Apache communities are global by default. Contributors often work across continents, languages, and cultural expectations. Awareness of these differences helps avoid misunderstandings and builds a stronger, more inclusive podling community.

This section offers practical guidance on handling time zones, language barriers, community norms, tools, accessibility, and ASF-specific expectations.

Time Zones

  • Plan for delays. Please note that you may not receive an immediate response; allow at least 72 hours for votes and important discussions.
  • Rotate meeting times. If synchronous calls are needed, vary the schedule so no region is consistently excluded.
  • Use asynchronous tools. Keep key decisions and discussions on the mailing list to ensure everyone can participate, regardless of local time.
  • Respect holidays and rhythms. Be mindful that contributors may observe national holidays, religious observances, or have different work weeks (e.g., Sunday–Thursday).
  • Different work hours. Don’t assume everyone follows a 9–5 schedule. Some contributors may be active late at night or only during certain parts of the week.

Example: A vote started on a Friday in the US may fall over the weekend in Asia, reducing participation unless the deadline is extended.

Language Barriers

  • English is the working language. Not all contributors are equally fluent—be patient and encouraging.
  • Communicate simply. Use clear, direct language. Avoid idioms, sarcasm, or slang that may not translate well.
  • Avoid culture-specific references. Popular culture, sports, or national events may not be understood globally. Keep examples and analogies neutral and widely accessible.
  • Seek clarity. If something is unclear, politely ask for rephrasing instead of making assumptions.
  • Respect effort. Grammar mistakes or awkward phrasing typically reflect language challenges, rather than intent.

Example: A contributor posts a code snippet with variable names in their native language. Instead of ignoring it, encourage them to also provide an English version so that everyone can review it.

Differing Community Norms

  • Communication styles vary. Some cultures are more direct; others use softer, indirect phrasing. Don’t assume intent based on tone alone.
  • Formality vs. informality. Respect differences—what seems blunt or overly formal may just be a cultural habit.
  • Work and life balance. Cultural attitudes toward work can differ widely. Some communities value quick responses at all hours, while others protect evenings, weekends, or family time. Respect contributors’ boundaries.
  • Different motivations. Remember that contributors participate for different reasons. Their employer may pay some to contribute during work hours, while others volunteer in their free time. Be respectful of both situations.
  • Silence can mean different things. In some cultures, silence is perceived as a sign of agreement; in others, it may signal discomfort or disagreement. Always check for consensus explicitly rather than assuming.
  • Recognition practices differ. Some contributors appreciate public praise, while others may prefer private acknowledgment. Aim to recognize contributions in ways that are inclusive and culturally sensitive.
  • Assume good faith. Start from the belief that everyone is trying to contribute positively.

Tone in Written Communication

  • Mailing lists lack nuance. Written communication can easily sound harsher than intended, especially when written quickly or in a second language.
  • Read generously. If something feels abrupt, consider that it may just be a language or style difference.
  • Clarify before escalating. Ask for an explanation if a message seems offensive, rather than assuming bad intent.

Tools and Accessibility

  • Not all tools are available everywhere. Some services (e.g., Slack, Google Docs, Zoom) may be blocked or unreliable in certain regions.
  • Connectivity differs. Avoid requiring heavy video calls or sharing very large attachments; not everyone has high bandwidth.
  • Prefer open, accessible platforms. Always ensure decisions are captured on Apache mailing lists, which remain the canonical and globally accessible space.
  • Provide alternatives. If using a third-party tool, share transcripts, summaries, or outcomes with the list so that no one is excluded.
  • Check before adopting. When introducing a new tool, ask contributors if they can access it—never assume universal availability.
  • Be mindful. Contributors may face local restrictions outside their control, such as firewalls or regulatory limits.

ASF-Specific Expectations

  • All decisions must return to the mailing list. Private channels, such as Slack, WeChat, or WhatsApp, may feel convenient, but they often exclude contributors and are not suitable for official decision-making. Mailing lists are the ASF’s public and permanent record.
  • Consensus, not majority. In many cultures, majority vote is the norm. At the ASF, we strive for consensus, where concerns are resolved and everyone has a voice, not just “50% + 1.”
  • Respect for volunteers. The ASF is built on volunteerism. Paid contributors are welcome, but projects must thrive even when individuals only have limited free time. Community sustainability depends on balancing both.
  • Individuals, not companies. At the ASF, people contribute in their own capacity, not as representatives of their employers. This ensures project independence and avoids vendor dominance.
  • Leadership is stewardship. PPMC/PMC members guide, facilitate, and mentor. They are not “managers” in the corporate sense; their role is to build community, not to command or control.

The Value of Diversity

Cultural differences are not just challenges—they are strengths. A global community:

  • Brings diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
  • Helps identify blind spots that a single-region team might miss.
  • Broadens adoption, as needs across markets influence project development.
  • Creates resilience by reducing reliance on a narrow contributor base.

Guidance for Mentors and PPMC Members

  • Model awareness. You can show respectful, inclusive communication in your own interactions.
  • Step in constructively. If a misunderstanding arises, reframe it as a cultural difference rather than a personal conflict.
  • Summarize when needed. Long, complex threads can be hard to follow. Periodically, provide summaries so all voices can engage.
  • Emphasize values. Remind the podling that cultural sensitivity is not optional. It’s part of sustaining a healthy global project.

👉 Remember: A project’s success depends not just on its code, but on its ability to welcome and collaborate across cultures.

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