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As the holiday season approaches, Pressable has taken a moment to express gratitude for the WordPress community and the positive impact it continues to have. This year, their appreciation was highlighted through a unique initiative at WordCamp US, where they chose to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
The return of WordCamp US in person after a hiatus due to COVID-19 was a significant moment for many in the WordPress community. It wasn’t just about the workshops and presentations; it was a chance to reconnect. Jessica Frick, Pressable’s Director of Operations, shared her excitement about the event surpassing expectations, highlighting the creative and caring nature of the community.
In a departure from the usual swag giveaways at conferences, Pressable introduced ‘Pressabills.’ These tokens, distributed at their booth, represented the funds typically allocated to promotional items. Attendees could choose which organizations would receive donations through these Pressabills, marking a shift from material giveaways to impactful contributions. In total, Pressable donated $2,000 to four commendable organizations.
WordCamp’s Impact: Big Orange Heart Leads the Charge
The initiative saw Big Orange Heart as the top beneficiary, receiving $803. This organization focuses on mental health support for remote workers, a pressing issue underscored by the pandemic. Michelle Frechette, the president of Big Orange Heart’s board, expressed her gratitude for the donations and the awareness raised about their work through Pressable’s efforts.
Other beneficiaries included Carbon180, which received $371. This organization is dedicated to carbon removal and promoting science-based policies for environmental preservation. FreeCodeCamp received $484, supporting their mission to provide free coding education. Lastly, the WordPress Foundation, dedicated to ensuring WordPress remains a free and open-source platform, received $342.
Why Pressable’s Initiative Matters
Pressable’s approach at WordCamp exemplifies a growing trend in tech communities: prioritizing meaningful contributions over traditional marketing tactics. By reallocating resources to support organizations like Big Orange Heart and others, Pressable not only fostered goodwill but also underscored the importance of community-driven support in the tech industry.
This initiative reflects a broader recognition within the WordPress ecosystem of the need to support initiatives that align with community values. The donations not only provided financial support but also increased visibility for these organizations, allowing them to expand their reach and impact.
What To Do
- Hosting Providers: Consider similar initiatives to engage your community meaningfully.
- WordPress Developers and Agencies: Partner with organizations that align with your values to foster positive change.
- Community Members: Participate in and support community-led initiatives to amplify their impact.
