Inclusivity in Action: How No-Code Contributions Drive DEIB in WordPress
In the WordPress community, the term ‘contributor’ often brings to mind images of seasoned developers working diligently on code. However, a significant part of the contributions that fuel the progress of WordPress are ‘no-code’ contributions. These contributions, which involve non-coding tasks, play an invaluable role in fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIBDEIB DEIB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.) within the WordPress community.
Inclusivity is a critical aspect of any community, and the WordPress community is no exception. WordPress is a popular content management system that powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. With such a vast user base, it is essential to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included in the community. Inclusivity means creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities.
The WordPress community has already made significant strides in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in recent years. However, there is still much work to be done. One way to drive DEIB in WordPress is through no-code contributions.
The Role of No-Code Contributions in Driving DEIB in WordPress
No-code contributions refer to contributions that do not require coding skills. These contributions can include anything from writing documentation, translating content, testing software, designing graphics, providing support in support forums and more. No-code contributions are essential because they allow people with diverse backgrounds and skill sets to contribute to the WordPress community.
No-code contributions are particularly crucial for promoting DEIB in WordPress because they break down barriers to entry. – Birgit Olzem
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Historically, the tech industry has been dominated by white, male, able-bodied individuals – mostly located in the US. This has created a culture that is exclusionary to people from underrepresented groups. By encouraging no-code contributions globally, WordPress can create a more inclusive environment where everyone can participate and contribute.
Breaking Down Barriers: How No-Code Contributions Promote Inclusivity
No-code contributions promote inclusivity in several ways:
As a self-taught web developer, I am constantly presented with new challenges that require me to expand my skill set and knowledge base. One such challenge that I have been struggling with is my ongoing difficulty with JavaScript and object-oriented PHP programming. This has made it difficult for me to contribute with code to core.
Birgit Olzem
Case Studies: Real-World Examples of No-Code Contributions Driving DEIB in WordPress
There are many examples of no-code contributions driving DEIB in WordPress. One example is the make/WordPress Polyglots team. This contributor team aims to make WordPress accessible to people all over the world by translating the software into different languages.
The WordPress project relies on volunteers to translate WordPress, and anyone can contribute, regardless of their coding skills.
For instance: I’ve found that some of the most impactful contributions can be made without writing a single line of code into core. Since 2012, I’ve been deeply involved in the Polyglots team, working diligently to translate WordPress into German, both in its formal and informal forms.
In the early days, this process required the use of an independent instance of GlotPress, a collaborative, web-based software translation tool. The complexities of maintaining separate translation packs and manually integrating them into the WordPress core via de.wordpress.org were significant, but crucial for the German-speaking WordPress community.
There have been countless sleepless nights spent in my German hometown, synchronizing with US-based office hours. This was done to ensure that every time a new WordPress version was released, the localized German version would quickly follow, available for download shortly after the main core version. In an ironic twist of roles, while my five children were tucked in bed dreaming, I found myself wide awake, nestled in IRC chat rooms. With a mix of patience and anticipation, I would wait for the announcement post from Matt Mullenweg, signaling the arrival of the latest WordPress version.
Over the years, we’ve seen a significant evolution in this process, with the translation efforts now centralized on translate.wordpress.org, making the procedure more efficient and accessible to all. This transformation didn’t just happen; it was fueled by countless conversations and consistent “nagging” from contributors like myself towards the core and meta team members who had the power to effect change.
These experiences have taught me that it’s not only about how you can contribute, but also about how persistent you are in advocating for improvements that can make a real difference in the community. Every conversation, every suggestion, and every piece of feedback can be a contribution towards a more inclusive and user-friendly WordPress ecosystem.
Birgit Olzem
Another example is the WordPress Accessibility Team. This team is dedicated to making WordPress more accessible to people with disabilities. The team works on improving the accessibility of WordPress themes, plugins, and core software. The team relies on volunteers to test software and provide feedback, and anyone can contribute, regardless of their coding skills.
The Diversity speaker training team within the WordPress community exemplifies the profound impact of no-code contributions. This dedicated group works tirelessly to ensure that WordCamps and other community events showcase a variety of voices and experiences. They provide training and mentorship to prospective speakers, especially those from underrepresented groups, helping them overcome any hurdles to participation.
The team also works closely with event organizers, encouraging them to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their speaker lineups. The work of this team has been instrumental in making WordPress events more vibrant and representative of the global community that uses and builds the platform. It’s a testament to the power of non-code contributions in shaping an inclusive and equitable WordPress ecosystem.
Why No-Code Contributions are Essential for Nurturing DEIB Initiatives
Encouraging no-code contributions and promoting inclusivity in WordPress requires a concerted effort from the community. Here are some best practices for achieving this:
They welcome people with varying skills and experiences to contribute to the project. This inclusivity fuels diversity, as more individuals from underrepresented groups find a place to contribute. It also fosters equity and belonging, as every contributor, irrespective of their role, has an equal opportunity to shape the future of WordPress.
Getting Involved in No-Code Contributions
If you’re interested in contributing to WordPress but don’t consider yourself a coder, there are numerous ways to get involved. You could start by exploring the different teams within the WordPress community and seeing where your skills and interests align. Whether you have a knack for writing, a passion for design, or fluency in multiple languages, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful impact.
Remember, the key to getting started is to find something you enjoy and that aligns with your skills. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the team leads if you have any questions—they’re usually more than willing to help newcomers get started.
Conclusion: The Future of Inclusivity in WordPress and the Role of No-Code Contributions
Inclusivity is essential for the success of any community, and the WordPress community is no exception. No-code contributions are a critical tool for promoting DEIB in WordPress. By encouraging people with diverse backgrounds and skill sets to contribute to the project, The WordPress community can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
The future of inclusivity in WordPress depends on the continued efforts of the community. By creating a welcoming environment, providing opportunities for no-code contributions, recognizing and celebrating contributions, and providing resources and support, the WordPress community can continue to promote DEIB and create a better user experience for everyone.
To better understand the potential of no-code contributions and the vast scope of DEIB initiatives within the WordPress community, I invite you to also read my recent blog post: “Proposal: WordPress DEIB Committee – Establishing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within the WordPress Community”.
This article sheds light on the proposed formation of a dedicated committee aimed at strengthening these key values within our community. By engaging with this discourse, we can all contribute to the goal of ensuring that the WordPress community is a place where everyone, from every corner of the world, feels valued, heard, and included. Your voice matters in this conversation. Join us in this vital dialogue and let’s shape the future of WordPress together.
Remember, every contribution counts, and your unique skills and experiences are valuable.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can comment on this post below or contact me through the contact form on this site, send me a direct message on Slack (@https://coachbirgit.com), or DM me on Twitter @CoachBirgit.
I’m here to help and would love to see more people, from all walks of life, contribute to making WordPress the best it can be. So, don’t wait – get involved today!
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