhA5mGlBGChbooYh5kg9MVHmPe4b8/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnihFBe1r25CiSirX8pTXvI-pKdfSC9nmE4gRKnGqRVgobf2EG8wGBcHpVjvY_aem_6O8Vv9tnj1u6mR62HkoJsg&amp;tab=t.0 this FAQ on Google Docs].

'''Activity''' – We plan to hold a Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon (our first) on June 30, 2026. The tentative event schedule is as follows:

* Set-up (30 min)
* Introductory Wikipedia training, Q+A (30 min)
* Edit-a-thon (2 hours)
* Sharing session, wrap up (30 min)

Participants will be asked to create a Wikipedia account prior to the event and bring their own computers. Because the venue does not have on-site research materials, the training session will introduce participants to online resources such as the Internet Archive.

We will abide by the Universal Code of Conduct, Friendly Space Policy, and Event Ban Policy. Mask4Mask Queers Hfx's goal is to create safer spaces that are free from discrimination and oppression. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral bathrooms. Masks will be required at the event, and the venue will be well ventilated.

'''Expected impact'''
* Introduction of new and inexperienced editors to:
** the fundamentals of Wikipedia editing and policies
** online research resources such as the Internet Archive
** resources available from Halifax institutions such as the public library and archives
** Wikimedia Commons
* Improvement of the quality of the Wikipedia articles edited
* Improved representation of the queer community on Wikipedia

== List of participants ==
''Indicate here the list of participants that will incur expenses for this activity; you do not need to list all participants that will take part in the activity. Make sure to indicate who is in charge of the activity.''
* Ben MacLeod (Edit-a-thon facilitator)
* Mask4Mask Queers Hfx (host, will incur expenses for venue)

== Pre-Approval (before expenses) ==
=== Planned Budget ===
''Indicate here your detailed planned budget in Canadian dollars (CAD).''

{| class=&quot;wikitable&quot;
!Item !! Amount !! Name of the participant that will incur this expense
|-
|Venue rental (Halifax Central Common Multi-Purpose Room)
|Approx. C$100
|Mask4Mask Queers Hfx
|-
|Total
|Approx. C$100
|}

=== Decision of Wikimedia Canada ===
''This activity has been '''pre-approved''' for $100.00 CAD.''
*[[User:Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)|Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)]] ([[User talk:Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)|talk]]) 17:04, 22 May 2026 (UTC)

== Approval (after expenses) ==
=== Activity Report ===
The Mask4Mask Queers Hfx Edit-a-Thon was held on June 30, 2026 at the multi-purpose room at the Halifax Common. 

There were 11 in attendance (including the three organisers). Aside from the facilitator (Ben), all were new or novice contributors (a couple of participants had limited past editing experience). Six editors added themselves to the [https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Mask4Mask_Queers_Hfx/Mask4Mask_Queers_Hfx_Edit-a-thon_June_2026 Outreach Dashboard] which recorded 9 articles edited, 21 total edits, 1.21K words added, and 11 references added. No new articles were created.

Some participants did not bring their own computers, but came to listen to the orientation presentation, learn more about Wikipedia, and edit together with those who did have computers. A couple chose to explore Wikipedia without logging in. Since Mask4Mask Queers Hfx holds events regularly, many of the participants already knew each other and so were comfortable working collaboratively.

Due to a miscommunication, the event was shorter than intended (2 hours vs. 3 hours as originally proposed). This is unusually short for an Edit-a-Thon and meant its direct impact on the encyclopedia was limited, but as the event was held on a weeknight, a longer committment may have discouraged some participants from attending.

Unlike many edit-a-thons, this one had no particular theme, in part because it was held at a venue without any on-site research resources. I explained how to find existing articles of interest within a particular subject area using categories, and how some articles are relatively underdeveloped compared to others. I also introduced participants to the Internet Archive and the digital resources available there. Some participants gravitated to articles within their areas of expertise, while others made edits on local history, politics, and current affairs.

Some participants commented that they had long wondered about editing Wikipedia, but hadn't had a chance to try it. Although the edit-a-thon was short, it gave participants a grounding in the fundamentals of English Wikipedia's policies as well as how to edit, which will hopefully leave some participants confident enough to continue editing on their own (or at future edit-a-thons), and explore other aspects of Wikipedia (and other Wikimedia projects).

