Merge pull request #6355 from katharinalisalin/docs/community-experts

Added documentation on community experts

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

@@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+# 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!

mkdocs.yml

@@ -257,5 +257,7 @@ nav:
     - Changelog:
       - insiders/changelog/index.md
       - How to upgrade: insiders/upgrade.md
+    - Community Experts Program:
+      - insiders/community-experts-program/index.md
   - Blog:
     - blog/index.md