Community Support Committee¤
Mission¤
The Community Support Committee ensures that every participant feels welcomed, supported, and included throughout the conference
experience.
Its mission is to foster a positive, respectful, and enjoyable environment for attendees, speakers, and volunteers — from first contact to
follow-up after the event.
This committee serves as the friendly and reliable point of contact for the community, helping to address concerns, guide attendees, and
ensure that everyone can fully participate.
Committee Structure¤
Chair¤
The Chair(s) of the Community Support Committee lead and coordinate the team’s efforts to ensure smooth and empathetic attendee
interaction.
They organize the volunteer shifts, maintain clear communication with other committees, and oversee community well-being before, during, and
after the event.
The Chair(s) will attend virtual planning meetings and be on-site at the conference to manage support operations.
Members¤
A team of committee members who serve as the community’s go-to support network.
They help answer questions, provide guidance, ensure inclusivity, and assist in handling any interpersonal or practical issues that arise
during the conference.
Requirements¤
- Empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to stay calm and solution-oriented in stressful situations
- Experience in community moderation or event support (preferred but not required)
- Familiarity with the conference’s Code of Conduct and diversity goals
- Willingness to collaborate closely with the Diversity, Communication, and Volunteer Committees
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and discretion when needed
Responsibilities¤
-
Provide Attendee Support:
Act as the first point of contact for attendees with questions or concerns before and during the conference, ensuring everyone feels heard and supported. -
Coordinate On-Site Helpdesk and Information Points:
Manage or staff information desks and digital support channels (e.g., Discord, email) to offer guidance and updates. -
Support Code of Conduct Enforcement:
Collaborate with the Code of Conduct team to ensure that all participants experience a safe and welcoming environment. -
Assist with Accessibility and Inclusion:
Work with the Diversity Committee to respond to accessibility requests and ensure that all attendees can participate comfortably. -
Volunteer Support:
Help coordinate volunteers, making sure they have clear instructions, know their responsibilities, and feel part of the team. -
Community Well-Being:
Foster a friendly atmosphere, mediate small issues if they arise, and make sure attendees know where to turn for help.
Responsibilities for Chair(s)¤
- Chair virtual meetings with the community support committee members
- Coordinate volunteer and attendee support logistics
- Be in attendance on-site at PyCon DE & PyData 2026 to oversee community well-being
Workload¤
The workload for the Community Support Committee varies throughout the year, with most activity happening closer to and during the
conference.
In early stages, the committee focuses on preparation and coordination with other teams. As the conference approaches, the workload
intensifies due to volunteer organization, attendee communication, and live support.
- Preparations: A few hours per week setting up support channels and guidelines.
- Before Conference: Up to 4–6 hours per week organizing volunteers and ensuring information flow between committees.
- During Conference: Full on-site presence or active remote shifts, providing real-time support to attendees and volunteers.
- After Conference: Gathering feedback and documenting improvements for next year.
Timeline¤
average: 1-2 hours per week
start: 15.11.2024
peak 4 weeks before the conference, during the conference
finish 2 weeks afters the conference