I was pleasantly surprised that participants were able to jump into editing quickly, without too many technical issues or questions.

This was my first time facilitating an edit-a-thon. In the future, I would likely ensure the event is a bit longer. I'd also love to have freebies on hand (such as Wikipedia logo stickers) to help build enthusiasm for the project.

&lt;gallery&gt;
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 1.jpg
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 2.jpg
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 3.jpg
&lt;/gallery&gt;

=== Final Budget ===
''Indicate here your detailed final budget in Canadian dollars (CAD).''

{| class=&quot;wikitable&quot;
!Item !! Amount !! Name of the participant that made this expense
|-
|...
|... $CAD
|...
|-
|...
|... $CAD
|...
|-
|Total
|... $CAD
|}

=== Decision of Wikimedia Canada ===
''This section will be filled by a Wikimedia Canada staff member.''

== Technical Information ==
''This section will be filled by a Wikimedia Canada staff member.''
* Request Number : 2026-013
* Type of activity in the Annual Budget : {{LangSwitch|en=Workshops &amp; Campaigns |fr= Ateliers et campagnes}}
* Total Approved Amount : 

[[Category:2026 Grant requests|{{#titleparts: {{PAGENAME}} | 1 | 4 }}]]</text>
      <sha1>nmlbam5zzeqykaedhz7zivpq0wuqyfs</sha1>
    </revision>
    <revision>
      <id>30207</id>
      <parentid>30206</parentid>
      <timestamp>2026-07-04T17:13:21Z</timestamp>
      <contributor>
        <username>Ben MacLeod</username>
        <id>10752</id>
      </contributor>
      <minor />
      <comment>/* Activity Report */</comment>
      <origin>30207</origin>
      <model>wikitext</model>
      <format>text/x-wiki</format>
      <text bytes="6574" sha1="95e7sdhxnqcqgc7mbsyvbj8yynk5ylg" xml:space="preserve">== Description ==
''Describe here the activity including its goal, a detailed plan, and the expected impact.''

'''About the host''' – Mask4Mask Queers is a volunteer group that has hosted regular in-person events for Covid-cautious queer people (and allies) in Halifax since 2023. For more information about our group, please see [https://www.instagram.com/mask4mask_queers_hfx/ mask4mask_queers_hfx on Instagram] or see [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19kztjzuhRPXR9RNhA5mGlBGChbooYh5kg9MVHmPe4b8/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnihFBe1r25CiSirX8pTXvI-pKdfSC9nmE4gRKnGqRVgobf2EG8wGBcHpVjvY_aem_6O8Vv9tnj1u6mR62HkoJsg&amp;tab=t.0 this FAQ on Google Docs].

'''Activity''' – We plan to hold a Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon (our first) on June 30, 2026. The tentative event schedule is as follows:

* Set-up (30 min)
* Introductory Wikipedia training, Q+A (30 min)
* Edit-a-thon (2 hours)
* Sharing session, wrap up (30 min)

Participants will be asked to create a Wikipedia account prior to the event and bring their own computers. Because the venue does not have on-site research materials, the training session will introduce participants to online resources such as the Internet Archive.

We will abide by the Universal Code of Conduct, Friendly Space Policy, and Event Ban Policy. Mask4Mask Queers Hfx's goal is to create safer spaces that are free from discrimination and oppression. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral bathrooms. Masks will be required at the event, and the venue will be well ventilated.

'''Expected impact'''
* Introduction of new and inexperienced editors to:
** the fundamentals of Wikipedia editing and policies
** online research resources such as the Internet Archive
** resources available from Halifax institutions such as the public library and archives
** Wikimedia Commons
* Improvement of the quality of the Wikipedia articles edited
* Improved representation of the queer community on Wikipedia

== List of participants ==
''Indicate here the list of participants that will incur expenses for this activity; you do not need to list all participants that will take part in the activity. Make sure to indicate who is in charge of the activity.''
* Ben MacLeod (Edit-a-thon facilitator)
* Mask4Mask Queers Hfx (host, will incur expenses for venue)

== Pre-Approval (before expenses) ==
=== Planned Budget ===
''Indicate here your detailed planned budget in Canadian dollars (CAD).''

