The Power of Wikimania Conferences and Travel

 

Reflections from Wikimania: A Journey Through Poland and Beyond

*By Linda Dabo

Travel has always been a powerful way to open the mind and awaken the senses. This year, I had the privilege of attending the Wikimania 2024 conference in Katowice, Poland, thanks to the support of the Wikimedia Foundation. 

The experience was not just about attending sessions and discussions; it was a journey through history, culture, and the stories of people who have shaped their world in ways both big and small. As I continue to reflect on my time in Poland, I am struck by how much travel and conferences like these can teach us—about the places we visit and, more importantly, about ourselves.

The Power of Conferences and Travel

There’s something about being in a new place that makes you more observant. The sights, sounds, and even the way the air feels all seem heightened when you are somewhere unfamiliar. This was the case for me in Poland, just as it had been during my trip to Singapore for last year's Wikimania conference. Each experience left a lasting impression and fueled months of reflection and learning.

Conferences like Wikimania are unique because they bring together people who are passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas. It’s an environment that’s project-driven, buzzing with creativity and a collective energy to build something meaningful. Being surrounded by Wikipedians from around the globe, each bringing their own perspectives and stories, is both inspiring and humbling. It prompts you to think about new things to try and new directions to explore.

Lessons from Singapore

My trip to Singapore last year was a catalyst for deep reflection on progress and governance. I was captivated by the solidarity of the nation and how it developed into a prosperous city-state under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew. In just 25 years, Singapore transformed into a global hub of efficiency, innovation, and economic strength. The experience prompted me to reflect on my own country, the United States.

In the U.S., it often seems like we spend decades in dialogue about issues or problems without achieving meaningful results or positive outcomes. In fact, in many cases, the problems only escalate. The Singaporean experience taught me the power of decisive, focused leadership and the impact of a project-driven mindset. It showed me what is possible when a nation aligns itself toward a common goal, and it made me think about what could be achieved in my own community with a similar approach.

Discovering Poland: A Journey Through History and Culture with Wikimania 

Arriving in Katowice, Poland, I was immediately struck by the contrast with Singapore. While Singapore represented rapid development and a sleek, modern future, Katowice and Krakow offered a glimpse into a rich, older world culture and environment. Poland is a country with a deep sense of history, shaped by both triumphs and struggles. It was here that I learned about an ongoing identity struggle—a people who have faced hardship but continue to move forward with resilience and pride.

One of the most moving experiences was the opening ceremony of Wikimania 2024, when a coal miners' band took to the stage. Dressed in dark uniforms adorned with brass buttons, they played trumpets, tubas, and drums, filling the hall with a melody that seemed to echo through the ages. I later learned that these bands honor the coal miners who worked deep underground for generations, playing a critical role in Poland's industrial development.

A Personal Connection to Labor and Heritage

As I explored more of Katowice and Krakow, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between Poland’s coal miners and my own family history. Growing up in California, I saw entire communities being built—roads, sidewalks, and buildings rising from the ground up. My father was a cement finisher, a craftsman who took great pride in his work. He taught others his trade, and I remember him coming home with his metal lunch bucket, often saving a treat for me—a cinnamon roll, peanut brittle, or a mint patty. 

These men, like my father, were the original blue-collar workers, wearing denim long before it became fashionable. They were the backbone of their communities, just as the coal miners were for Poland. Seeing the deep respect that Poland holds for its miners was profoundly moving for me. It reminded me of the value of hard work, craftsmanship, and the importance of remembering those who built the world with their hands.

The Value of Global Connectedness

Traveling to places like Singapore and Poland, and participating in global conferences like Wikimania, has taught me the importance of understanding and appreciating diverse cultures and histories. It’s easy to think of our own stories as the only stories, but when we step outside of our comfort zones, we realize how interconnected we all are. The stories of coal miners in Poland and cement finishers in California are different threads in the same tapestry of human experience.

These experiences reinforce the idea that we have so much to learn from one another. By listening to each other’s stories and sharing our own, we can build bridges of understanding that span continents and cultures. I encourage everyone to embrace travel and continuous learning. Whether it’s through conferences, conversations, or simply wandering down a new street in a new city, there’s always something valuable to discover.

In the end, it’s not just about the places we visit; it’s about the journey of growth and reflection that travel inspires within us.

Linda Dabo

*Knowledge Seeker, Storyteller, and Advocate for Global Understanding*