Proposal: Open edX "Distinguished Contributor Program"

The Core Idea: This program is about celebrating the game-changers—those who push Open edX forward, whether through engineering excellence, advocacy, innovation, or partnerships.

Why do we need this?

• Sustaining Long-Term Engagement through Motivation and Recognition: Many contributors dedicate significant time and expertise to Open edX, but after a while, they may disengage or shift focus. A formal acknowledgment of extraordinary contributions with a prestigious status serves as a powerful motivator for ongoing engagement and excellence.

• Encouraging High-Impact Contributions: The program sets a gold standard for contributions, inspiring others to strive for meaningful and long-term involvement. Defining clear criteria encourages sustained innovation, advocacy, and technical excellence.

• Incentivizing Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A major challenge in open-source projects is knowledge transfer. Distinguished Contributors can mentor newer members, drive community growth, and help onboard new talent, ensuring that expertise is passed on effectively.

• Community Role Models: Highlighting exemplary contributors sets a benchmark and inspires others to step up, fostering a culture of active participation and high-quality contributions.

• Attracting & Retaining Strategic Partners: For organizations, contributing to Open edX must be seen as a valuable investment. Recognizing Distinguished Partners reinforces Open edX as an ecosystem worth engaging with, leading to deeper institutional involvement.

• Strengthening the Open edX Brand & Ecosystem: Elevating key contributors helps Open edX remain competitive in the global edTech space. By showcasing top contributors as thought leaders and experts, we strengthen Open edX’s credibility and influence in the market.

Program Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

Ensure that Open edX continues to be a community-driven platform where top contributors and partners feel valued, empowered, and engaged in its long-term success.

1. Recognize individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions.

   • KR 1.1: Identify and award at least 10 Distinguished Contributors (across different tracks) in the first year. (Tracks → Technical, Advocacy, Innovation, Partner)

   • KR 1.2: Establish a nomination & review process to evaluate applications based on predefined criteria.

   • KR 1.3: Track contribution and retention rate of recognized contributors (e.g., ensuring 70% remain engaged at the expected level in the Open edX community after 12 months).

2. Foster Leadership & Mentorship by supporting the next generation of community members.

   • KR 2.1: Create a mentorship framework where at least 50% of Distinguished Contributors actively mentor new community members.

   • KR 2.2: Facilitate monthly/ quarterly knowledge-sharing sessions led by Distinguished Contributors (e.g., webinars, panel discussions).
     KR 2.3: Ensure at least 5 Distinguished Contributors actively participate in Open edX Working Groups and strategic initiatives.

3. Provide incentives to drive deeper engagement with Open edX’s priorities.

   • KR 3.1: Define and launch recognition & incentive mechanisms (e.g., badges, visibility, priority access, complimentary access and speaking opportunity at conferences).

   • KR 3.2: Ensure Distinguished Contributors are included in strategic roadmap discussions, ensuring their voices shape Open edX’s future.

   • KR 3.3: Implement a structured feedback loop where Distinguished Contributors provide direct insights on community pain points and needs.

4. Encourage Collaboration Among Partners & Community Members

   • KR 4.1: Drive participation and collaboration in the existing collaboration tools (Slack, discussion board, or Confluence), to increase member engagement by at least 20% year over year.

   • KR 4.2: Host bi-annual roundtables where Distinguished Contributors share insights on Open edX’s market positioning and product roadmap alignment.

   • KR 4.3: Drive at least 3 key community-driven initiatives or proposals per year.

5. Strengthen Open edX’s Market Position with a strong base of experts, developers, and advocates.

   • KR 5.1: Leverage Distinguished Contributors to increase Open edX community engagement by 20% through blog posts, case studies, and social media outreach.

   • KR 5.2: Feature Distinguished Contributors in at least 3 high-profile events (e.g., Open edX Conference, global edTech summits).

   • KR 5.3: Publish Distinguished Contributor Spotlights (minimum 1 per quarter) to highlight their contributions and impact.

Who Can Participate?

This program does not replace the Core Contributor or any existing recognition programs. It is open to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the Open edX ecosystem. Participation is intended for those who actively drive innovation, collaboration, and advocacy within the community. Eligible participants include:

1. Engineers & Developers – Individuals who contribute significantly to Open edX’s codebase, infrastructure, or architectural evolution.

