{"id":5412,"date":"2025-09-14T10:03:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T14:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/?p=5412"},"modified":"2025-09-06T13:05:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T17:05:08","slug":"exploring-wordpress-from-ideas-to-action-in-a-local-and-global-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/exploring-wordpress-from-ideas-to-action-in-a-local-and-global-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring WordPress: From Ideas to Action in a Local and Global Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Last year I restarted the <a href=\"https:\/\/wpyeg.org\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/wpyeg.org\">Edmonton WordPress Meetup<\/a> after a long period of inactivity. I had moved to Edmonton about the time the local WordPress and tech community was suffering some setbacks that would soon be followed by the global pandemic. Where there was once a vibrant meetup and startup scene that supported several WordCamps, there was just a gap waiting for people to fill. So we did, just like other local <a href=\"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/canadian-wp-community\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"808\">WordPress meetups across Canada<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find your local WordPress community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven&#8217;t connected with the WordPress community in your neck of the woods, please do! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mattgraham.ca\/\">Matt Graham<\/a> set up <a href=\"https:\/\/wpslack.ca\/\">this fine wayfinding site<\/a> to help you find a meetup near you. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mburnette.com\/\">Marcus Burnette<\/a> created <a href=\"https:\/\/thewp.world\/\">thewp.world<\/a> to connect everybody, and he adds some new features just about every month. Currently you can search for other members in the directory within a certain distance of selected town or city. Here&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/thewp.world\/proximity\/\">everyone 500km from Ottawa<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This week, Marcus also kindly emailed all resident Canadians in the directory to remind them to get their tickets for WCEH! \ud83d\ude0a There are no borders in the WordPress community, however. Just being in the Great Lakes region again this year makes WCEH both a regional and international destination. This is true anywhere in Canada, certainly along our border with the United States. As always, we are welcoming attendees and speakers from the US and all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connect with a local university<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In WordPress, more than most open source communities, we\u2019ve always believed that open exploration is the heart of learning and growth. Whether you&#8217;re a student curious about the web, a seasoned developer, a solo creator, or someone running an agency\u2014WordPress gives all of us a common ground to experiment, create, and push boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students are special, however! It&#8217;s been my privilege to help connect students from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nait.ca\/creditcourse?coursecode=DMIT2032\">NAIT<\/a> and the University of Alberta with each other and the WordPress ecosystem through the Edmonton Meetup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WCEH is taking place this Fall on the Carleton University campus with a &#8220;Back to campus&#8221; theme centred on learning, exploration, innovation, and community. Meanwhile, the <a href=\"https:\/\/events.wordpress.org\/campusconnect\/\">WordPress Campus Connect<\/a> program has been growing. Interested students and faculty should check it out, consider starting a campus club, connecting with a local meetup, or taking advantage of the new <a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/news\/2025\/07\/introducing-wordpress-credits-a-new-contribution-internship-program-for-university-students\/\">WordPress Credits<\/a> internship program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wordpress-news wp-block-embed-wordpress-news\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"JZjdc2p2fM\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/news\/2025\/07\/introducing-wordpress-credits-a-new-contribution-internship-program-for-university-students\/\">Introducing WordPress Credits: A New Contribution Internship Program for University Students<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Introducing WordPress Credits: A New Contribution Internship Program for University Students&#8221; &#8212; WordPress News\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/news\/2025\/07\/introducing-wordpress-credits-a-new-contribution-internship-program-for-university-students\/embed\/#?secret=BP19Im4X0Q#?secret=JZjdc2p2fM\" data-secret=\"JZjdc2p2fM\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meetups make learning social<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Exploration isn&#8217;t just about shiny new tools (though we love those too); it\u2019s about asking better questions, trying new approaches, and discovering how technology can meet human needs. From the Site Editor and block themes to open web ethics and inclusive design, there\u2019s always something new to unpack\u2014both technically and <em>socially<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where the meetup comes in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WordPress meetups bring people of all ages together from all walks of life to share their knowledge, test ideas, and learn from each other. We explore how WordPress empowers individuals and communities, and how it intersects with broader topics like digital literacy, privacy, accessibility, and the open source ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s one thing to tinker in isolation. It\u2019s another to explore together. When we connect, ideas move faster. Confidence grows. Projects come to life. That\u2019s the real power of exploration \u2014 turning ideas into action through community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find your people to explore web tech with together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Exploration is where innovation begins. It&#8217;s the moment we stop asking \u201cwhat if?\u201d and start doing. In the world of WordPress, exploration isn&#8217;t just curiosity\u2014it\u2019s a superpower that turns ideas into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned developer or just getting started, pushing boundaries is where the magic happens. Trying a new block theme, diving into custom post types, or integrating APIs can take your site from standard to standout. The WordPress ecosystem is vast, and the tools are always evolving \u2014 exploring them opens new creative possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New features like the Site Editor, patterns, and headless WordPress options are transforming what\u2019s possible. By stepping outside the familiar and experimenting with these tools, we unlock better workflows, cleaner designs, and more dynamic experiences for users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t wait for the \u201cperfect plan\u201d \u2014 exploration thrives in action. Sketch the idea, test the plugin, build the block. WordPress is built for creators, tinkerers, and trailblazers. The only limit is how far you\u2019re willing to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curious? Come to a meetup. Bring your questions, your half-finished ideas, your goals. You\u2019ll find a welcoming space to learn, share, and build \u2014 together.