The Joy of Managing Communities: My Journey into Open Source and the GitHub DPG Program
I’ve always believed in the power of communities to connect, inspire, and create change. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved bringing people together, fostering meaningful conversations, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s through writing, organizing events, or managing newsletters, my passion has always been about building bridges and empowering others.
In 2024, this passion took me on an exciting new journey into open source and Digital Public Goods (DPGs). It was a year of learning, growth, and contributing to something bigger than myself. Today, I want to share my story, the lessons I’ve learned, and why I believe open source and DPGs are shaping the future of technology and community building.
What Is Open Source and Why Does It Matter?
Open source is more than just free software, it’s an idea rooted in freedom, transparency, and collaboration. The term became widely recognized in the late 1990s, but the concept started much earlier. In the 1980s, the Free Software Movement laid the groundwork for what we know today. The movement, championed by Richard Stallman and the Free Software Foundation, emphasized the importance of users having the freedom to study, share, and modify software.
The open-source model took off in the 1990s, with projects like Linux and Apache proving that collaborative development could rival proprietary systems. Over time, open source became a driving force behind innovation, powering everything from smartphones to the cloud.
But what truly makes open source powerful isn’t just the software, it’s the people behind it. Developers, writers, designers, and contributors working together across borders to build tools that benefit everyone. This is where my journey into Digital Public Goods (DPGs) began.
What Are Digital Public Goods (DPGs)?
DPGs take the principles of open source and apply them to solve global challenges. These are open-source solutions that adhere to the DPG Standard. This standard ensures they align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to address issues like poverty, education, healthcare, climate change, etc.
What makes DPGs unique is their focus on equity and accessibility. They reduce vendor lock-in (where users become overly dependent on one provider) and promote local innovation, allowing communities to adapt these solutions to their needs.
In short, DPGs are a way to ensure that technology serves everyone, not just a select few.
The GitHub DPG Open Source Community Manager Program
When I learned about GitHub’s DPG Open Source Community Manager Program, I knew I had to be a part of it. This initiative connects community managers with DPGs to help them grow, engage contributors, and create lasting change. Being accepted into the program was an incredible milestone.
The program brought together a diverse group of passionate people who shared a common goal: using open source to solve real-world problems. Through the workshops, collaboration, and the project I contributed to, I honed my skills in managing open-source projects and engaging global communities.
Working with VIVIBOOM
One of the most exciting parts of the program was contributing to VIVIBOOM, an open-source project that merges education, gamification, and collaboration. The platform empowers students by giving them opportunities to earn skill badges, showcase projects, and collaborate with peers.
My role? Working on their GitHub overview page, ensuring that it is welcoming and easy for contributors to get involved. You can check out the page here: VIVIBOOM GitHub Overview.
What VIVIBOOM is about
The key features
How it works
Why Open Source and DPGs Matter
This journey taught me that open source and DPGs are more than just tools, they’re pathways to empowerment. They give people the freedom to innovate, adapt, and collaborate. In communities where access to proprietary technology is limited, DPGs offer a lifeline for local solutions.
Working in this space reminded me why I love managing communities: it’s about creating opportunities, building trust, and amplifying the potential of every member.
Looking Forward
As I reflect on my time with the GitHub DPG program and VIVIBOOM, I’m filled with gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped my journey. Open source and DPGs have shown me what’s possible when communities work together with a shared purpose.
If you’re curious about open source or want to contribute to a DPG, my advice is simple: start small, stay curious, and reach out to others. Join communities like Chaoss project, Open source Community Africa, and other affiliates of Open Source Initiative.
Know that, you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. Every contribution matters. Together, we can build a world where technology is open, inclusive, and designed for the greater good.