How to Nominate a Fedora Community Champion: Mentor and Contributor Recognition 2026 Guide

Introduction

The Fedora Project thrives on the dedication and hard work of its contributors — the people who write code, test releases, create documentation, mentor newcomers, and organize events. To celebrate these unsung heroes, the Fedora Contributor Recognition Program 2026 is returning alongside the Fedora Mentor Summit. In coordination with Flock To Fedora 2026, the winners will be announced during the conference. This guide walks you through the nomination process, ensuring you can properly recognize the mentors and contributors who have made a difference in your Fedora journey. Your nomination could be the acknowledgment that inspires them to do even more — and unites the community in appreciation.

What You Need

• A Fedora Account (or any email address) — to fill out the nomination form.
• Knowledge of the Nominee’s Contributions — specific examples of their work, such as test cases, documentation, event coordination, mentoring, or code contributions.
• Internet Access — to visit the nomination page and submit your entry.
• Time Before the Deadline — nominations close on 15th May 2026, so plan ahead.
• Optional: Evidence or Links — URLs to the nominee’s pagure.io tickets, Fedora discussion threads, or wiki pages can strengthen your nomination.

Step-by-Step Nomination Guide

Step 1: Understand the Recognition Program

Before nominating, review the official Contributor Recognition Program 2026 wiki page. It outlines the categories — typically Mentors and Contributors — and the criteria for selection. Mentors are those who provide guidance, onboarding, and support. Contributors are individuals consistently delivering value through technical or non-technical work. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right person for each category.

Step 2: Identify a Worthy Candidate

Think about people in the Fedora community who have inspired you or made a significant impact. Consider veteran mentors who helped you get started, or contributors whose efforts reshaped a subproject. Ask yourself: “Who would I want to see recognized at Flock To Fedora?” You can nominate more than one person, but each nomination requires a separate submission.

Step 3: Gather Specific Details

To make your nomination compelling, collect concrete examples:

• What did the nominee do? (e.g., “wrote 10 new test cases for Fedora 40”, “onboarded 15 new contributors over the past year”, “organized the local release party”)
• When did they do it? (e.g., during the Fedora 39 release cycle, continuously over the last two years)
• How did it benefit the community? (e.g., increased test coverage, improved newcomer retention, stronger regional presence)
• Any links to their work (e.g., Pagure tickets, Fedora Discussion posts, wiki pages, event recordings).

Having this information ready will speed up the form submission process.

Step 4: Access the Nomination Form

Go to the official nomination form at the following URL:
https://forms.gle/mBAVKw4qLu14R5YY7
This is a Google Form hosted by the Fedora Community Action Team. You do not need a Google account to fill it out, but you may need to sign in if the form requires authentication. Make sure you are using a browser with internet access.

Step 5: Fill Out the Form Thoroughly

The form will likely ask for:

• Your name (optional, but helpful)
• Nominee’s name and Fedora username
• Category: Mentor or Contributor
• Description of contributions — be as detailed as possible. Use the examples you gathered in Step 3. Mention specific projects, timeframes, and outcomes.
• Impact statement — explain why this person deserves recognition and how the community has benefited.
• Optional links to supporting evidence.

Write in clear, concise English. The selection committee will read many nominations, so standing out is easier with concrete facts than with general praise.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Before clicking submit, double-check all information:

• Is the nominee’s name spelled correctly?
• Did you include enough specific examples?
• Is the category accurate (Mentor vs. Contributor)?
• Is your contact information optional but correct if you want to be notified?

Once satisfied, submit the form. You will likely receive a confirmation message. If not, you can bookmark the form to revisit later, but you cannot edit submissions after submission — so ensure accuracy.

Step 7: Encourage Others to Nominate

The more nominations, the better the community can honor its champions. Share the nomination link with fellow Fedorans on Fedora Discussion, mailing lists, or social media. Let your peers know about the deadline: 15th May 2026. You can also reach out to the nominees’ teams or local communities to encourage additional nominations. Recognition is a collective effort, and the winners will be celebrated at Flock To Fedora 2026 during the Mentor Summit announcement.

Tips for a Strong Nomination

• Be specific, not generic. Instead of “They contribute a lot,” say “They contributed to 3 release cycles by fixing 25 bugs in the installer.”
• Focus on impact. Explain how the nominee’s work changed the community for the better.
• Use the nominee’s own words if possible. Quote their mission or motivation to add a personal touch.
• Nominate early. Avoid the rush before the deadline; form issues or last-minute doubts can delay you.
• Check for duplicates. If you know someone else is nominating the same person, coordinate to provide complementary details.
• Don’t forget mentors. Silent guides often go unnoticed but are vital. Make sure mentors are recognized in their own category.
• Consider nominating for both categories if the person qualifies as both (rare, but possible). However, use separate submissions.

Your nomination is more than a form — it’s a thank-you note to the people who make Fedora great. Take the time to craft it with care. The recognition program is designed to lift up the very best of our community, and your voice is essential. Let’s show our appreciation together!