Proposal for Community Resource: Drupal MatchUp

Overview

This proposal outlines the creation of Drupal MatchUp, a volunteer-driven public resource aimed at facilitating connections between sponsors and contributors within the Drupal community. This resource will serve as a standardized hub where organizations and contributors can easily find each other for sponsored (paid) or volunteer opportunities. It will include a landing page, documentation guides, and possibly a video to guide both sponsors and contributors.

Objectives

• Develop Drupal MatchUp to streamline sponsor-contributor matching.
• Provide clear guidelines and processes for both parties.
• Encourage greater participation in DA-approved initiatives like Starshot.

Differentiation from the Innovation Hub

• Focused Scope: Unlike the Innovation Hub, which serves as a platform for various innovative projects, Drupal MatchUp specifically targets the matchmaking process between sponsors and contributors, providing tailored resources for that purpose.
• Dedicated Content: This resource will offer unique documentation, guides, and a user-friendly landing page that address the specific needs of sponsors and contributors, which may not be the central focus of the Innovation Hub.
• Targeted Audience Engagement: Drupal MatchUp will directly engage both potential sponsors and contributors in a way that the Innovation Hub does not specifically address, thereby creating a more streamlined experience for those seeking sponsorship opportunities.

User Journey Workflow

1. Awareness: Users learn about Drupal MatchUp through community announcements, social media, or Drupal events.
2. Exploration: Users visit the landing page to explore available opportunities, guidelines, and how the process works.
3. Engagement:
   • For Contributors: They access documentation detailing how to seek sponsorships, what information to provide, and tips for successful collaboration.
   • For Sponsors: They find resources on how to sponsor contributors, including benefits and best practices.
4. Connection: Users utilize a form or directory on the landing page to express interest in collaboration, indicating whether they are looking for sponsorship or offering sponsorship.
5. Matchmaking: Drupal MatchUp facilitates connections through an internal process, possibly including community feedback or recommendations.
6. Follow-Up: After a match is made, users receive further resources on best practices for collaboration and ongoing support.

Timeline and Milestones

Deliverables

1. Public Landing Page:
   A well-structured and intuitive webpage that acts as a hub for sponsors and contributors.
2. Documentation Guide:
   A comprehensive guide for navigating sponsorship and contribution opportunities.
3. Feedback Collection:
   Mechanisms in place to gather feedback and iterate on the resource post-launch.

Benefits, Drivers, and Risks

Benefits

• Enhanced Collaboration: By simplifying the sponsorship process, Drupal MatchUp fosters collaboration within the Drupal community.
• Increased Participation: Clear guidance encourages more contributors to seek sponsorships, leading to a more vibrant ecosystem.
• Standardization: A centralized resource creates a consistent approach for sponsors and contributors, improving the overall experience.

Drivers

• Community Engagement: Volunteers motivated by a desire to enhance community collaboration will drive this initiative.
• Growing Demand: As the Drupal ecosystem evolves, the need for clear sponsorship pathways becomes increasingly important.
• Support from DA: Endorsement and support from the Drupal Association will enhance credibility and drive usage.

Risks

• Resource Allocation: Volunteer-driven projects may face challenges in consistently meeting timelines and deliverables due to varying levels of engagement.
• Sustainability: Ensuring the ongoing maintenance and updates of Drupal MatchUp may be challenging without a dedicated team or funding.
• User Adoption: There is a risk that the intended audience may not fully utilize the resource unless adequately promoted and integrated into existing community practices.

Recommendations to Solve or Limit Risks

1. Establish Clear Roles: Define volunteer roles and responsibilities early in the project to ensure accountability and clarity, which can help maintain momentum.
2. Ongoing Communication: Implement regular check-ins and updates among volunteers to keep everyone informed, engaged, and motivated throughout the project lifecycle.
3. Incorporate Feedback Loops: Develop a mechanism for ongoing feedback from users post-launch to identify areas for improvement, which can help increase user adoption and satisfaction.
4. Create a Maintenance Plan: Outline a plan for regular updates and maintenance of Drupal MatchUp, possibly by forming a dedicated volunteer committee to oversee its ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
5. Promotional Strategy: Develop a clear marketing and outreach strategy to ensure awareness and engagement among the target audience, including leveraging existing Drupal events and community channels.

Conclusion

This proposal presents a strategic initiative to create Drupal MatchUp, a public resource that effectively matches sponsors with contributors in the Drupal community. By focusing on this targeted area, we can enhance collaboration, encourage participation, and provide clear guidance for all involved parties. Your feedback is welcome to further refine this proposal!