What makes the Umbraco MVPs so special?
Though it's inspired by Microsoft’s "Most Valuable Professional" program, Umbraco MVP stands for "Most Valuable People" as we see as big value in amateurs as in professionals.
In fact, several Umbraco MVPs started as amateurs only to find that Umbraco is now the cornerstone of their professional career.
Here's how it works...
When nomination time comes around (a few months before Codegarden), an application form goes out for community members to nominate others - or themselves - to the MVP title.
The selection of New and Renewed MVPs is based on the activity of the applicant/nominee during the 12 months leading up to Codegarden. This translates into being friendly in the forum, making incredible and highly useful packages, submitting pull-requests, starting a new initiative that helps the existing community members as well as newcomers, and whatever this wonderful bunch of people gets up to.
The selection process favours quality over quantity, and the Umbraco contribution code of conduct and values are at the centre of this process.
Why put in so much effort to become an MVP?
MVPs represent the best of the community which is one of the main building blocks in what makes the foundation of the Umbraco project. The MVP award is a testament to the efforts and dedication of the main community contributors who embody the values of Umbraco and love sharing knowledge and giving back. The award is a big H5YR that shows our appreciation and which gives the MVPs the opportunity to share their badges with the world.
Becoming MVP for the very first time gets you:
- Free access to Codegarden the same year you are awarded the MVP status. We do our best to make that specific Codegarden memorable for you as a new MVP. We announce you to the world on stage during the keynote and we capture the moment in a group picture.
- You will not leave empty-handed. A beautiful statuette is given during the announcement.
- Shiny nice badges are also added to all the MVP's profiles on Our.
- We also share a digital badge the MVPs can use in their email signatures or websites.
- Access to HQ working facilities - Umbraco HQ can open its doors for the MVPs to use its facilities to work and connect with the teams.
- Support of advocacy initiatives - Aid for payment of travel expenses to do a talk or workshop covering Umbraco at a conference or meetup. The approval of the expenses depends on the topic covered, location and size of the event, as well as the budget allocated by Umbraco HQ.
- And last but not least, a free cloud project for all MVPs for personal or community-related projects.
More details about these can be found in the MVP Agreement.
The Lifetime MVP
The Lifetime Umbraco MVP title was awarded twice. An honorary title which was given as a recognition of the continuous outstanding contributions to the Umbraco community. Due to the nature of the award, this is exceptional.
Renewing your MVP status
The MVP award is valid for only one year, but we want to recognise those who continue to be active and contribute to Umbraco and the friendly community.
Therefore, community members can nominate current MVPs for the renewal of their title, or for current MVPs to apply for a renewal (which we highly encourage).
Just like with new MVPs, MVP renewal is based on the activity of the applicant/nominee during the 12 months leading up to Codegarden with the same selection criteria. However, we do appreciate that life can throw some curve balls your way, as such, MVPs looking to renew who have had extended leave from community activities due to maternity and paternity leave or serious and/or prolonged illness, will still be eligible to take part in the renewal process.
Benefits of the renewed MVP status
We do it slightly different from the new MVP, but the love and recognition are still there:
- Although renewed MVPs don’t get to step on stage during the opening keynote, we still shout out about them in the MVP blog post.
- The MVP badges on Our are updated to show the number of times they were awarded the MVP status.
- We also share a digital badge the MVPs can use in their email signatures or websites.
- Access to HQ working facilities - Umbraco HQ can open its doors for the MVPs to use its facilities to work and connect with the teams.
- Support of advocacy initiatives - Aid for payment of travel expenses to do a talk or workshop covering Umbraco at a conference or meetup. The approval of the expenses depends on the topic covered, location, and size of the event, as well as the budget allocated by Umbraco HQ.
- And last but not least, a free cloud project for all MVPs for personal or community-related projects.