Contributing to This Wiki

Purpose

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.

Who Can Contribute

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• Fixing outdated information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.

Litmus Test

• Will this help a volunteer solve a problem in the next month?

Small, clear, practical improvements are what make this toolkit valuable over time.

Related

• Local Group Toolkit