The Umbraco Community Teams have been going for a number of years now but what exactly are they and what do they get up to when they’re all together?
It was March 2020, we were at the start of a global pandemic and I saw an offer to join the Documentation Curators Community team (with a free gift of my favourite cheese) so my eyes and ears were pricked with intrigue. Having worked with Umbraco and hearing so much about the people and personalities inside I was keen to get involved, offer my help and be a part of this innovative and vibrant community.
Initially, I had reservations about my lack of coding skills and deep technical knowledge, I questioned how my background as a manual QA/tester could add value to a team of highly skilled individuals.
Initially, I had reservations about my lack of coding skills and deep technical knowledge, I questioned how my background as a manual QA/tester could add value to a team of highly skilled individuals.
Self doubt and paranoia aside, my application was in and low and behold I was accepted! I was welcomed into the Umbraco Community with open arms. I joined my team in tiny boxes on my computer screen, working through PR’s, arranging documents, cheat sheets etc, trying to create a platform that helped and supported anyone who worked with the software.
Of course the pandemic being the pandemic, we were in a global lockdown so after each meeting I would end the call, shut my computer and remain in my flat in Bristol, wondering if I’d done enough to help my team and what everyone was like in person. How tall were they? What is this community I’ve joined?
It wasn’t until September 2022 that I fully saw and felt what the community teams experience was.
Visiting Umbraco HQ for the first time, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. But I have to say that the moment I was inside I was met with huge warmth and openness. It's easy to see why these people continue to keep coming together.
It quickly became clear to me that everyone in this space has an ambition to make Umbraco a place which is constantly looking and moving forward. From cross team conversations, planning and problem solving. There is a real energy and excitement to make the most of everyone being in the same place at the same time. The longer I was there the more I could see that there was a wide variety of people who created this space so the fact that I couldn’t code was not something that held me back, in fact the more varied the skill the better. From project managers, to developers and testers with a range of experience everyone’s voice is different and listened to.
The passion of those inside the community result in some thought provoking conversations and ideas, and because all the teams are in the same place, those ideas can be shared and acted on. Not to say that remote or online working isn’t a good option but there’s something about working in the same room and having access to multiple people, disciplines, perspectives at one time which can and does propel new features or initiatives for Umbraco. This could be documentation, pull requests, code development, working on awareness or reach of their specific demographic such as sustainability or diversity. There’s no need to arrange a Zoom call or Teams meeting, you can go and be with/hijack/kidnap the person/people who can help you and things can move forward faster.
Each visit also includes a guest speaker who gives a talk at Umbraco HQ and for some teams even a field trip to educate and inspire. Most notably for me was Mette Balslev Lorenzen, who gave a fantastic talk on mental health, burnout, anxiety looking out for it in ourselves and each other. This thoughtful discussion demonstrated the community's commitment to prioritising mental well-being, offering reassurance to those who, like me, grapple with feelings of imposter syndrome and anxiety.
But it wasn’t all serious...
As well as being a passionate collection of people who are excellent at working to make Umbraco a better place, it is also a collection of people who are excellent at having a good time! From office olympics and lawn games to boat trips and pizza parties, the love and appreciation for each other is well and truly felt in the room. These are people who are clearly thankful that so many take the time and effort to travel to Odense to be together.
It is now 2024 and I am lucky enough to be able to say that I have been a member of the Documentation team, the Backoffice team and now I am working with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. To have the opportunity to work in such varied areas is true testament to what this community can offer and shows what they are passionate to evolve.
Which leads me neatly onto what the DEI are looking to achieve for the year ahead.
We are committed to supporting all members of the Umbraco community and we would like to show this by launching Diversity Releases. These will be a quarterly release with a specific theme that has a focus on a topic related to diversity, equity and inclusion. We want this to be a platform for awareness, sharing and knowledge by those with the best knowledge - you.
Hammerschlagen with the community teams!
What can you expect from a Diversity Release?
Each release will showcase a fun mix of content that really dives into our quarterly topic. You can look forward to blog posts, articles, podcasts, webinars, and even some in-person or virtual events. We want this to be a space that’s alive with.. well, you! Your stories, your feelings, your experiences with the quarterly topic at the centre. Together we can create not just content, but an environment for a deeper understanding of inclusivity.
The releases will have following focus:
- Quarter: 1 Neurodiversity
- Quarter: 2 Gender
- Quarter: 3 People of Colour
- Quarter 4: To be decided by you
As the goal is to create a space and voice for you we want you to be able to have a say. Based on your feedback we will listen and allow you to steer our focus.
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post where we will share more details and we look forward to hearing your thoughts!
In Conclusion
As you can see, life in the Community is both thought provoking and inspiring. It's a wonderful way to be with friendly, funny and caring people dedicated to making a difference.
If ever you get a chance to get involved, grab it. You won’t look back!