YouTube has become an essential platform for sharing complex ideas with a diverse audience, and our WordPress YouTube channel is no exception. Since 2023, we’ve experienced a 6x increase in monthly views and engagement, driven by the growing availability of WordPress content. Since October 2022, when WPTV content began syncing automatically with YouTube, to the design iterations in 2023 and our participation in the Nonprofit YouTube Partner Program—removing ads from our videos—our channel has become a trusted source of information and inspiration.
In keeping with our commitment to meeting the needs of both current and future users, I’m excited to announce that Jamie Marsland will be taking on the management of the WordPress YouTube channel. Jamie’s extensive experience in the WordPress community and his passion for empowering creators through this medium makes him the ideal person to lead our efforts in expanding and enhancing our YouTube presence.
With over a decade of experience working with WordPress and training others, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role. He will oversee the creation of high-quality content, ensuring our channel remains a valuable resource and a source of inspiration for WordPress enthusiasts worldwide while inspiring and empowering other open sourceOpen SourceOpen Source denotes software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. Open Source **must be** delivered via a licensing model, see GPL. content creators to further the movement.
For those attending WordCamp US, say hello to Jamie in person! And for everyone else, please join me in welcoming him to this new role as we embark on an exciting new chapter for WordPress on YouTube.
Update: We have closed the call for mentors and mentees for the 2024 Q4 Mentorship Program cohort, as of August 26th, 23:59 Pacific Time. Thank you for the overwhelming response! The contributor working group will start evaluating applications from current and early applicants and will aim of finalize a group of mentors and mentees at the earliest. We hope to finalize our cohort by next week and plan to reach out to our selected mentors and mentees at the earliest by the week of September 16. Got questions? Drop a line to: wpcontributors@wordcamp.org or comment on this post with questions.
Following the success of our 2023 Q3 and 2024 Q1 cohorts, I’m thrilled to announce the official launch of the third WordPress Contributor Mentorship Program cohort, set for the final quarter of 2024. This program connects seasoned WordPress experts with newcomers, offering a fantastic opportunity for mentees to gain hands-on experience contributing to WordPress, while mentors share their expertise and improve their leadership skills.
Whether you are new to WordPress or looking to enhance your skills, this program offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced contributors. Receive personalized guidance, develop your skills, and network within the WordPress community.
New to WordPress? Participating in this program may get you up to full speed as a contributor in a very short time — You’re strongly encouraged to apply!
Criteria for Mentors
If you have experience in WordPress development, design, community engagement, or any other WordPress-related area and wish to guide new contributors, this is your chance to make a significant impact. Through mentoring, give back to the community, enhance your leadership skills, and connect with emerging contributors.
If you have a project in mind and want to guide 4-6 mentees, this program is ideal. Learn more about project-based mentorship.
The formal call for mentors and mentees for the WordPress Contributor Mentorship Program Q4 Cohort has closed as of August 26th, 23:59 PT. We will be reaching out to selected/paired mentors and mentees by the week of September 2 September 16.
Program Goals and Details
Our program connects seasoned WordPress experts with newcomers. Mentees will gain hands-on experience in contributing to WordPress and grow their network of contacts within the global WordPress community, while mentors share their expertise and develop their leadership skills. Over six weeks, mentors and mentees will collaborate, learn, and contribute within a diverse, global community of talented contributors. Mentees will also get opportunities to directly contribute to WordPress 6.7 (the next and latest WordPress release) and also gain an inside view of WordPress contributions.
We are offering early contribution opportunities for those interested and available to spend an extra month. These opportunities include dedicated training and may lead to leadership roles within the project. You can indicate your interest in the application form.
Selection Process
Mentors and mentees will be selected based on various criteria, including mentor availability, participant interest, individual profiles, and adherence to WordPress Community Guidelines. Our goal is to include as many mentees and mentors as possible in this cohort.
Timeline
Application Opens: Thursday, August 16, 2024
Application Deadline: Monday, August 26, 2024
Selected Mentors and Mentees Announced: By September 9, 2024
Program Duration: October 7 to November 15, 2024 (6 weeks)
Benefits
For Mentees: Receive personalized guidance, develop your skills, and expand your network within the WordPress community.
For Mentors: Give back to the community, enhance your leadership skills, and connect with emerging contributors.
Over 55 mentees have graduated, and 35 mentors have participated in this program thus far in two cohorts, with excellent results. Curious to learn more about the mentorship program and its impact? Check out the following blog posts:
