Following from the previous post, we’ve had a range of people express their support for the program and quite a number already looking for the application form! So, some more details about the Ambassador Program…
Ambassadors will be recognised on the OpenStack website for their efforts, and provided with support from foundation staff to conduct their duties. They will also get access to a funding program – allowing them to request funds for activities of impact in their region. We’d also expect ambassadors to attend the summits, and the Foundation would likely assist if it wasn’t possible for them to be there using their own methods.
Should I Apply?
Great leaders know when to be modest, but if you feel like you’re already doing the kind of things listed in the previous post, we’d like to recognise your efforts – so do consider applying. Initially we’re being a little more cautious and smaller scale, iterating our way toward a larger more active program – but putting your application in at the beginning will ensure you’re considered later too in the event you’re not selected initially.
How can I Apply?
This is an exciting new program, and we want to get right from the outset.
To that end, we want to get some more feedback before starting it. So, to begin with, start thinking about whether you or someone you know is ambassador material – and then let us know whether you think there’s something that should be changed! So, please continue to discuss on the mailing list/comment section, or, if you would feel more comfortable raising your issues in private – email [email protected]
Following this period of consultation, we’ll open for selections, aiming to have the first OpenStack Ambassadors bestowed their title in September.
While the discussion continues, if you feel ready, you can put in an application at the form here.
Frequently asked questions
When is all this going to happen?
We hope to have our first tranche of ambassadors entitled by September, so we can get the program running before the summit. We want to get this done as soon as manageable, since we expect it to go a long way to solving some problems that exist right now.
How much do ambassadors get paid?
They are paid in love – this is a volunteer position.
How big will the regions be?
Initially: big. We’re starting with a small number of ambassadors so we can learn before scaling up. We also want to avoid situations where there are many ambassadors in one region – hence the selection criteria related to geography.
How does “Ambassador” relate to “User Group Leader”?
OpenStack Ambassador and OpenStack User Group leader are two distinct roles, which can of course be fulfilled by one person, but they have distinct responsibilities. The Ambassador may be involved in running their local meetup group, but they’ll be chatting to the User Group Leaders in their region about how to best help – not taking over!
What will the term length be for ambassadors?
It’s a ‘job for life’. We believe that the kinds of people who would be eligible to be ambassadors will know when to step down gracefully.
How will we manage misuse of the ambassador title?
This question comes up frequently, but we have faith in our community. We’ll be applying selection criteria to weed out any undesirables at the beginning, but then keeping in constant contact with the ambassadors to look for early signs things aren’t going the right way. Community members are also welcome to help us looking out for misuse of the title.
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