Impact and Growth: First Year of the Community Reactivation Project in Latin America

Context

The WordPress Latam Community Reactivation Project was launched nine months ago to revive and strengthen WordPress communities across Latin America. With a vision to foster collaboration, mutual learning, and active member participation, this initiative aims to empower individuals, build strategic alliances, and create consistent monthly events that engage, connect the community, and activate local leaders and communities in the region.

Key Achievements

The WP Latam team has driven the growth and reactivation of WordPress communities across Latin America, creating spaces for mentorship, teaching, and collaboration. Today, more people of all ages are connected and have access to technology in their language and time zone, strengthening this supportive regional network.

Key Results

1. Community Reactivation: We reactivated communities in:
   • Buenos Aires (Argentina)
   • San Salvador (El Salvador)
   • Panama City (Panama) (in progress)
   • Cartago (Costa Rica)
   • Barranquilla (Colombia)
   • Tuluá (Colombia)
   • Cali (Colombia)
   • Mexico City (Mexico)
   • Guatemala City (Guatemala)
2. Community Expansion: Additionally, new communities were formed in:
   • Pereira (Colombia)
   • Nueva Guinea (Nicaragua)
   • Estelí (Nicaragua) (in progress)
3. Support at WordCamps: WP Latam provided support at events like WordCamp Bogotá and WordCamp Guatemala, managing social media, registration, and volunteers. It also led contributor tables in marketing, support, and community.
4. Regional Communication Channels: With Telegram (+150 members), social media, and email, we facilitated connection and learning throughout the region.
5. Regional Latin American Meetup: This monthly space connects communities, showcasing local achievements and specialized topics in WordPress, development, and marketing.

Impact on Communities in 2024

• Continuous Mentorship: Local mentors support leaders in organizing events and developing strategies.
• Regional Collaboration Network: Active exchange of best practices and resources between communities.
• Structured Training: Monthly Meetup sessions with high-value educational content.
• Empowerment of New Leaders: New leaders have emerged, expanding communities and motivating others.

Key Contributors

• Mentors: @lidarroy (Costa Rica), @alexcu21 (Nicaragua), @sion99 (Nicaragua), @lmcliment (Spain)  
• Marketing: @sion99 (Nicaragua), @kjohazz (Venezuela)  
• Design: @clopezrivas (El Salvador)  
• Meetup and Video: @josvelasco (México), @arburola (Costa Rica), @fgcalderon (Guatemala)  

Next Steps in 2025

• Expanding WordPress events in San José (Costa Rica), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Nicaragua, and other cities.
• Podcast featuring inspiring stories from the community.
• Virtual Contributor Latam event.
• Series of events for training new WordPress Event and WordCamp organizers.

The WP Latam mentorship team has significantly shifted collaboration and visibility for WordPress in Latin America. We’ve joined forces in a strong network that grows our community and fosters technology access for all!

Thanks to @peiraisotta and @_dorsvenabili for inspiring, mentoring, and supporting this initiative!

The following people contributed to this post: @lidarroy, @alexcu21, @sion99, @josvelasco, @arburola, @_dorsvenabili

#community-team, #community-management, #meetups, #wordcamps, #latam

#2024, #reactivation, #recap, #wplatam