What we do

Our mission is to enable people to engage with open knowledge and access reliable information in order to develop their understanding of the world, so they can make informed decisions about issues that affect them.

Wikimedia UK is a small charity making a big impact. Our delivery model is based on the strategic priorities of partnership, community and technology, which are essential elements of all our activities.

Wikimedia UK is working towards the following long-term outcomes:

  • Wikimedia reflects our diverse society and works to overcome systemic bias
  • Our work has increased free, ethical access to knowledge and information
  • Our work has supported the development of high levels of information literacy
  • Wikimedia users are able to understand the climate crisis and their role within it
  • Wikimedia UK is recognised as a leading organisation for open knowledge

Knowledge equity

BD Weighing of the Heart, photoed by British Museum; original artist unknown

The goal of this programme is to increase engagement with and representation of marginalised people and subjects.

— Minority and indigenous languages, with a focus on the annual Celtic Knot conference
— Technology for diversity
— Addressing the Gender Gap
— Cultural Heritage
— Community development

Information literacy

1340 Abacus by Anagoria

Wikimedia UK believes that engaging with Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects – particularly through becoming a contributor – enables learners to understand, navigate and critically evaluate knowledge and information. In partnership with the education sector, we put that belief into practice through a range of interventions that support the development of digital and information literacy skills for primary school pupils through to Masters Degree students.

Climate and environment

Marine animalcules. Coloured etching photoed by Wellcome Trust

Climate and environment is a new area of focus for Wikimedia UK. We recognise the accelerating climate emergency and the importance of Wikimedia’s role in providing up-to-date, accurate and unbiased information about the impact of climate change on our planet and people. The programme resonates with a number of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Volunteering

The Wikimedia projects are written, edited and curated by volunteers who are just like you. There are many ways to get involved – there are activities to suit the interests of everybody.

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Women of Turkish origin and John Lubbock at the BBC 100 Women Wikipedia editathon

Trust and safety

Wikimedia UK believes that all interactions with the Wikimedia projects should be free of harassment, abuse, discrimination and other forms of unwelcome behaviour.