Here at WebDevStudios (WDS), we have always been huge proponents of open-source software. Since 2014, we have proudly participated in Five for the Future (#5ftf), an initiative designed to encourage WordPress consultancies and agencies to dedicate 5% of company time back to the WordPress community. In 2016, we contributed 1,500 hours to WordPress and #5ftf. Last year, that number was over 1,300 hours logged. We’ve gone through various strategies for making this happen, including breaking into teams and targeting specific days per team for #5ftf. Beginning February 23, 2018, our entire company will dedicate one eight-hour workday to #5ftf per month.
Our contributions will be company-wide and not just for our developers only. So, even our project managers, sales, and marketing teams will join in the effort. We believe that this plan will bring us closer as a team and strengthen our bond—something that can often prove challenging in a remote work environment. We also know WordPress is the top website platform on the internet because of the countless number of contributors that have helped build and grow the project from the start. For each of us, our #5ftf is a personal experience. In fact, our Senior Backend Developer, Justin, recently wrote about what Five for the Future means to him
Giving back to the WordPress community brings us joy and fuels our passion. It’s something we want to share with you. On the 23rd, look for the hashtag #5ftf on Twitter. Our team members will announce what projects they’re working on that day. We want to keep ourselves accountable for our commitments and the conversation active. So if you’re participating in #5ftf, too, tell us what you’re working on. Got questions about our #5ftf projects? Ask. Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow us on Twitter at @webdevstudios and follow the hashtag and together we can work to make WordPress magical.