Support Inclusion in Tech (SiNC) is a fundraising initiative that aims to sponsor additional marginalized WordPress contributors. Spearheaded by Winstina Hughes, SiNC assists underrepresented individuals in the WordPress community by providing financial support for travel and accommodations. The initiative is now fundraising on the Open Collective (OC) Foundation’s platform.
SiNC was proposed by Winstina Hughes in 2022 as a way to alleviate the financial stress faced by underrepresented groups seeking to participate in WordPress events. The initiative was first tried out at WordCamp US 2022. Hughes envisions a “fifth freedom,” which is the freedom to experience a thriving community that is truly open to everyone through the sharing of information about The WordPress Open Source Project at community events.
Interested candidates seeking assistance with travel and accommodations can confidentially register on the SiNC website and enter an anonymous directory listing. SiNC then pairs them with sponsors who provide financial assistance by reimbursing necessary amounts. In addition to this, SiNC currently offers a Mentorship Program to all speaker applicants.
Last year, 60% of applicants received assistance from SiNC, and Sharon Norah, the co-lead for the WordPress Kampala community, became SiNC’s inaugural sponsored WordPress contributor.
February is Black History Month, and it presents the perfect opportunity to find long-term solutions to support marginalized individuals. Those interested in contributing can make one-time donations to sponsor a speaker’s travel and accommodations. Hughes has also been approached to explore expanding support to speakers participating in WordPress conferences beyond WordCamps.
SiNC’s fundraising effort deserves recognition, particularly in the current climate where companies face scrutiny for their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Many companies are reevaluating and rebranding their initiatives, and SiNC’s efforts align with these important values.
It is crucial that SiNC’s fundraising initiative succeeds, especially considering the discontinuation of another notable WordCamp assistance program, DonateWC, due to the lack of a volunteer team. Rob Howard’s suggestion of paying all WordCamp speakers has also yet to become a reality.
SiNC’s commitment to supporting marginalized contributors in the WordPress community is commendable. By providing financial assistance for travel and accommodations, SiNC is breaking down barriers and ensuring that underrepresented individuals have the opportunity to fully participate in community events. With the support of generous sponsors and donors, SiNC can continue to make a lasting impact and foster a more inclusive tech industry.