{| class=&quot;wikitable&quot;
!Item !! Amount !! Name of the participant that will incur this expense
|-
|Venue rental (Halifax Central Common Multi-Purpose Room)
|Approx. C$100
|Mask4Mask Queers Hfx
|-
|Total
|Approx. C$100
|}

=== Decision of Wikimedia Canada ===
''This activity has been '''pre-approved''' for $100.00 CAD.''
*[[User:Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)|Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)]] ([[User talk:Chelsea Chiovelli (WMCA)|talk]]) 17:04, 22 May 2026 (UTC)

== Approval (after expenses) ==
=== Activity Report ===
The Mask4Mask Queers Hfx Edit-a-Thon was held on June 30, 2026 at the multi-purpose room at the Halifax Common. 

There were 11 in attendance (including the three organisers). Aside from the facilitator (Ben), all were new or novice contributors (a couple of participants had limited past editing experience). Six editors added themselves to the [https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Mask4Mask_Queers_Hfx/Mask4Mask_Queers_Hfx_Edit-a-thon_June_2026 Outreach Dashboard] which recorded 9 articles edited, 21 total edits, 1.21K words added, and 11 references added. No new articles were created.

Some participants did not bring their own computers, but came to listen to the orientation presentation, learn more about Wikipedia, and edit together with those who did have computers. A couple chose to explore Wikipedia without logging in. Since Mask4Mask Queers Hfx holds events regularly, many of the participants already knew each other and so were comfortable working collaboratively.

Due to a miscommunication, the event was shorter than intended (2 hours vs. 3 hours as originally proposed). This is unusually short for an edit-a-thon and meant its direct impact on the encyclopedia was limited, but as the event was held on a weeknight, a longer committment may have discouraged some participants from attending.

Unlike many edit-a-thons, this one had no particular theme, in part because it was held at a venue without any on-site research resources. I explained how to find existing articles of interest within a particular subject area using categories, and how some articles are relatively underdeveloped compared to others. I also introduced participants to the Internet Archive and the digital resources available there. Some participants gravitated to articles within their areas of expertise, while others made edits on articles related to local history, politics, and current affairs.

Some participants commented that they had long wondered about editing Wikipedia, but hadn't had a chance to try it. Although the edit-a-thon was short, it gave participants a grounding in the fundamentals of English Wikipedia's policies as well as how to edit, which will hopefully leave some participants confident enough to continue editing on their own (or at future edit-a-thons), and explore other aspects of Wikipedia (and other Wikimedia projects).

I was pleasantly surprised that participants were able to jump into editing quickly, without too many technical issues or questions.

This was my first time facilitating an edit-a-thon. In the future, I would likely ensure the event is a bit longer. I'd also love to have freebies on hand (such as Wikipedia logo stickers) to help build enthusiasm for the project.

&lt;gallery&gt;
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 1.jpg
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 2.jpg
2026-06-30 Mask4Mask Queers Hfx edit-a-thon 3.jpg
&lt;/gallery&gt;

=== Final Budget ===
''Indicate here your detailed final budget in Canadian dollars (CAD).''

{| class=&quot;wikitable&quot;
!Item !! Amount !! Name of the participant that made this expense
|-
|...
|... $CAD
|...
|-
|...
|... $CAD
|...
|-
|Total
|... $CAD
|}

=== Decision of Wikimedia Canada ===
''This section will be filled by a Wikimedia Canada staff member.''

== Technical Information ==
''This section will be filled by a Wikimedia Canada staff member.''
* Request Number : 2026-013
* Type of activity in the Annual Budget : {{LangSwitch|en=Workshops &amp; Campaigns |fr= Ateliers et campagnes}}
* Total Approved Amount : 

[[Category:2026 Grant requests|{{#titleparts: {{PAGENAME}} | 1 | 4 }}]]</text>
      <sha1>95e7sdhxnqcqgc7mbsyvbj8yynk5ylg</sha1>
    </revision>
  </page>
</mediawiki>