FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The WPOCC Aims to Co-Create a Shared Vision of the Future of Open Source

November 2, 2026 — The WP Open Community Collective (The WPOCC) today announced the launch of Voices of the Community, a new program of local gatherings that brings people together to discuss the issues shaping the work of the WordPress and open source communities. 

The series opens with Voices of the Community, Eh? on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in downtown Vancouver, during WordCamp Canada 2026.

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The goal of Voices of the Community is to strengthen and connect local communities, and to inspire a shared vision for the future, shaped by the people doing the work.

The program grew out of The WPOCC’s 2026 State of the Community survey, where respondents repeatedly said they want more meaningful, low-key, in-person connection. Voices of the Community gives people a chance to take the ideas and connections in community Slacks, group chats, social media, and issue threads a little further.

Participants are invited to talk openly and share their perspectives about a topic affecting everyone in the ecosystem: the future of WordPress, open source, and open source contributors in an AI world. The WPOCC will gather and share the perspectives raised at each event, so communities everywhere can learn from one another and build on each other’s insights.

“WordPress and open source software are changing fast, and those changes touch all of us,” said Sé Reed, CEO and co-founder of The WPOCC. “Voices of the Community gives local communities a dedicated space to talk about those changes. We want people to share what they are thinking and experiencing, so we can all co-create the future we actually want.”

Each event is hosted by a local organizer and facilitator, paid by The WPOCC. Unpaid labor is a major driver of the burnout seen across open source communities, and The WPOCC designed the program to model what it looks like to treat community organizing as labor that deserves pay. Current or future members of The WPOCC who are interested in hosting a Voices of the Community event can learn more and share their interest at thewpocc.org/voices.

Voices of the Community is built to support the wider WordPress ecosystem, including WordCamps, local WordPress meetups, and the WordPress.org events plan. The WPOCC believes a more connected community is more likely to show up for the community.

Vancouver Launch Event Details

The Vancouver launch is hosted by The WPOCC, with Chris Reynolds, President of The WPOCC, as emcee and featuring a special guest speaker, who will be announced the day of the event. Light dessert and snacks will be provided. Attendance is free, but space is limited, so guests should RSVP.

• What: Voices of the Community, Eh?, the launch of The WPOCC’s Voices of the Community program
• When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 • Doors at 6:30pm • 7pm-9pm
• Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC
• Who: Attendees of WordCamp Canada 2026 and members of the WordPress and open source community of Vancouver
• Cost: Free
• Program page: thewpocc.org/voices
• RSVP: thewpocc.org/voices/eh

About The WPOCC

The WP Open Community Collective is a member-based organization supporting open source contributors and strengthening the communities and ecosystems around them. For more information, visit thewpocc.org.