2. Advocates & Evangelists – Community leaders, speakers, and educators who actively promote Open edX adoption through outreach, training, and advocacy efforts.

3. Innovators & Thought Leaders – Those who introduce groundbreaking ideas, develop new use cases, or enhance Open edX’s competitive positioning.

4. Strategic Partners – Organizations or individuals who build meaningful collaborations, form alliances, or create impactful integrations that strengthen the Open edX ecosystem.

Recognition Tracks

Tenure and Membership Renewal

Distinguished Contributors Program remains a prestigious, high-impact initiative, rewarding those who actively shape and strengthen Open edX.

Membership

Membership in the program is granted for two years and requires active participation to qualify for renewal.

Renewal Criteria

To maintain recognition beyond the initial two-year term, members must demonstrate continued contributions aligned with their respective tracks:

• Distinguished Engineers must maintain technical contributions, such as platform enhancements, architecture improvements, or mentorship of new contributors.

• Distinguished Advocates must continue promoting Open edX, through speaking engagements, publications, working groups, or measurable impact on platform adoption.

• Distinguished Innovators must remain actively engaged in product evolution, proposing or leading at least one major feature, integration, or innovation initiative per renewal cycle.

• Distinguished Partners must sustain their commitment to the Open edX ecosystem, either through technical, financial, or governance contributions. The level of contribution will be assessed proportionally based on the organization's size and capacity, ensuring fairness between larger and smaller partners.

Review Process & Reapplication

• All members undergo a review at the end of the two-year cycle, evaluated by a community-led committee based on documented contributions.

• If a member does not meet renewal criteria, they may reapply after demonstrating new contributions for at least one additional year.

• A grace period of six months is provided for members working toward renewal requirements.

Why Would Community Members Seek This Recognition?

This recognition is a career-defining opportunity for individuals and a game-changer for organizations—fostering influence, expanding reach, and cementing leadership in Open edX and the broader EdTech ecosystem.

1. Enhanced Reputation: Being recognized as a “Distinguished Contributor” elevates an individual’s or partner’s reputation within the Open edX community and the broader EdTech space.

2. Exclusive Opportunities: Access to strategy discussions, leadership roles, and early involvement in new initiatives.

3. Visibility: Recognition through official Open edX channels (blogs, newsletters, conferences) increases personal and organizational visibility.

4. Networking: The program fosters closer collaboration with core teams, community leaders, and decision-makers.

5. Career/Business Advancement: Partners and contributors can showcase this recognition as a mark of excellence, attracting new clients, employers, or collaborators.

6. Impact: Contributors see their efforts directly influence the platform’s growth, user adoption, and innovation.

Why Axim Should Support the Distinguished Contributors Program

• Strengthen Community Engagement – Encouraging long-term contributions from developers, educators, and partners ensures sustained platform growth.

• Increase Platform Adoption – Recognized contributors and advocates will actively promote Open edX, driving global awareness and institutional buy-in.

• Enhance Open edX’s Competitive Edge – Competitors and many loved companies have similar structured recognition programs -

  • Canvas Certified Educator – Instructor Advocate & Ambassador Program

  • Linux Foundation: Distinguished Engineers & Fellows

  • Apache Software Foundation: Committer & PMC Models

  • Sakai Fellows Program

  • Apereo Community Leadership Program

  • Google Developer Experts (GDE)

  • Microsoft MVP Program

• Foster Partner & Contributor Retention – Providing clear incentives for continued involvement reduces the risk of disengagement and shifts to other platforms.

• Align with Axim’s Leadership Role – Supporting this program cements Axim’s role in shaping Open edX’s future, ensuring a thriving, innovative ecosystem.

Support Needed from Axim

• Official Endorsement & Sponsorship – Axim’s recognition will give the program credibility, making it a prestigious and sought-after honor within the Open edX community.

• Program Administration Support – Assistance in setting up a structured nomination, evaluation, and recognition process, including maintaining records and reviewing contributions.

• Visibility & Promotion – Help in announcing, promoting, and celebrating honorees through Open edX’s official channels (Open edX conferences, website, newsletters, social media, and events).

