W3C Awards: Recognizing the Community

[wareid]

Related to: https://github.com/w3c/AB-memberonly/issues/53

We've always wanted a way to recognize members of the community for their contributions to standards and the standards community. We've been discussing how to do so at TPAC this year, and have come up with a plan.

Plan: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IqY2NT28_xhtUKOUaAxxz07LsDJn1lDE/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102015853974655958701&rtpof=true&sd=true

We'll continue the discussion here!

[dbooth-boston]

This is a great idea, though as I explained on our calls, I don't think we should try to define fixed categories in advance. It's better to celebrate people's unique contributions, rather than attempting to fill predefined boxes.

With that caveat in mind, here is a non-exclusive list of some things we might want to celebrate;

• Leadership in promoting a more inclusive work environment

• Making newcomers and minority participants feel welcomed and appreciated

• Gracefully educating others about cultural and minority sensitivities

• Increasing visibility of previously marginalized participants

• Resolving uncomfortable situations in a way that inspires all participants

• Raising awareness about subtle biases and harmful language

• Normalizing inclusive language and behaviors

• Converting unintended transgressions into positive learning experiences

[koalie]

Hello,
I became aware of this only yesterday. I'm sorry to say that for TPAC 2024, such an eandeavour would undercut what the W3C Team is already planning (I've let Wendy Reid know what) at the W3C 30th anniversary gala, held in the middle of TPAC 2024.

[dbooth-boston]

This comment may be moot given the comment from @koalie above, but I have a concern about the currently proposed categories, which I didn't notice during our last call. The currently proposed categories are:

• DEI Champion Award
• Web Advocate Award
• Standards Excellence Award
• Leading by Example Award
• Collaboration & Teamwork Award

My concern is that most of these categories -- all but the first -- do not have any obvious connection to the PWE work and the values espoused in the Code of Conduct. They sound like generic standards awards that could have been chosen without any connection to PWE whatsoever.

To my mind, the purpose of these awards is to promote the values espoused in the Code, by giving public recognition
to individuals who have helped promote and exemplify those values. To that end, the categories themselves should clearly reflect and promote these values, so that any publicity about the awards is also boldly stating and promoting these values. That's what I thought we were intending to do.

I suggest that we choose categories that clearly convey the values espoused in the Code. Perhaps doing so
will also avoid undercutting what W3C Team is already planning, though I do not know what they are planning.