mkdocs-material/docs/insiders/community-experts-program/index.md

# Calling for Community Experts

Interested in joining the Material for MkDocs team as a Community Expert?
We're on the lookout for individuals who are passionate about supporting our
awesome community. In return for your valuable contributions, time, and
insights, you'll gain free access to the Insiders edition.

## Why we need you

As our project and community continue to grow, so do the questions and needs of
our users on our discussion board. Our discussion board is a vital part of our
project, serving as a hub for our community to connect and a valuable knowledge
base to complement our documentation. We're eager to keeping it well-maintained,
organized, easy to search and address all queries which is why we need extra
hands to keep up with the demand. That's where our team of three
(_limited seats_) Community Experts comes in.

## Your role

As a Community Expert, your role primarily involves active participation on
the [discussion board], where you will be:

- Answering discussions to help users with their questions
- Providing guidance regarding implementations
- Sharing insights into customizations and workarounds
- Optimizing searchability by adjusting discussion titles with relevant keywords

## Your benefits

Here is a list of the benefits we offer to our Community Experts:

- __Free access to Material for MkDocs Insiders:__ Exclusive Access to all of
our Material for MkDocs Insiders features for non-commercial use[^1]
- __Close communication with the team:__ Stay connected with us through various
channels, including calls and internal project management tools
- __GitHub profile boost:__ Enhance your GitHub profile's visibility and
credibility as your activity increases, earning you valuable badges that can
enhance your CV

  [^1]:
  We can only grant access to individuals who are using Material for MkDocs for
  non-commercial purposes. This means they are using it for their private or
  open-source projects. Please note that the role of a Community Expert
  cannot be fulfilled by an organization member seeking access for the entire
  organization's benefit.

## Your knowledge & skills

To be a successful Community Expert, your skills should include the
following:

- __Material and MkDocs allrounder:__ You have an understanding of Material for
MkDocs and the MkDocs ecosystem
- __Great communicator:__ You enjoy helping others in a productive and friendly
manner and use a inclusive and welcoming language
- __Independent worker:__ You are self-motivated, stay up-to-date with project
developments, regularly check the discussion board, and respond to notifications
in a reasonable time

  [discussion board]: https://github.com/squidfunk/mkdocs-material/discussions
  [documentation]: https://squidfunk.github.io/mkdocs-material/
  [contribution guides]: ../contributing/index.md

## Your time commitment

We don't require a fixed number of hours each week; instead, we ask for a
minimum of __five answered discussions per month[^1]__, which amounts to
slightly more than one per week. Your active interaction within the community is
highly valued. To do this effectively, it's best to regularly check the
discussion board to see where you can offer help. The time you invest may vary
depending on the complexity of the topics and questions.

Upon joining, you'll receive access to the Insiders' edition for as long as you
continue to assist us. Access will be renewed every three months, allowing you
the flexibility to continue your contributions or take a break as needed.

  [^2]:
  An answered discussion is a collaborative interaction where knowledge and
  expertise are shared, resulting in resolutions or clarifications that benefit
  the user and our entire community. In essence, it embodies the spirit of
  cooperation and support within our community, highlighting the power of
  collective wisdom and the willingness to assist and uplift one another.

## Ready to get started?

Since we have a limited number of seats for these roles (maximum of three), we
would like to get to know you before you become one of our Community
Experts. Here's how to get started:

### Step 1: Get in touch

Send us an email introducing yourself, sharing a bit about your background, and
include a link to your GitHub profile. Additionally, provide links to three
previous discussions you've answered on the discussion board, where you've
assisted another community member. Please use the following email template to
reach out to us at contact@squidfunk.com:

```
Subject: Community Expert

Intro
  Make a small intro, telling us a bit about yourself.
    - Name:
    - Background:
    - Job:
    - GitHub profile:

Answered discussions
    - Link 1:
    - Link 2:
    - Link 3:
```

### Step 2: Evaluation

After receiving and reviewing your email, we will get in touch with you to
discuss everything you need to know to get started. We will set you up as a
collaborator and provide you immediate access to the Insiders edition for three
months.

### Step 3: Dive in

Let's get started! You can actively begin participating in five discussions per
month. We trust you to take the lead, and there's no need for strict monitoring.
Simply ensure that you are consistently listed on the "Most Helpful" list,
located on the discussion board's left side, under the categories.
---

__Ready to join us?__

Sounds good? Let's give it a try!