• Exclusive Incentives & Benefits – Define meaningful benefits such as complimentary access for conferences, early access to roadmap discussions, speaking opportunities at Open edX events, or co-marketing efforts for recognized contributors and partners.

• Integration with Other Open edX Initiatives – Align the program with Core Contributor pathways, Open edX Partner benefits, and overall community engagement efforts.

Nomination & Eligibility Criteria

The Distinguished Contributors Program is designed to be a prestigious recognition, ensuring that only those who have demonstrated sustained impact, leadership, and deep commitment to the Open edX ecosystem are awarded.

Nomination Process

• Self-Nomination or Peer Nomination – Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by a peer within the Open edX community.

• Minimum Endorsements Required – Each nomination must include at least three (3) endorsements from recognized community members (Core Contributors, Open edX Partners, or Axim representatives), one of who must be Axim representative.

Submission – The nominee must submit:

• A detailed summary of their contributions aligned with the recognition track they are applying for.

• A statement of how their work has advanced the Open edX ecosystem (measured through impact, adoption, or community engagement).

• References from Open edX partners, clients, or community leaders validating their contributions.

• Pieces of evidence…?

Eligibility Requirements

• Sustained Engagement – Minimum of 2 years of active contributions to Open edX in one of the designated recognition tracks.

• Demonstrated Impact – Proven record of meaningful contributions with tangible results (e.g., code contributions, strategic initiatives, advocacy, or partnerships).

• Community Involvement – Active participation in working groups, discussions, mentorship, or platform enhancements that have benefited the broader community.

• Commitment to Open Source & Open edX Growth – Alignment with the core values and long-term vision of the platform.

Additional Considerations

• Distinguished Partner Track: For organizations, the number and scale of contributions, financial commitment, and percentage of engagement relative to company size will be considered.

• Distinguished Engineer & Innovator Tracks: Technical contributions will be assessed based on their depth, originality, and adoption within the ecosystem.

• Distinguished Advocate Track: Measured by market penetration efforts, partner enablement, and community-building initiatives.

Review Panel & Selection Process

Composition of the Review Panel

The selection committee will be a balanced representation of key Open edX stakeholders:

1. Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) Representative (1-2 members) – Providing technical and architectural oversight to ensure recognized contributions align with Open edX’s future direction.

2. Axim Representatives (2-3 members) – Ensuring alignment with Open edX’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

3. Core Contributors (2-3 members) – Representing active contributors and maintainers who understand the depth of technical and community contributions.

4. Open edX Partner Representatives (2-3 members) – Bringing insights from the service providers and partners who contribute to Open edX adoption and innovation.

5. Community Leaders & Distinguished Contributors (2-3 members) – Experienced members who have demonstrated long-term commitment to Open edX and can evaluate peer impact effectively.

6. Biz Dev Working Group Representatives (1-2 members) – Ensuring business development and ecosystem growth perspectives are considered in the selection process.

Selection Process

1. Initial Screening – The review panel will validate eligibility and endorsements to ensure only qualified nominees proceed.

2. Impact Evaluation – Each nomination will be reviewed against predefined OKRs and criteria for the respective track.

3. Deliberation & Final Decision – The panel will meet to discuss and finalize selections based on overall contributions, peer endorsements, and impact metrics.

4. Approval & Announcement – Axim will officially endorse the final list, and the first cohort will be recognized at the Open edX Conference in Paris (July 1, 2025).

Implementation Roadmap

Goal: Recognize the 1st Cohort at Open edX Conference, Paris (July 1, 2025)

• March - April 2025: Program Finalization & Buy-in

  • Finalize program structure, eligibility, and recognition tracks.

  • Secure Axim’s endorsement and set up the review committee.

  • Develop community engagement and marketing plan.

• April 15 - May 31, 2025: Launch & Nominations

  • Officially launch the program via Open edX channels.

  • Open nominations and drive community participation.

  • Host Q&A sessions to guide applicants and partners.

• June 1 - June 15, 2025: Review & Selection

  • Evaluate submissions and shortlist recipients.

  • Finalize recognition package and conference presentation.

• July 1, 2025: Announcement at Open edX Conference

  • Recognize the 1st Distinguished Contributors Cohort in Paris.

  • Showcase contributions and publish post-event highlights.