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💡 General

Q: What is the Distinguished Contributor Program?
A: It’s a community-driven initiative to recognize people whose contributions make a real difference in the Open edX ecosystem — not just through what they do, but through how they show up and support others.

Q: Is the Distinguished Contributor Program the same as the Core Contributor (CC) program?

A: No. The DCP and CC programs have different goals. The CC program is an engagement mechanism with specific permissions and responsibilities. CC are individual contributors, chosen to collaboratively participate in the development of the Open edX project in a wide variety of capacities.

The DCP is a recognition initiative that honors contributors for their sustained and meaningful impact.

Q: Why are we doing this?
A: Because recognition matters. When people feel seen and valued, it builds a stronger, more connected community. This program celebrates those who go above and beyond.

Q: Is this a one-time thing?
A: No — this is an annual program. We’ll run a new nomination round every year and continue to celebrate contributors in various ways.

Q: Is there any obligation or ongoing requirement if I’m recognized as a Distinguished Contributor (DC)?

A: No. The Distinguished Contributor recognition is based on past excellence, not a commitment to future tasks. There are no contracts, no permissions, and no assigned work. However, we hope DCs continue to inspire and uplift others, mentor upcoming contributors, and stay engaged with the community in a spirit of open collaboration.

Q: Why are OKRs listed if there are no obligations?

A: The OKRs are guiding principles, not deliverables. They serve to illustrate what excellence might look like in the Open edX ecosystem and help nominations and selection stay consistent and credible. They are not goals for you to meet but a way for the community to identify and celebrate meaningful impact.

Q: How do I get in touch with the DCP team if I have questions?

A: Please post your question in the #community Slack channel or reach out directly to the program coordinators listed on the Proposal: Open edX "Distinguished Contributor Program"Preview .

📝 Nominations

Q: Who can nominate someone?
A: Anyone in the Open edX community! You can nominate yourself, or if you’ve seen someone doing great work, speak up. Your perspective matters.

Q: Who can be nominated?
A: Anyone who contributes to the community, including code, content, teaching, event organization, translation, mentoring, supporting others, etc.

Q: Can I nominate more than one person?
A: Yes! You can nominate as many people as you want. The more, the better.

Q: Can I nominate myself?
A: Yes! You can nominate yourself and tell others the impact you are making for the community.

Q: What if I don’t want to be considered?

A: You can decline your nomination at any time. We only proceed with evaluation after receiving your explicit consent. Simply reply to the outreach email and let us know.

Q: What if I’m not sure which category someone fits into?
A: That’s okay — just tell us what they’ve done and why it matters. We’ll figure out the details later.

Q: Do I have to answer every question in the nomination form?
A: No. Just focus on what matters most to you. A thoughtful paragraph is more than enough.

📅 Timeline

Q: What’s the deadline for nominations?
A: The current deadline is July 31, 2025.

Q: When will the selected contributors be announced?
A: We have already started to receive nominations and are reviewing them. The goal is to have the nomination for the 2025-26 final, so we are trying to wrap it up next month and announce the awardees.

Q: I was nominated—what happens next?

A: Your nomination will be reviewed for eligibility and alignment with the program’s spirit of excellence, impact, and sustained contribution. A selection committee will conduct an initial screening, validate the contribution, and present top nominees to the Final Panel. If selected, you will be contacted for consent and celebration.