Following the incredible success of WordCamp Kolhapur 2025 (January 11–12), our passionate local WordPress community launched a dedicated nine‑event Online Contribution Series to help new and aspiring contributors explore different ways to contribute to the WordPress project.
As the Lead Organizer of WordCamp Kolhapur 2025, I felt inspired to conceptualize and lead this initiative, supported by my fellow community members. After several thoughtful discussions and planning sessions, the series was finalized and officially kicked off on March 14, 2025. The complete nine‑event series was organized through the WordCamp Kolhapur Meetup group, with Abhay Kulkarni organizing and volunteering for every meetup to ensure smooth coordination. I served as the speaker and mentor for each session, guiding both new and experienced contributors through various areas of the WordPress project.
Why We Started the Contribution Series
I was a mentee in the WordPress Contributor Mentorship: 2024 Q4 Cohort and successfully graduated from the program in November 2024. During this journey, I not only learned how to contribute effectively to WordPress Core, but I was also recognized as an All-Star Mentee and earned a place in the program’s Hall of Fame!
Additionally, I received a Diversity Scholarship to attend WordCamp Asia 2025. These scholarships are designed to support individuals who are passionate about contributing to the WordPress ecosystem but may face financial or logistical challenges.
Inspired by my cohort experience and the opportunities I received, I wanted to give back to the community. What better way than by becoming a mentor myself, guiding and inspiring others to start their own contribution journey?
And that’s the core reason we started the WordPress Contribution Series.
Event Recap
After the planning and preparation, here’s how the contribution series unfolded across different meetup topics:
Kickstart Your WordPress Contribution Journey
Date: March 15, 2025
This opening session focused on getting contributors started with the basics — setting up a WordPress.org profile, joining global Slack channels, and understanding the various Make WordPress teams. The session concluded with a photo contribution activity where participants submitted original images to the WordPress Photo Directory.
- Total Contributors: 9
- First-Time Contributors: 3
Core Contributions: Testing & Release Parties
Dates: March 25, April 1, 8, 14, and 15, 2025
These sessions were designed to help participants contribute to WordPress Core by testing the Release Candidate versions of WordPress 6.8. Rather than writing code, the focus was on functional testing, identifying bugs, and joining the community for release celebrations.
- Total Contributors: 28
- First-Time Contributors: 23
Pattern Contributions
Date: March 29, 2025
This meetup introduced contributors to the WordPress Pattern Directory. Attendees learned how to design block patterns, follow accessibility guidelines, and submit reusable layout designs to enrich the editor experience for users worldwide.
- Total Contributors: 12
- First-Time Contributors: 11
Polyglots / Translation Contributions
Date: April 5, 2025
This session focused on language accessibility. Contributors worked on translating WordPress core, plugins, and themes into regional languages. Guidance was provided on using translation tools and maintaining quality across localized strings.
- Total Contributors: 8
- First-Time Contributors: 7
WordPress TV: Talks, Videos & Guest Participation
Date: April 12, 2025
In this session, contributors explored how to contribute to WordPress TV through video uploads, captioning, and translating community talks. We also hosted guest speaker Prathamesh Palave, who shared insights on creating impactful presentation content.
- Total Attendees: 13
- Guest Speaker: Mr. Prathamesh Palave
Contributors from the Series
We’re proud to recognise all the individuals who actively participated in the series: Rajesh Rathod, Suraj Sutar, Prashant Patil, Shubham Patil, Pritam Sonone, Vaibhav Singh, Ketan Niruke, Digvijay Zite, Rajendra Ghorpade, Prathamesh Bhagat, Shreyas Desai, Sunita Khattar, Nilesh Shiragave, Amit Bhosale, V Gautam Navada, Snehal Kashid, Rupesh Patil, Akshay Dhere, Aditya Bansode, Suhas Sutar, Vaibhav Nawale, Dheeraj Bhosale, Rajendra Patil, Prathamesh Palave, Soham Joshi, Mrunal Kulkarni, Harshada Patil, Abhay Kulkarni & Makarand Mane
Additional Online Meetup: Contributing to the Test Team
Two months later, we hosted an online meetup dedicated to contributing to the WordPress Test Team.
- Date: June 15, 2025 (update if needed)
- Guest Speaker: Mrs. Krupa Nanda
Krupa explained how the Test Team helps ensure the quality of WordPress releases by performing functional and regression testing. She also guided attendees on:
- Reporting and triaging bugs
- Using testing tools effectively
- Participating in release testing initiatives on Make WordPress Test
The session provided a clear roadmap for contributors to get started with testing activities.
Recording: Watch Here
Closing Thoughts
The WordPress Kolhapur Contribution Series proved that WordPress thrives when we lift each other up. New contributors gained confidence, mentors found joy in guiding, and our community grew stronger and more inclusive.
The Kolhapur WordPress community continues to host regular contribution‑focused events and welcomes contributors from around the world to join us.
If you feel inspired to begin your own contributor journey—or to help others start theirs—connect with the Make WordPress Community Team.
Together, we can build a better WordPress for everyone.