By james, 11 December, 2023
Door 9 revealing a Drupalicon holding a clipboard for volunteer coordination

Welcome back to day 11 of the Drupal Advent Calendar. Behind today’s door Surabhi Gokte (surabhi-gokte) talks about her journey as volunteer coordinator.

Seven years ago, if someone said I would travel out of my country and be a super active community contributor, I’d have laughed it off. But things changed, and it wasn’t an overnight transformation. It required time, energy, money, patience, belief, and much more.

My journey began with volunteering at Drupal Camp Delhi in 2016, my first step into understanding the Drupal Community. Back then, I didn’t even know non-code contribution was a thing.

Photo of people sitting around a table smiling
Photo of Drupal Camp Delhi 2016 Organising Team. Can you even spot me?

In 2018, I had the opportunity to work with the European Drupal Community, a life-changing experience. 

Photo of Drupal Europe 2018 Organising Team taken at the venue in Darmstadt
Photo of Drupal Europe 2018 Organising Team taken at the venue in Darmstadt

It revealed the potential in me that I wasn’t aware of. Since then, I’ve been a Volunteer Coordinator for European DrupalCons.

Non-code contributions go beyond just giving back to the community; for me, it’s a way to explore interests, learn with the community, and share knowledge. It’s about taking that chance, discovering your potential, and the path unfolds.

Photo of the badge of Surabhi Gokte from Drupal Developer Days Ghent 2022
Photo of the badge of Surabhi Gokte from Drupal Developer Days Ghent 2022

It not only facilitated my personal growth but also paved the way for my career. It empowered me to change direction. 

Like my story, there are numerous narratives of community members who’ve gained immensely through contributions to the OpenSource community.

Photo of Zsofi, Surabhi and Baddy from the Women In Drupal 2022 Award ceremony edited by FFW
Photo of Zsofi, Surabhi and Baddy from the Women In Drupal 2022 Award ceremony edited by FFW

If you’re pondering what’s in it for you, now’s the time to take that initial step. Everything else will gradually fall into place.

Photo of volunteers at DrupalCon Prague, 2022
Photo from DrupalCon Prague 2022

Photo of SurabhiSurabhi Gokte has worked in a variety of both technical and non-technical roles on Drupal projects dating back to 2015, and currently works for Axelerant as an Engagement Associate. She received the inaugural Women in Drupal Award in 2022, and has been passionate about making sure the many Drupal events she has been involved with have run smoothly.

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