Arliss, Site Host: A Global Sprint 2017 Story
Arliss is data and metrics analyst for Mozilla. She’s based in Toronto, in Ontario, Canada.
I was a Site Co-Host in Toronto at the 2017 Global Sprint, along with Abby Cabunoc-Mayes. This was actually my third time hosting, and the event attracted even more people than in 2016, which was great! I look forward to the Global Sprint because it’s a chance to meet new people from outside my organization, people I wouldn’t run into everyday. Every year I learn a ton about what’s new in Toronto’s open source/research/internet scene. There’s so much inspiring work out there!
Our site is at the Community Space at Mozilla’s offices in downtown Toronto. It’s a big room with lots of work space and comfy couches for conversation and hanging out. There are games for when people want a break. The internet connection is fast, and we’re lucky to have a good AV set-up for video conferencing. You can really have a Sprint site anywhere, but it’s especially nice to welcome people here.
For the 2017 Sprint I did lots of outreach to local organizations and universities in the area, to be sure people were aware of the event. And just before the event I sent out an email reminder. Morning of the Sprint, we set up the room and put up signage to welcome participants. We had some snacks and coffee available, too.
When participants arrived, I checked them in so I could track numbers — and see the increase over last year! As a Site Host, I greet everyone. I try to learn a little about about their interests and connect them with other Sprinters and projects that match those interests… Mid-morning we did group introductions, and then most of the day was quiet work time and project conversations. I found some time to contribute to a Sprint project: I gave feedback on a training module. We took a break for lunch together, and gathered in the afternoon for demonstrations (demos) of what people had accomplished that day. We also participated in the All-Sprint Demo video call, where sites around the world shared progress. We also have a tradition where we play a game of “Connect Four” against other sites in the Sprint throughout the day… We set up the game in Toronto and other sites relay their moves over Gitter Chat. It’s a bit of fun, healthy competition!
Many Global Sprinters have come back to our space for other Mozilla events. And I know that a few people who just wandered into the Toronto site without a project in mind have since formed long-term collaborations with other Sprinters… It’s so satisfying to see those relationships and projects grow!
The 2018 Global Sprint is May 10–11! Host a site, lead a project, or pitch in as a participant — learn more!