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where there was once a vibrant meetup and startup scene that supported several WordCamps, there was just a gap waiting for people to fill. So we did, just like other local WordPress meetups across Canada.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":240675,"featured_media":3994,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-organizers"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/816376d5dc39bda8.71680522-2048x1536-1.jpeg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4367,"url":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/opening-new-doors\/","url_meta":{"origin":5412,"position":0},"title":"The Power of Curiosity: Opening New Doors","author":"Clem Omotosho","date":"July 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"I was introduced to WordPress four months ago during a course in my Web Design and Development Associate's Degree.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Volunteers&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Volunteers","link":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/category\/volunteers\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"An illustration of a man looking at a lightbulk and thinking","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-16-2025-09_07_31-PM.png?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-16-2025-09_07_31-PM.png?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-16-2025-09_07_31-PM.png?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-16-2025-09_07_31-PM.png?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/07\/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-16-2025-09_07_31-PM.png?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5416,"url":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/the-canadian-wordpress-experience-local-energy-global-impact\/","url_meta":{"origin":5412,"position":1},"title":"The Canadian WordPress Experience &#8211; Local Energy, Global Impact","author":"Rick Radko","date":"September 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Every time we write a plugin, contribute to core, share our knowledge at a meetup, or help someone new get started - we're part of something much bigger.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Organizers&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Organizers","link":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/category\/organizers\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/generate-an-image-for-this-post-https-canada-wordcamp-org-2025-hello-i-am-dave-winer-and-welcome-to-wordland.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/generate-an-image-for-this-post-https-canada-wordcamp-org-2025-hello-i-am-dave-winer-and-welcome-to-wordland.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/generate-an-image-for-this-post-https-canada-wordcamp-org-2025-hello-i-am-dave-winer-and-welcome-to-wordland.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/generate-an-image-for-this-post-https-canada-wordcamp-org-2025-hello-i-am-dave-winer-and-welcome-to-wordland.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3991,"url":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wordcamp-canada-flier-for-meetups\/","url_meta":{"origin":5412,"position":2},"title":"WordCamp Canada Flier for Meetups","author":"Troy Chaplin","date":"June 23, 2025","format":"aside","excerpt":"Spread the word about WordCamp Canada! Here's a flier you can download and share.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Updates","link":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/category\/updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"WordPress Meetup preparation, snacks and swags","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/816376d5dc39bda8.71680522-2048x1536-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/816376d5dc39bda8.71680522-2048x1536-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/816376d5dc39bda8.71680522-2048x1536-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/816376d5dc39bda8.71680522-2048x1536-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/06\/816376d5dc39bda8.71680522-2048x1536-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7813,"url":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wceh-keynote-jill-binder\/","url_meta":{"origin":5412,"position":3},"title":"WCEH Keynote: Jill Binder","author":"Dan Knauss","date":"September 29, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Based in Vancouver, Jill is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the WordPress community and beyond. Her programs, including the Diverse Speaker Training Group, have been adopted by WordPress meetups and WordCamps around the world, making WordPress events more reflective of the vibrant,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Featured&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Featured","link":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/category\/featured\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Jill Binder","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/08\/jill-binder-e1757003047571.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/08\/jill-binder-e1757003047571.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/08\/jill-binder-e1757003047571.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/08\/jill-binder-e1757003047571.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7083,"url":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/our-global-sponsors\/","url_meta":{"origin":5412,"position":4},"title":"Our Global Sponsors","author":"Dan Knauss","date":"October 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Our 2025 WordCamp Global Sponsors deserve a huge \"thank you\" for supporting all WordCamps and other WordPress events, like Meetups\/user groups, and community-driven gatherings around the world.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Updates","link":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/category\/updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"flags on maps","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/09\/pexels-photo-8828446.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/09\/pexels-photo-8828446.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/09\/pexels-photo-8828446.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/files\/2025\/09\/pexels-photo-8828446.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6376,"url":"https:\/\/canada.wordcamp.org\/2025\/canadas-role-in-wordpress-history\/","url_meta":{"origin":5412,"position":5},"title":"Canada\u2019s Role in WordPress History","author":"Cathy Mitchell","date":"September 18, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Have a look at Canada's global impact in our Open Source ecosystem! 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