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== Purpose ==
The Local Group Toolkit is currently in a pilot phase.
This toolkit improves through contributions from volunteers like you.


The goal is to make it easy to add useful content while keeping the wiki clear, practical, and organized.
During the pilot, content is maintained by the Toolkit team.


== Who Can Contribute ==
The pilot includes evaluating how content is created, reviewed, maintained, and potentially contributed by members.
Anyone with relevant experience or insight can contribute:
* Local Group officers 
* Volunteers 
* Experienced members 
* New volunteers with fresh perspective 
 
If something would have helped you, it will likely help someone else.
 
== How to Contribute ==
 
=== 1. Start Small ===
You don’t need to write a full page.
 
Good contributions include:
* Improving a sentence for clarity 
* Adding a helpful tip 
* Sharing a template or example 
* Fixing outdated information 
 
=== 2. Add Content in the Right Place ===
* Find the most relevant existing page 
* Add your content there when possible 
* Avoid creating new pages unless needed 
 
If a page feels too long, consider suggesting a subpage instead.
 
=== 3. Keep It Practical ===
Focus on content that helps someone take action.
 
Ask yourself:
* Does this help someone do their role? 
* Is it clear and easy to follow? 
* Can other groups use this? 
 
=== 4. Use Clear, Simple Formatting ===
* Use headings to organize content 
* Use bullet points for readability 
* Keep paragraphs short 
* Avoid large blocks of text 
 
Make it easy to scan.
 
=== 5. Link Instead of Repeating ===
If related content already exists:
* Link to it instead of duplicating it 
* Keep one “source of truth” per topic 
 
=== 6. Share Real Examples ===
Examples are highly valuable:
* Sample emails 
* Checklists 
* Processes that worked well 
 
If possible, include context for when and why something works.
 
=== 7. Be Flexible, Not Prescriptive ===
Local Groups operate differently.
 
* Offer suggestions, not rules 
* Avoid “this is the only way” language 
* Leave room for variation 
 
== Editing Guidelines ==
 
* Preserve useful existing content when possible 
* Improve clarity rather than rewriting everything 
* If making large changes, consider discussing first 
* Keep tone consistent: practical, supportive, and neutral 
 
== When to Create a New Page ==
 
Create a new page only if:
* The topic is clearly distinct 
* The content would make an existing page too long 
* It can stand on its own as a useful resource 
 
If in doubt, start within an existing page.
 
== When You’re Unsure ==
 
If you’re not sure how to contribute:
 
* Add a draft section and label it clearly 
* Ask for feedback from others 
* Start small — it can always be expanded later 
 
== Common Pitfalls to Avoid ==
 
* Adding long, unstructured text 
* Duplicating content across pages 
* Writing highly specific local information 
* Turning guidance into rigid rules 
* Overcomplicating simple ideas 
 
== Tone and Approach ==
 
This toolkit should feel:
 
* Supportive, not critical 
* Practical, not theoretical 
* Clear, not overly detailed 
* Helpful, not overwhelming 
 
== Key Takeaway ==
 
You don’t need to contribute something perfect.
 
Small, clear, practical improvements are what make this toolkit valuable over time.

Latest revision as of 01:17, 4 June 2026

The Local Group Toolkit is currently in a pilot phase.

During the pilot, content is maintained by the Toolkit team.

The pilot includes evaluating how content is created, reviewed, maintained, and potentially contributed by members.