PROCESS CHANGE: Establishing Clear Growth Paths in the Community

[prajjwalyd]

This proposal is based on one of the recommendations for enhancing the contributor experience in Knative, as outlined in the Contributor Experience Research 2024

Establishing Clear Growth Paths in the Community

• Structured Growth Framework: Review and showcase a clear, transparent framework outlining the various stages of contributor growth within the community. This framework should be accessible and should include milestones, criteria, and expectations for advancement.

• Skills Development Tracks: Offer specialized tracks for different areas of contribution, such as coding, documentation, community management, and user experience. Each track should outline specific skills and knowledge areas to be developed at each stage of progression.

• Personalized Development Plans: Encourage contributors to set personal goals aligned with their interests and aspirations within the community. Provide guidance and resources to help them achieve these goals, whether it's mastering a new technology, leading a project, or becoming a maintainer/mentor.

• Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and celebrate contributors' achievements as they progress along their growth paths.

Why is it needed?

• Motivating Contributors: Clear growth paths provide contributors with a sense of purpose and direction, motivating them to actively participate and contribute to the community. When contributors see a clear path for advancement, they are more likely to invest their time and energy into their involvement.
• Guiding Development: Structured growth frameworks help contributors identify areas for skill development and track their progress over time. This guidance ensures that contributors are continuously growing and evolving within the community.
• Building Long-Term Engagement: By offering clear pathways for growth, the community can retain contributors over the long term. When contributors feel supported and valued, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to the project. This will also distribute the load on current maintainers who are suffering from low retention rates.
• Attracting New Talent: A well-defined growth framework can attract new contributors by showcasing opportunities for personal and professional development within the community. This can help expand the talent pool and bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the project, leading to the next phase of Knative with new maintainers and contributors.

Implementation:

• Update/Develop Framework: Define milestones and criteria for contributor growth within the community to motivate new contributors.
• Offer Tracks: Identify key areas and provide skill development tracks across different aspects of Knative.
• Encourage Goals: Educate on goal setting and facilitate mentorship to help contributors achieve their personal development plans.
• Recognition: Design a recognition program for achievements at each level to celebrate and motivate contributors.