[Chapter-delegates] [European-chapters] Updated Wordpress theme for chapters

[Klaus Birkenbihl]

Hi Ruben et all,

I didn't too much investigation wrt this. I followed the instructions on https://chapter-template.isoc.org/theme-installation/ (mid April 2026) with PHP 8.4.20. Furthermore, I expect a notification about a theme update if I am using an outdated version (see resolved issue https://github.com/InternetSociety/genesis-child-chapters/issues/1).

I had a conversation with ChatGPT about the issue. Since our WP site is from 2010 I asked:

> Find me a wordpress theme fulfilling the following requirements:
>
>   * easily migrate a wordpress site using standard post types (chronological posts, hierarchy of pages) into a responsive design.
>   * support menus, sidebars, blogrolls, categories, archive, tag clouds ...
>   * rather use modern CSS than wordpress blocks for styles
>
The answer was a bit lengthy. I only quote part of the final result:
>
> Good—your constraints basically rule out 90% of the modern WP ecosystem. What you want is:
>
>   * classic theme (no FSE)
>   * [...]
>   * clean PHP templates + CSS styling
>   * full support for menus, widgets, archives, etc.
>
> That narrows things down to either lightweight classic themes or starter themes.
>
(Beside this, ChatGPT suggested "hybrid" themes - supporting classic and block design as well - might be a compromise.)

I tested two of the ChatGPT recommended classic themes - out of the box - with reasonable results (wrt a responsive design): Astra and Baskerville. (Now you might assume I'm one of those dinosaurs who don't like WP block-oriented design at all 😉. You're perfectly right - indeed I stopped using WP for new projects.)

For now we (aka ISOC.DE) have not yet decided how to proceed.

Best regards

Klaus

Ruben Martin schrieb am 27.04.26 um 18:03:
> Hi all,
>
> Bumping this email from September, since I know some of you have been asking about the new Wordpress theme.
>
> Please, make sure other leaders know about where to find this resource (also linked form the leader portal resources page).
>
> Thanks!
>
> -- 
>
> *Rubén Martín, *Community Engagement Manager (Europe)
>
> _martin at isoc.org_
>
> _internetsociety.org <https://internetsociety.org>__
> _signature_576143606
>
>
> *De: *European-chapters <european-chapters-bounces at elists.isoc.org> en nombre de Ruben Martin <martin at isoc.org>
> *Fecha: *lunes, 29 de septiembre de 2025, 10:47
> *Para: *Chapters European <european-chapters at elists.isoc.org>
> *Asunto: *[European-chapters] Updated Wordpress theme for chapters
>
> Hi all,
>
> I know some of you have been asking for an updated and modern Wordpress theme for chapters, and there was a bit of confusion on which one was actively maintained.
>
> Please check this site for installation instructions on the latest WP theme for chapters:
>
> https://chapter-template.isoc.org/theme-installation/
>
> It has been recently updated to support the latest WP version, as well as PHP 8.4. The code is here <https://github.com/InternetSociety/genesis-child-chapters> in case you want to contribute, request changes or report issues.
>
> Thanks!
>
> image.png
>
> -- 
>
> *Rubén Martín, *Community Engagement Manager (Europe)
>
> _martin at isoc.org_
> signature_576143606
>
> _internetsociety.org <https://internetsociety.org>_
>
>
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-- 
Klaus Birkenbihl
Internet Society German Chapter (ISOC.DE) e.V.
c/o ict-Media GmbH
https://www.isoc.de
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