For many years, Linux Foundation research has pointed out that companies have a hard time finding enough skilled applicants for their Linux-related technical positions, especially in development. At The Linux Foundation, we have created a number of programs to address this: from Linux technical training to a free Linux MOOC to a training scholarship program to inclusivity programs at our LinuxCon and Cloud events. If there is a shortage of skilled applicants, we want to invite everyone to join the party.
Yet in the past few years, numerous studies have shown that the percentage of women open source coders is dismal. It’s dismal when you compare it to proprietary coders or computer science students or the population as a whole. No matter how you look at it, the number is shockingly low. Time and again, studies have shown that diversity increases innovation. If people have a different background than you, or live a different life than you, they solve problems in new ways that help projects grow. There is power and stability in diversity. At The Linux Foundation we are committed to encouraging all parties to get involved in the Linux ecosystem and community.
That’s why we started hosting the Women in Open Source networking luncheons at LinuxCon + CloudOpen North America and Europe and offering travel funds to women who wanted to attend but would otherwise not be able to contribute to these events. LinuxCon + CloudOpen allow people of all backgrounds and interests to come together and learn from the leading maintainers and developers in important open source projects that make up the foundation of enterprise, web and cloud infrastructure. The next Women in OSS luncheon will take place opening day of LinuxCon + CloudOpen in Chicago, Wednesday, August 20. You can find more details and register on our website.
We’re also introducing more opportunities for both men and women to increase the diversity of the community. I am thrilled at the line up of resources we have this year and encourage you all to take advantage of them.
* Women’s Resume Writing Workshop, Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Former Linux kernel engineer recruiter for Google, Leslie Hawthorn will lead this collaborative workshop with specific strategies and tips to help women present their skills and experience to potential employers. Bring your resume and work with other women to learn ways to showcase your contributions to the community and industry while hearing and sharing stories with others that can inspire. For more details and to register, please click here.
* Ally Skills Workshop, Thursday, August 21, 2014
The Ally Skills Workshop, hosted by the Ada Initiative, is an important resource that helps men understand simple, everyday ways to support women in their workplace and communities. In an industry where men make up the majority, this workshop can do a lot to bring men and women to together to accomplish so much more. For more details and to register, please click here.
We will also again host our First Time Attendee Reception to encourage people new to LinuxCon + CloudOpen to get to know others and start networking before opening day is even under way. It takes place Tuesday, August 19 at 5 p.m. at the Sheraton. You can register by clicking here.
I’d also like to encourage LinuxCon + CloudOpen attendees to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about community management directly from one of the industry’s leading experts on the topic, Jono Bacon. Jono, former Ubuntu Community Manager and author of “The Art of Community,” will host a workshop on Friday, August 22, where he will share how to build and grow a community, define governance structure, planning, marketing and more. For more information and to register please click here.
It is our goal to make LinuxCon and CloudOpen inclusive forums where anyone can learn, network and contribute. We hope these resources can make a difference in achieving that goal. We hope to see you in August.