The Mozilla GLOBAL SPRINT is just over three weeks away – Thursday and Friday, June 1-2, 2017.
This is our fourth global sprint but the first one being hosted by programs across Mozilla and not just the Science Lab.
Since we have so many new folks participating, we wanted to share some answers to frequently asked questions to help you get started.
When is the sprint taking place?
- June 1-2, 2017
- Sites around the world will be open for participants to come by and work on open science projects.
- Each site will be open during some portion of normal business hours (usually around 9:00 am to 5:00 pm local time).
- Sites will keep posted hours — no all-nighters, please — and each site will wrap up by the end of regular business hours on Friday, June 2.
- Brisbane & Melbourne, Australia will be the first 2 sites live (UTC + 10), with additional sites coming online at the start of their Thursday.
What projects are currently included in the sprint?
- A list of featured projects can be found here under “Projects”
- This year we’re hosting demo calls ahead of time so you can learn about the projects that will be available for collaboration during the sprint. You can read about upcoming calls and hear past recordings.
- We have five tracks this year on issues related to Internet health:
- Head here for a full list of projects promoting internet health that will be a part of this #mozsprint.
Do I need to be a programmer?
No – the sprint is designed for all kinds of participants, including researchers, developers, educators and open web enthusiasts. There are a host of projects with something for everyone to help with, from reviewing code or lesson/documentation content, to helping create curriculum, design graphics and even hack on tools. Take a look at the projects linked above to find out the many ways that you can contribute.
Do I need to register somewhere?
Yes, please! Check out our Site Map – to find a site closest to you and click on the site location link below the map to register for a free “ticket” for that location.
Can’t find a site that’s close? Register as a “Virtual Participant”.
What sites are currently included?
There are sites all around the world. An up-to-date list of active sites is posted here.
Do I have to be at one of the listed sites?
Not at all — many people will be available to help out and answer questions online via web conferencing, IRC, Gitter chat room and Twitter. Read the documentation for each project for preferred communication methods. But if you can get to one of the listed sites, it would be a chance to make some new friends.
Where are those sites, exactly?
Addresses and maps along with site-specific information can be found on each of the sites listed on our Site map.
How will sites be connected?
- We will set up a single Vidyo web conference room to connect all of the active sites and participants, primarily to give people a sense of who’s awake where.
- To join the conference follow the installation instructions here.
- We’ll be using a Gitter chat room to answer questions and for discussions across participants and of course Twitter.
If I can’t make it to a site how can I participate remotely?
Join the Vidyo conference room any time during the two-day sprint to connect with project leads, sprint participants and site hosts. To join the conference follow the installation instructions here and join us during your regular working hours. To stay up-to-date on notifications about the sprint Register here as a Virtual Participant.
Where will work take place online?
Each project will use the version control (Github) repository, issues lists, and so on that it usually uses to manage participant contributions. Some may be a little different – just ask the project lead how they’d like you to participate. Details on how to participate in a specific project are provided in their Github repository – all projects are listed here.
How can I make contact with a project I’m interested in?
The names of the project leads are listed in each of the project issues – add a comment to the project issue at the bottom indicating that you are interested and the project lead will get in touch to discuss how you can contribute to their project.
If you still need more information … head to the GitHub repository for the project, the link will be inside each issue and take a look at the README.md and/or CONTRIBUTE.md for guidelines on how to contribute ELSE follow any additional links posted by the project lead.
What should I do to prepare?
- Register either at a specific site or as a virtual participant here.
- Decide which project you’d like to work on. (We recommend that people focus on just one—two days goes by very quickly.) – all projects are listed here.
- Head over to the project Github repository.
- Have a look at the project’s open issues to find something to start working on.
Have a question? Post it on the Global Sprint Gitter Chat. We’re happy to help.
What should I do on the day?
- Show up during open times for your site (usually around 9:00 am local time).
- Introduce yourself to the site host and/or the person coordinating the project you’re working on if they are at that site.
- Check your chosen project’s issue list and/or chat with the coordinator to see what needs to be reviewed. (Reviewing is often a gentler way to ease into work than writing or coding.)
- Once you’ve done a review or two, pick some writing, drawing, or coding that needs to be done, check to make sure no-one else is already doing it, and dive in.
- Repeat until it’s time to wrap up for the day, then get a good night’s sleep and come back in the next day to do it again.
Do I need to bring my own computer?
Yes, please. Machines will not be provided.
Do I have to be there on both days?
No, feel free to participate as long as you can. It is helpful for people to commit to at least one full day (or two half-days) so that projects don’t spend all of their time getting newcomers on board.
What about coffee, lunch, and dinner?
We suggest that the sites provide coffee (and snacks if they can), but do not need to provide meals. That said, we strongly encourage the people working at each site to get lunch together, and to go out together at the end of the first day: this sprint is meant to help build community, and sharing a meal with someone is a great way to get to know them.
If you have any questions that aren’t covered above please chat with us in the 2017 Global Sprint Gitter Chat Room.
Looking forward to seeing you on June 1st & 2nd!