Overview
The Fedora Project is built on the passion and dedication of its community members, from those who write test cases to those who coordinate events. But sometimes, the people who make it all happen don’t get the spotlight they deserve. The Fedora Mentor and Contributor Recognition 2026 program is designed to change that. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to nominate an outstanding mentor or contributor, ensuring their hard work is celebrated at the upcoming Flock to Fedora 2026 conference. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran, your nomination can make a real difference.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A valid email address to receive confirmation after nomination.
- Access to the official nomination form (Google Forms).
- Basic knowledge of the nominee’s contributions—like specific projects, mentoring moments, or community initiatives.
- A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge recommended).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Read the Nomination Guidelines
First, visit the Fedora Contributor Recognition 2026 wiki page. This page explains the criteria for eligibility, the selection process, and what the award entails. Pay close attention to the types of contributions that qualify, such as technical writing, event coordination, newcomer onboarding, or development of test cases.
2. Prepare Your Nomination Details
Think carefully about the person you want to nominate. Consider the following:
- Name and contact info of the nominee (if known).
- Specific contributions: e.g., “Ran the Fedora 38 release party,” “Mentored five new contributors,” “Improved the documentation for modular builds.”
- Impact on the community: How did their work help others or advance Fedora’s mission?
- Duration of involvement: Even a single standout effort counts, but long-term commitment is especially valued.
If you’re nominating a mentor, highlight how they guided newcomers, answered questions, or created resources that lowered barriers to entry.
3. Fill Out the Nomination Form
Click the nomination link: https://forms.gle/mBAVKw4qLu14R5YY7. The form will ask for:
- Your name and email (so we can follow up if needed).
- Nominee’s name (optional if you don’t know, but helpful).
- Nominee’s Fedora or IRC nickname (if applicable).
- Category: Mentor or Contributor (or both if they fit).
- Description of contributions (use the details you prepared).
- Why they deserve recognition—a short paragraph explaining the impact.
Be thorough but concise. Use specific examples. For instance, instead of “he helped a lot,” write “hosted weekly office hours for six months and onboarded 12 newcomers.”
4. Submit Before the Deadline
The deadline is 15th May 2026. Submissions after this date will not be considered. After you submit, you’ll receive a confirmation email. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder. Keep a copy of your nomination for your records.
5. Spread the Word
After you’ve nominated someone, encourage others to do the same. Share the wiki page on Fedora mailing lists, Telegram groups, or social media. The more nominations, the richer the recognition process.
6. Wait for the Announcement
Winners will be announced live at Flock to Fedora 2026. Keep an eye on the Fedora blog and the wiki for updates. If your nominee wins, the entire community celebrates together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: The 15th May 2026 is strict. Mark it on your calendar now.
- Vague descriptions: “They’re great” doesn’t help. Provide concrete examples that show measurable impact.
- Nominating yourself: This program is for community recognition, not self-promotion. Nominate others only.
- Ignoring category details: Mentors vs. Contributors differ. Make sure your nominee’s contributions fit the category you select.
- Using incorrect form: Only use the official Google Form from the wiki. Phishing links may circulate.
- Not checking the wiki guidelines: Some contributions may not be eligible (unlikely, but review to be safe).
Summary
Nominating a Fedora hero is simple: read the guidelines, prepare a detailed example of their work, fill out the form, and submit by May 15, 2026. Your nomination helps shine a light on the people who keep Fedora thriving. Don’t wait—recognize your community heroes today.