culture

How do I become a (good) web developer?

As a recent bootcamp graduate, I will discuss the multiple stigmas surrounding bootcamps (and their awkward socioeconomic role), their various implications, and finally my experience learning Drupal independently after completing my program. This analysis will support my ever evolving answer to the question, "What am I learning and why?"

“But I’m not privileged!” Why diversity and inclusion are everyone’s problem.

As Dries Buytaert discussed in the DrupalCon Seattle keynote, open source has a serious diversity problem - and that includes our own Drupal community. We are people who care about fairness for all, and yet inequality persists. What can we do?

Why fork Drupal? The philosophy behind Backdrop CMS

Backdrop CMS is the Drupal fork. It is a faster and less-complex version of Drupal 7 with more features you want, and fewer you don't. This session will highlight the Backdrop Mission, it's intended audience, and it's guiding principles. We'll explain the decision making process, introduce the Project Management Committee, and expand on how the project's direction is set by the needs of the whole community. We'll cover topics like how we handle Security and Stability, and talk about how we're trying to decrease the cost of long-term website ownership.

Dealing with Mental Illness: Or, How I Learned to Hate Myself Less

I’m JD and I have mental illness. I’m also not alone. Every year, roughly 20% of the US adult population deals with some form of mental illness, however that number is MUCH higher in the tech community.

How to Work Remotely and Foster a Happy, Balanced Life

Virtual. Remote. Distributed. Pick your label. This style of organization is becoming more popular and in-demand among many Drupal shops. While many folks have gone remote, some people find the experience quite isolating and disconnected. Does remote work make people happier? Does it make them more productive? The answer is not really. It is not the act of working from home that creates employee happiness; it is creating a culture that fosters remote practices to develop meaning, collaboration, and happiness.