In seven (7) points, i will tell you what experience contributing would give you before i go ahead to explain what it is and who can contribute.

1. You get contribution badges on Your WordPress.org Profile, i consider my .org profile as my resume when i want to refer to my contribution to an open source project. Not to mention the traffic it brings to my work and blog.
2. You get to network with others in your field of interest. Locally and internationally, your participation and collaboration goes beyond one day.
3. You get access to potential collaborators which cannot be underestimated.
4. Endless opportunities for learning while you work. This is accurate, the things i have learnt in my past three years of contributing has made my work process smoother and more productive.
5. You get to meet and be friends with the most amazing people. I have to say this, the WordPress community is the best place to meet awesome people who care about you, your mental state and what you do. The community is my Family.
6. You get to take part in collaborative working.
7. And last but not the least or the last, you get to improve team working skills. People Management is one of the top soft skills needed today. You get better everyday.

What is Contributing to WordPress and Who Can Contribute?

There are two aspects of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. The global open source project is WordPress.org, which everyone around the world can join in to help build, maintain and grow the platform and its digital opportunities.

Anyone who has knowledge about any aspect of WordPress can contribute! From full-stack developers to JavaScript users, from experienced web designers to beginner graphic designers, and from marketers to community activists. They all come together to be part of an international learning, sharing, and Open Source community.

Even if you are new to WordPress, you are welcome to join in. Students are also welcomed to contribute.Contributing to WordPress is an excellent opportunity to jumpstart or boost your career, you will learn, share and network with colleagues locally and internationally. And while you contribute, you can benefit and learn about new tech tools too! Together with others, you can make the product that you use better, and network with talented and inspiring people.

WordPress runs a third of all websites – and it’s growing fast. WordPress has evolved from its humble beginnings as a blogging platform to becoming the operating system of the Open Web. We believe that WordPress is more important than it’s ever been, says Bridget Willard.

Why is it called a Contributor Day?

Every year, in cities across the world, thousands of people gather for one- to three-day events dedicated to the WordPress global project. These events are known as WordCamps. They are organized by the local WordPress communities and often attended by an international audience. People come together to contribute, talk and share at these events, held throughout the year. WordCamps often include a Contributor session or a whole day dedicated to both the new or long-term contributor. See the different ways to contribute and different teams you can join.

You do not need to be a techie to contribute, you can start by translating WordPress into your own language, helping out with support tickets for those with customer service skills, you can join the documentation team (even if you don’t know how to use WordPress). Don’t forget, even experts started out as beginners so have a look at the different teams and go with the one you feel most comfortable with.

Attendance is free, but you need to have a valid WordCamp ticket to be able to enter. Sign up👇🏾👇🏾space is limited for the contributor day.

Still in doubt on whether you should sign up? Hear what others had to say at WordCamp Europe 2018 👇🏾

Gotten your WCLOS ticket?

Use the coupon code “upliftnaija” to get a 20% OFF valid only this APRIL.

Sign up for contributor day here 👇🏾👇🏾

Article culled from Mary’s experience as a community activist and other amazing individuals who have written about their experiences and the Make WordPress blog.