Wikipedia Contribution

Prior to this assignment, and actually during this assignment as well, I was really nervous about posting contributing to an article on Wikipedia. Sounds silly I'm sure, but in my mind prior to this assignment I thought of Wikipedia as something that only publishers or writers would contribute to (even though it is open to everyone to publish). After contributing to the Mercy Ships (follow the hyperlink to see the article with my updates) article on Wikipedia, I realized that I was actually nervous for nothing. However, I think this does say something about culture because I know I'm not the only one that was nervous to post something on Wikipedia. Even though it is a "peer edited" form of encyclopedia, it shows that people still have a hard time shaking the idea that there isn't an overarching authority controlling the press.


I chose to contribute to this Wikipedia article because I felt that it would be best for me to contribute to something I am passionate about and already have a good knowledge of the organization. My goal was to help make the article more reputable, adding to what a Mercy Ship was like, what jobs were available, and what types of health care were provided. Finding the information was easy as it was all available to the public at http://www.mercyships.com/.


When I went into the article there were barely any citations for the statistics listed in the history section, as well as the information provided was minimal and really didn't give a whole lot of insight on what Mercy Ships was or did, it really seemed to narrow its focus on how it started. I'm glad I was able to add more, because it really is a noteworthy organization. 

I was able to find the published document and cite the sources accurately, as well as update the information to be the following text:

"Some of the more notable statistics include:

• more than 32,500 surgeries such as cleft lip and palate, cataract removal, straightening of crossed eyes, orthopedic and facial reconstruction;^[6]
• treated more than 212,000 people in village medical clinics;^{[citation needed][7]}
• performed more than 194,081 dental treatments;^{[citation needed][8]}
• taught over 14,629 local health care and professional workers, who have in turn trained many others in primary health care. ^[9]
• taught 100,021 local people in primary health care. ^[10]
• trained local medical professionals in modern health care techniques;^{[citation needed][11]}
• delivered more than $60 million USD of medical equipment, hospital supplies and medicines;^{[citation needed][12]}
• completed more than 900 community development projects including construction of schools, clinics, orphanages, water wells and agriculture programs;^{[citation needed] [13]}and
• visited over 550 total ports in 70 different nations.^{[citation needed]"}

As well as I added the following paragraphs:
"Mercy Ships often needs people for jobs not just of the medical nature. While positions for surgeons, dentists, and nurses are often readily available, because of the nature of the ship, jobs such as hospitality hostess, mechanic, and teachers are also often in high demand.^[1][2]


Mercy Ships provides surgeries and health care to correct or otherwise aid blindness, corneal growths & crossed eyes, deformities, tumors, cleft lip/palate, congenital abnormalities, burns & leprosy, oral disease, dental, extractions & procedures, oral hygiene education, and childbirth injuries.^[3]


When deciding whether or not to work on Mercy Ships, you are able to commit to a short-term (two weeks to two years) or a long-term (minimum two years). Preference is given to those who are able to commit for a 4-year term.^[4]


On a Mercy Ship it can literally seem like a town on a boat. There is a weight-room, 24 hr internet café, satellite phone (US Phone number), library & video library, crew galley (kitchen for crew use), free standing swimming pool, academy (for children of long-term crew), snack bar, Starbucks café, playground for kids, and crew clinic.<sup>[5]"


I felt very accomplished with my contribution to this Wikipedia article, as well as enlightened to the fact that it's not that scary. I even have an account now, so who knows maybe I'll edit some more?


Thanks so much,
Ana V.</sup>