Announcing Diversity Releases for 2025

Many of you will know that in early September we enjoyed a Community Teams visit alongside other team members from all over the world. This time around, we sat together and talked about how much had been achieved and what we could hope for in the future and we decided that it’s time to get you involved — to ask you to help shape our agenda. 

It's in that spirit that we are happy to announce the launch of our Diversity Releases — a new initiative aimed at amplifying diverse voices and perspectives within our community. Starting in January 2025, each quarter will feature a dedicated release that focuses on a specific topic related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal? To create a platform where individuals can share their stories, experiences, and ideas across a wide range of topics and formats.

Our first three diversity releases will spotlight the experiences of several groups in our community: the neurodiverse, folks from underrepresented genders, and people of color. The fourth release will be driven entirely by you, our community. We want to hear from you about what topics matter most, what conversations need to be had, and which stories are still waiting to be told.

Why Diversity Releases?

In the Umbraco community we have a commitment to understanding, celebrating, and supporting the many ways in which we are all unique. With the Diversity Releases, we aim to do just that by creating a space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Each release will feature a collection of content that digs deep into the quarterly theme, from blog posts and articles to podcasts, webinars, and even in-person or virtual events.

But this isn’t just about publishing content. It’s about community engagement. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and our goal is to empower as many voices as possible to step forward and share theirs. By participating in the Diversity Releases, you'll be helping to shape the narrative and contribute to a richer, more inclusive conversation.

What to Expect in 2025

Q1: Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity celebrates the different ways our brains work. From autism and ADHD to dyslexia and beyond, neurodiversity challenges the notion that there is a "right" way to think, learn, or communicate. Our first release will focus on elevating the voices of neurodiverse individuals, sharing their stories, and providing insights into how workplaces, events, and communities can be more inclusive. We'll be looking for stories that highlight personal experiences, best practices, and innovative ideas for supporting neurodiverse individuals.

Q2: Gender

Gender is a complex and evolving topic that encompasses everything from the traditional binaries of male and female to the diverse spectrum of gender identities and expressions. Our second release will explore what gender means today, how it influences our lives, and the barriers that still exist. We're inviting contributions that explore gender equity in the workplace, the impact of gender norms on personal and professional lives, and the ongoing fight for gender rights around the world. However you identify, your voice is essential to this conversation.

Q3: People of Color

The third release will focus on the stories and experiences of people of color. From celebrating cultural heritage to addressing systemic inequalities, this release will highlight the achievements, challenges, and resilience of POC in all areas of life. We want to hear about your journeys — whether it’s navigating professional spaces, dealing with microaggressions, or celebrating cultural milestones. This release will be an opportunity to bring to light the diverse experiences of people of color and to educate, inspire, and connect our community.

Q4: Community-Driven Topic

We want to hear from you about what the fourth diversity release should focus on. What's the topic that needs more attention? What conversation are we not having that we should be? This release will be entirely community-driven, with the topic decided based on your feedback and input. Whether it’s accessibility, mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, socioeconomic diversity, or something entirely different, your voice will help shape the direction of this final release.

How You Can Get Involved?

Each Diversity Release will be a collaborative effort, and we need your stories, insights, and ideas to make them successful. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Share Your Stories
  Have a personal experience or insight related to one of the topics? We want to hear it! We're looking for blog posts, articles, personal essays, videos, podcasts, and any other form of content that helps tell your story. Don't worry if you’re not a seasoned writer or content creator — our team will be here to support you with editing, guidance, and resources to help bring your ideas to life.

• Participate in Events
  Each release will include opportunities to participate in meetups, festivals, and other events. These will be great ways to engage with the topics, learn from others, and share your perspectives in a live setting. If you have an idea for an event or would like to be a speaker, please let us know!

• Collaborate with Others
  Diversity Releases are about building connections within our community. If you're interested in collaborating with others, whether it's co-writing an article, starting a podcast series, or hosting a discussion, we're here to help facilitate those connections.

• Vote for the Q4 Topic
  Your input is crucial in deciding the focus of the fourth release. We'll be collecting suggestions and votes across the first three quarters of 2025, so keep an eye out for opportunities to have your say. This is your chance to highlight an issue that you’re passionate about and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.

We Need Your Voice

The success of the Diversity Releases depends on you. By sharing your stories, engaging in conversations, and contributing your ideas, you'll be helping to create a more inclusive and understanding community. This initiative is not just about content; it's about connection, empathy, and change.

We can't wait to see what stories emerge from these releases and how they'll inspire, challenge, and educate us all. So, start thinking about your experiences, opinions, and the topics that matter most to you. Let's make 2025 a year of diverse voices and impactful storytelling.

Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get involved, and don't forget to let us know your ideas for the Q4 topic. Together, we can shape the conversation and drive meaningful change.

We so look forward to seeing your contributions!