So, You Pledged to Contribute to WordPress: What Next?

As of 2023, WordPress is the most popular content management system in the world that also powers a global economy estimated to be worth billions of dollars. However, no corporation owns WordPress – it is open source and maintained by a global community, and it needs steady contributions to grow and thrive. Many WordPress companies support the project through the Five for the Future program by sponsoring up to 5% of their employees’ time to contribute to the software. Pledging contributions to WordPress will not only ensure the project’s long-term sustainability but will also offer tangible benefits and growth opportunities for individuals and companies.

This session will be in a panel discussion format that will bring together four seasoned WordPress contributors to share about their contribution journeys. We will discuss Five for the Future and explore various available growth opportunities as part of the program. The discussion will also explore how companies can set up their own internal contribution teams and how they can contribute efficiently and grow alongside the project. Together, we will explore how individual contributors of all experience levels can start their contribution journey through WordPress and use it to build a successful career. The discussion will delve deep into contributor sponsorship opportunities as well.