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.

Guiding Principle

Contribute in ways that help others succeed more easily.

Small, practical improvements are more valuable than large, complex additions.

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.

Key Actions

Start Small

You don’t need to write a full page.

Type of Contribution	Example
Improve clarity	Rewrite a sentence to be easier to understand
Add a tip	Include a helpful suggestion from experience
Share a resource	Add a template, checklist, or example
Update content	Fix outdated or unclear information

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.

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?

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.

Link Instead of Repeating

• Link to existing content instead of duplicating it
• Maintain a single “source of truth” for each topic

Share Real Examples

Examples are highly valuable:

• Sample emails
• Checklists
• Processes that worked well

Include context for when and why something works, when possible.

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 If...	Otherwise...
The topic is clearly distinct	Add to an existing page
The content would make a page too long	Suggest or create a subpage
It stands on its own as a useful resource	Expand existing content

If in doubt, start within an existing page.

When You’re Unsure

• Add a draft section and label it clearly
• Ask for feedback from others
• Start small — it can always be expanded later

Common Pitfalls

• Adding long, unstructured text
• Duplicating content across pages
• Writing highly specific local information
• Turning guidance into rigid rules
• Overcomplicating simple ideas

See also:

• Wiki Danger Zones

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.

Litmus Test

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

Related

• Local Group Toolkit
• Wiki Danger Zones