Inclusion in Action: Call for Expanding Travel Funds to WordPress Contributors!
In the world of WordPress and open-source, we’ve started making strides towards inclusivity, especially with some companies setting up diversity travel funds for speakers from underrepresented groups. That’s remarkable, but there’s a big piece of the puzzle still missing. Backbone Contributor Day Attendees and Table leads are left out.
As a long-term contributor, I’ve been currently pouring over 10 hours a week into the WordPress project as the founder and lead of the Global WordPress DEIBDEIB DEIB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Working group, not for money or fame, but because I believe in it.
Now, as I navigate through my new journey as an artist and a part-time WordPress support tech, the financial reality of attending WordCamps, especially international ones, hits hard. And I know I’m not alone in this.
The thing is, while it’s great that speakers have support, there are tons of us—active contributors—who also bring immense value to these events, particularly the Contributor Days. Yet, we’re often left scrambling to find a way to get there if we can at all.
I am invited to lead the DEIB table at the Contributor Day,
but my empty piggy bank is laughing at me.
It’s time for a change. It’s time for companies in the WordPress ecosystem to step up and extend travel funds to active contributors, not just speakers.
This isn’t just about making it easier for us to attend; it’s about recognizing the hard work and dedication of all contributors and ensuring our community is as diverse and inclusive as we aim for it to be.
Let’s come together to make sure everyone who contributes to WordPress, in any capacity, has the chance to be part of these vital gatherings. It’s about giving back to those who give so much, ensuring every voice can be heard, and every contributor can continue to grow with the community.
You can make a difference today!
Your support, no matter the amount, would mean the world to me. It will help ensure that I can fully participate in WordCamp Europe, continue sharing my insights, and give back to this incredible community that has been instrumental in my journey.
If you believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting individuals who are dedicated to making a difference, I kindly ask for your contribution. Together, we can make this trip possible and continue fostering a strong and inclusive WordPress ecosystem.
Flexible Support Options: Taxable Invoices Available for Donors
For potential donors who prefer to support me through an VAT invoice, I am happy to accommodate this option as well. Your contribution can be processed as a regular transaction, allowing you to receive an invoice for your generous support. This ensures transparency and enables you to claim the contribution as a legitimate expense, while still assisting me in attending WordCamp Europe. Your consideration and support are sincerely appreciated. Please reach out via contact form, I’ll follow up from there.
Together, we can celebrate the power of community and showcase the meaningful connections that emerge from supporting one another.
For transparency about the travel expense:
- Roundtrip Airfare Frankfurt/Germany – Torino/Italy = EUR 437.83 (Green Economy)
- Accommodation = EUR 495.77
- Parking at the airport = EUR 139.50
- Gas for trip to the airport by car = approx. EUR 44.00
- Getting around with disabilities in Torino via public transport and/or Taxi = approx EUR 120.00
To make a donation, please use the following form:
Thank you very much, dear donors!
Juan Hernando
Anonymous
Torsten Landsiedel
Wendie Huis in t Veld
James Hunt
Laura Adamonis
Add A Little Digital Services
Joe Dolson
Bernhard Kau
Anonymous
Michelle Frechette
Anonymous
Tom Willmot
Human Made Limited
Simplified Summary
The WordPress community is working to be more inclusive by helping speakers from diverse backgrounds attend events. But there's still a big problem: many active contributors, who are crucial to these events, struggle to afford to go. People like me, who put in a lot of time and effort to help with WordPress, often can't afford to attend important gatherings. Even though I'm invited to lead discussions, I can't go because of financial issues. It's time for companies in the WordPress community to step up and help contributors like me attend these events. It's not just about getting there; it's about recognizing the hard work of all contributors and making sure our community is diverse and welcoming. Your support, no matter how small, would mean a lot to me. It would help me attend WordCamp Europe and keep contributing to the WordPress community. If you want to help, you can donate using the form provided.
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